Ready for an Okavango Delta Safari?
The Okavango Delta, in northern Botswana, is something of an enigma. It’s a wonderful wetland in the heart of a desert – in fact, it’s known as ‘the jewel of the Kalahari’. There is more water present in the dry season than in the wet season, and the annual inundation transforms the landscape and the safari experience. We absolutely love going there on safari – and you will too.
Introducing the Okavango Delta
The Delta is essentially a river that never reaches the sea. Instead, it flows into the desert before eventually disappearing into the sand. The story of the Okavango begins in Angola – summer rainfall there flows down from the mountains, and into rivers that cross the Namibian border and then on into Botswana.
Because much of this landscape is flat, it takes months for the water to make this journey. It starts to trickle into the top of the Delta (known as ‘the Panhandle’) and then continues its journey towards the gateway town of Maun.
As it flows, it fills up channels, rivers and floodplains, bringing lifegiving water and revitalizing the landscape. By the time the local rains begin in late October or November, the flood has all but dried up again – it’s an amazing example of Nature’s powers of synchronization.
Incredible at any time
The Okavango Delta can be visited on safari at any time – in the winter, the floodwaters mean that activities like boating, mokoro (or traditional canoe) trips and catch-and-release fishing can be very rewarding, while the floodwaters tend to push the animals together.
As the flood dries up, animals congregate around the few remaining waterholes, making for spectacular viewing. When the rains begin, animals can tend to disperse – but this is the fabled emerald season, when the Okavango Delta experiences a green flush, flowers bloom, migrating birds arrive, and many baby animals are born.
A truly magical place
Whenever you choose to go on your Okavango Delta safari, you’ll enjoy remarkable landscapes. Think lagoons dotted with water lilies, crystal-clear channels shared with hippos and crocodiles, and remote sandbars that are just perfect for picnics.
Then there are the islands with their borders of ancient trees, and the vast open floodplains with irresistibly lush grass. These habitats attract large numbers of antelopes and other game, which in turn helps to explain why the Delta is renowned for its prolific sightings of all the major predators.
Unique experiences
There are many ways to explore the Okavango Delta: on a game drive, a guided walking safari, by boat or in a mokoro. Perhaps the most thrilling way to see everything is on a low-level scenic flight by light aircraft or helicopter. This will give you a unique perspective, and help you see how the incredible mosaic of land and water fits together.
Most of the luxury safari lodges in the Okavango Delta can only be reached by air, which adds to the sense of seclusion and exclusivity. This area is home to some of Botswana’s most spectacular accommodations, including such legendary destinations as Mombo and Jao.
Your Okavango Delta Safari
The Delta naturally features in a number of our tailormade Botswana itineraries, including our signature Best of Botswana trip.