The Okavango Delta is the largest inland water system/delta in the world. It attracts large numbers of wildlife and birds. As a result; it is one of the best safari regions in Botswana and indeed Africa. An Okavango Delta Safari is, therefore; a must for anyone visiting Botswana.
Millions of years ago; the Okavango River used to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi. Now Makgadikgadi Pans. Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to back up. Forming what is now the Okavango Delta. This has created a unique system of waterways that supports a vast array of animal and plant life. That would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savanna.
The waters are subject to seasonal flooding from the north (Angola). It infiltrates the Delta starting in mid-summer in the north and up to six months later in the south. During the peak of the flooding; the Delta’s area can expand to over 16,000 square kilometers. Shrinking to less than 9,000 square kilometers in the low period. As the water travels through the Delta; the wildlife starts to congregate on the edge of the newly flooded areas. This obviously affects the seasons for game viewing and activities. Have a look at our Best time to visit the Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta is divided into concessions with the community, and then these are leased on strict conservation terms. Limiting the number of visitors and preserving the environment.
The Moremi Game Reserve offers a year round Botswana safari destination. It is approximately 5000km² (1,900 sq. mi) in the east corner of the Okavango Delta.
Moremi Game Reserve enjoys a wide diversity of habitats. Pans, floodplains, lagoons, grasslands, forests of acacia trees, savannas, and dense Mopane woodlands. This unique ecosystem means that there is a diverse range of wildlife. Moremi is one of the best game viewing areas in Africa.
In the heart of Moremi Game Reserve; Xakanaxa Lagoon, is teeming with wildlife. Leopard and cheetah sightings are excellent here. As well as a good range of antelope.
The Khwai region is in the northeast tip of Moremi. It boasts an excellent density of prey and predators. Leopard and lion sightings are very good. Photographic safaris are especially popular in the Khwai area.
Gunns Camp in the Okavango Delta
Activities / Safari in the Okavango Delta
One of the must-do activities is poling in a dugout canoe. Also called a mokoro (or Mekoro) through lagoons. Of course, you don’t have to do the poling. Simply relax and enjoy the ride. Or give it a bash for yourself adding to the adventure!
Walking Safaris are available from most safari camps and on mobile safaris. This is probably the most exciting way of viewing the game. Stalking and tracking wildlife with an expert guide.
Birdlife is prolific and varied. Ranging from water birds to shy forest dwellers (nearly 500 species). In fact; birding is fantastic all over the Delta. For more information, see our birding safaris page.
Elephants are numerous. Particularly during the dry season. As well as a huge range of other wildlife species. From buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, jackal. And the full range of antelope. Large and small; including the red Lechwe. Plus limited numbers of both black and white rhinos.
Wild dogs are regularly seen here. It is thought that the Moremi area contains about thirty percent of all living wild dogs.
Scenic helicopter flips over the Delta are increasingly popular.
We specialize in tailor made trips to Botswana so if you don’t see what you are looking for here; contact us directly.
More information on Botswana’s safari destinations and useful information:
Where to stay in the Okavango Delta? In the Okavango Delta, in order to reduce the impact on the environment; camps and lodges are required to be non-permanent. This means, there are no large safari lodges in the Delta. Therefore, accommodation is smaller and more exclusive at the camps. Consequently; there are fewer vehicles in your concession.
Accommodation is defined by the activities each camp offers. With 3 general categories: Land, water, or mixed. We highly recommend combining land with a water camp. But if you are short of time; using one mixed camp is good.
Water camps offer boating, mokoros, and walking. They focus on the unique delta ecosystem. With its distinctive waterways, birds, and aquatic creatures. Their locations do not usually support the big game or game drives. As such; these are generally slower paced safaris. One thing to note is the levels of water as when there is drought, this can mean boating safaris may not be able to operate.
Land based camps offer game drives and often also walking safaris. While there is water around, water activities are not offered here. As conditions are just not suitable.
Mixed camps offer both land and water activities. However, this is subject to water levels. In times of drought; some of these camps can’t offer their water activities throughout the year. There are a couple of camps that can guarantee water and land activities all year. But not all of them. It is best to check with us when you know your dates.
Lebala Camp – accommodation situated in the Linyanti area is renowned for excellent wild dog sightings and other predators and are able to do night game drives
In the heart of the Okavango Delta, on a diverse, wildlife-rich private concession, is andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, luxury accommodation – honeymoon
Rates and safari offers at &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp – luxury accommodation in the Okavango Delta (perfect for honeymooners or families on safari)
Mma and Rra Dinare are sister camps overlooking the Gomoti River in the South Eastern Okavango Delta – luxury Gomoti accommodation with excellent game viewing
Moremi Crossing Camp offers luxury accommodation in 16 vintage-style safari tents in Moremi, east Okavango Delta, with views over Boro River to Chief’s Island
Best rates and offers incl. honeymoons in the Okavango Delta – Overlooking Chiefs Island, bordering Moremi Game Reserve, Gunns Camp is one of the last few remaining luxury, vintage safari camps
Kwando Kwara Camp is a land & water camp – perfect accommodation if you only have a couple of nights to see the Okavango Delta and want great wildlife sightings
Gomoti Plains Camp and Private Suite offers accommodation with eco-luxurious comfort in the Okavango Delta, alive with superb land and water-based game-viewing
Kiri Camp is a family friendly, small (accommodating up to 24 guests), luxury safari camp in the Gomoti area, Okavango Delta with both land and water activities
Machaba Camp is a luxury 1950’s camp nestling in the game-rich Khwai area (wheelchair friendly accommodation). Little Machaba is ideal for exclusive use safaris
Kwando Lagoon Camp is on the banks of the Kwando River in the Linyanti/Kwando Concession (water camp, Okavango Delta) – great for honeymooners or family
Accommodation in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Pom Pom Camp is in the style of safari camps of old offering land (game drive/walk) and water safaris (mokoro)
Animal magic meets old-world indulgence at Belmond Khwai River Lodge, accommodation in Moremi, Okavango Delta. The Khwai River acts as a magnet for wildlife.
