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A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Big Five safari destination, the Okavango Delta is a highlight of a Botswana safari. The permanent swamps, seasonal floodplains, and dry woodlands support a huge variety of fauna and flora. The stunning natural beauty combined with an abundance of wildlife makes an Okavango Delta safari a life-changing experience.
Must-Visit Areas in the Okavango Delta
This region is made up of wildlife-rich reserves and concessions that are the perfect backdrops for a memorable safari in Botswana:
Moremi Game Reserve: Incredible Wildlife Sightings
Moremi Game Reserve is the oldest protected reserve in the Okavango Delta and provides diverse habitats and an abundance of wildlife to see. Some of the most vulnerable and endangered African species call this reserve home, including white and black rhinos, wild dogs, and lions. Moremi also boasts over 500 species of birds, making this destination a fantastic choice for twitchers.
Khwai Community Concessions: River Game Viewing
The Khwai Community Concession (NG19) is located in the north-east of the Okavango Delta and runs along the Khwai River. The river very rarely runs dry and is a magnet for game passing between Moremi and Chobe National Park to the north, making it an ideal stop during a luxury Botswana safari. This small concession is owned and run by the community in nearby Khwai Village; tourism revenue is used to fund conservation and community projects.
Chief’s Island: Unique Safari Experience
An exclusive safari destination in Botswana, Chief’s Island is the largest island in the Okavango Delta and is only accessible by boat or light aircraft. This island is renowned for its dense wildlife populations, which include large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and hippos, as well as predators such as leopards and lions.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta?
From November to April, you can expect lush landscapes due to the rainy conditions, as well as abundant birdlife (including migrant species) and baby animals. The dry season runs from May to October. This is the best time to go on a Botswana wildlife safari, as animal spotting is easier as they congregate around the remaining water sources.
Animals Found in the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a Big Five safari destination, so you can expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos (although rhinos are rare). Wild dogs and hyenas can occasionally be seen, and keep your eyes open for the rare semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope.
With over 400 bird species, the Okavango Delta is ideal for birdwatching safaris, with the wetlands being prime locations for waders and waterbirds. Some species to look out for include the Pel’s fishing-owl, wattled crane, greater swamp warbler, and the slaty egret. For anglers, the Okavango Delta is home to the impressive and much sought-after tiger fish.
How to Get to the Okavango Delta
Maun International Airport is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. From Maun, you can get a charter flight to your chosen lodge’s airstrip within the Delta.
