Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is not your typical safari destination. It’s a pulsing green oasis in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, created by seasonal floodwaters from the Okavango River. This vast inland delta fans out into countless winding channels, crystal-clear lagoons, papyrus-lined waterways, and secret islands — forming one of the richest and most pristine ecosystems in Africa.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Delta is an otherworldly wildlife haven and a paradise for those seeking exclusivity, intimacy with nature, and off-the-beaten-path luxury.

Location
  • Fly into Maun Airport (MUB) from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Gaborone.

  • From Maun, take a charter flight directly to your camp’s bush airstrip inside the Delta.

  • Some itineraries also start from Kasane (near Chobe) with flights into the Delta.

Best Time to Visit

  • June to October (Dry Season / Peak Flood)

    When the Delta is full and wildlife viewing is at its best — animals are drawn to the water and game drives are phenomenal.

  • November to April (Green Season)

    Great for birdwatching, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds — though some areas may be less accessible.


Highlights

  • Chief’s Island: The largest island and wildlife hotspot within the Moremi Game Reserve.

  • Moremi Game Reserve: A protected area covering part of the Delta, rich in predators and biodiversity.

  • Xigera & Vumbura Plains: Remote regions offering ultra-luxury safari experiences and rare sightings.

What to Expect

  • Water-Based Safaris: Glide silently in a mokoro canoe, steered by a local guide, past hippos, elephants, and colorful birds.

  • Walking Safaris: Experience the bush up close on guided nature walks — the Delta is one of the best places in Africa to do this safely.

  • Fly-In Luxury Camps: Most lodges are remote and accessible only by small plane, ensuring absolute seclusion.

  • Incredible Wildlife: Lions, leopards, buffaloes, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 species of birds.

  • Ever-Changing Landscape: The Delta changes with the seasons — some areas dry out completely and others become islands surrounded by water.