Where to Go in the Okavango Delta

Where to Go in the Okavango Delta

By Antoinette van Heerden

Safari Travel Planner

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Intact, largely unthreatened, and virtually undeveloped, the Okavango Delta is a complex natural ecosystem that varies in size and character according to the season. While the Delta is renowned for its wetlands, it also encompasses dry woodlands, thick riverine forests, and grassy floodplains that remain vibrant throughout the year.

To ensure your expectations are met, work with our safari experts to choose the best time and places to visit within the Okavango Delta. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the key regions within the Delta and what makes them special:

1. Moremi Game Reserve

Overview: The Moremi Game Reserve is the heart of the Okavango Delta. Known for its diverse ecosystems, Moremi combines permanent water, seasonal floodplains, and dry land, providing a variety of habitats for wildlife.

Key Highlights:

• Xakanaxa Camp: Located on the banks of the Khwai River, Xakanaxa Camp offers access to year-round game viewing, with opportunities to see elephants, hippos, and diverse bird species.
• Chief’s Camp: Situated on Chief’s Island, this camp is renowned for its luxury accommodations and excellent game viewing, particularly for predators such as lions and leopards.

Unique Facts:

• The Moremi Game Reserve is often referred to as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Africa, with landscapes ranging from mopane forests to lily-covered wetlands.
• It was the first reserve in Africa to be established by local residents, showing a commitment to conservation and community involvement.

2. Private Concessions

Overview: The Okavango Delta is home to numerous private concessions that offer exclusive and intimate safari experiences. These areas are managed by private operators and provide a more secluded and luxurious safari.

Key Highlights:

• Abu Camp: Known for its elephant interaction experiences, Abu Camp offers luxury tented accommodations and activities centered around its resident elephant herd.
• Vumbura Plains: This camp is situated in a private concession offering both land and water activities, allowing guests to explore the diverse habitats of the Delta.

Unique Facts:

• Private concessions in the Delta allow for activities not permitted in public reserves, such as night drives and walking safaris, providing a more comprehensive safari experience.
• These areas typically have a lower vehicle density, enhancing the feeling of exclusivity and privacy.

3. Chief’s Island

Overview: Chief’s Island is one of the largest islands in the Okavango Delta and is known for its high concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals flock to the remaining water sources.

Key Highlights:

• Sanctuary Chief’s Camp: This premier camp offers exceptional luxury and some of the best game viewing in the Delta, with regular sightings of the Big Five and other large predators.
• Mombo Camp: Often referred to as the “Place of Plenty,” Mombo Camp is renowned for its prolific wildlife sightings and is considered one of the best places for game viewing in the Delta.

Unique Facts:

• Chief’s Island was historically the hunting ground of Chief Moremi and is now a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife species.
• The island’s location in the heart of the Delta makes it a prime spot for seeing large herds of herbivores and the predators that follow them.

4. Khwai Community Area

Overview: Located on the northeastern edge of the Okavango Delta, the Khwai Community Area is a community-managed concession offering excellent wildlife viewing and cultural experiences.

Key Highlights:

• Khwai River Lodge: Overlooking the Khwai River floodplains, this lodge provides luxurious accommodations and opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and wild dogs.
• Khwai Tented Camp: This eco-friendly camp offers a more rustic and intimate experience, with a focus on sustainable tourism and community involvement.

Unique Facts:

• The Khwai Community Area is managed by the local Khwai community, which uses tourism revenue to fund conservation and community projects.
• This area is known for its predator sightings and the chance to see nocturnal animals during night drives.

The Okavango Delta is expansive and each region offers unique opportunities to see all of Africa’s incredible wildlife. To find out more about each area and plan your perfect safari, visit our detailed guides linked above.