As the water brings life to the delta, its local residents shape and recreate it. Termites slowly build mounds into islands, germinated with palm trees by passing elephants. Waterways open and close on the whim of wide-bottomed hippos, carving out channels where they crash through reeds, and leaving room behind them for exploration by mokoro. The Okavango has many faces, which change throughout the year, prompted by that most unpredictable diva of all: the weather. Water levels rise and drop, expanding and shrinking islands, while animals move where the life is easiest and the grass greenest. In a few days, a sandy road driven by vehicle can become a waterway of unknowable depth, prompting a safari by boat instead.
Where and when you stay in the Okavango Delta will hugely influence what you do in the bush each day, the animals you’re most likely to see and finally, the safari experience you’ll have. The delta’s watery heart is best discovered by mokoro through shallow channels and floodplains, as well as crossing the islands on foot. For less water and more of the big game, visit a camp on its drier edges (including Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Community Area), jump on a vehicle and seek out the animals hiding in the woodlands.
Good To Know
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Best Time To Travel
- July / August the delta is at its fullest, “Jewel of the Kalahari” days are warm but nights are cool with incredible star gazing.
- October / November the delta is at its driest awaiting local rains, the bush has died off.
- Temperatures can be very high, causing the animals to congregate around the remaining water sources, game viewing is easier
- Rainy season, Dec – March: prolific migrant bird life, animals drop their young, spectacular sunsets & the lodges offer great value for money specials.
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What To See
- A well-rounded Safari consists of lodges that offer game drives & water activities to benefit and enjoy all terrains
- Flood plains, hosts herds of Buffalo and Lechwe enjoying the greenery, followed by predators. Hippos and Crocodiles are a given
- September – November Migrant Birds arrive
- Home to some of Africa’s rare and endangered species, Wild Dog and Wattled Crane are frequently seen.
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What To Do
- Mokoro and boating at all water-based camps. Land based camps are limited to seasonal water levels for water activities
- Game drives, day and night at all land-based camps within concession areas
- Walking normally on request only
- Scenic Helicopter flights are widely available
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What Makes This Area Unique
- UNESCO’S 1000th World Heritage site and World premier wilderness area
- Crystal clear lagoons and channels, an oasis in the middle of the world’s biggest stretch of sand, the Kalahari, reaching from Congo to South Africa.
- The true magic is in the timing of the flood! The delta is a truly wild place; it is alive and offers mind-blowing experiences on land and water year round
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Expert Travel Tips
- If limited for time, stay in one camp for longer and pick a camp that offers a diverse range of water and land-based activities.
- To experience the diversity of the delta, combine a dry-land wildlife focused camp with a water-based camp to get the best of both.
- Please be advised that children under 16 are no permitted on mokoro’s for safety reasons
- Many lodges offer great value for money specials in rainy season
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**Self-Drive Tips / Moremi Game Reserve / Extra section/info
- Moremi is an excellent all-round safari destination; roads are best in the dry season April – October as is Game viewing, animals congregate around permanent water sources
- Rainy Season, roads can get water logged and limit your game drive experience, Moremi has been closed on rare occasions due to heavy rains as roads become impassable
- No Fuel between Moremi and Kasane, so stock-up in Maun for all provisions
- Pre-Booked Park Fees are payable at the gate, but must be Pula cash, Credit cards (or foreign currency) are only acceptable at the wildlife office in Maun
- Khwai community area, borders Moremi Reserve and is an excellent alternative. Night driving and walking is permitted.
- Some Khwai lodges offer DBB and you can self-drive for your own activities, lovely break in a Camping trip.
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