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Aerial view of Okavango Delta waterways winding through lush green islands
Game Reservedelta

Okavango Delta

The world's largest inland delta

The Okavango is a unique ecosystem where the Okavango River disperses into the Kalahari sands, creating a 22,000 km² wetland. Safari here combines water and land, with mokoro canoes, motorboats, and traditional game drives.

Key Facts

Size

22,000 km² (seasonal flood)

UNESCO Status

World Heritage Site since 2014

Flood Source

Angolan highlands (4-month delay)

Peak Flood

July-August

Concession System

Private concessions limit visitors

Islands

Chief's Island is largest permanent

Wildlife

Signature Species

Swimming elephantsRed lechweWild dogsSitatunga

High Probability

Elephant(Swimming between islands)
Guaranteed
Buffalo
Guaranteed
Hippo
Guaranteed
Crocodile
Guaranteed
Lechwe(Endemic red lechwe)
Guaranteed
African Fish Eagle
Guaranteed
Birds (450+ species)
Guaranteed
Lion
Very Likely

Moderate to Rare

Leopard
Likely
Wild Dog(Good population in delta)
Likely
Sitatunga(Elusive aquatic antelope)
Possible

Best Time to Visit

Recommended: July-September for peak water and classic delta experience

High Flood

July-September

peak crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Peak water, cool
Wildlife: Water activities prime, animals on islands

Dry Season

October-November

high crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Hot, water receding
Wildlife: Concentrated at remaining water

Green Season

December-March

low crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Rain, lush, hot
Wildlife: Babies, birds, green landscapes

Early Flood

April-June

moderate crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Water arriving, cool
Wildlife: Transitional, good birding

Is Okavango Delta Right for You?

Best for

Repeat safari travelers, water safari experience, exclusivity seekers

What You Gain

  • +Unique water-based safari experience
  • +Low tourist numbers by design
  • +Multiple safari activities in one place
  • +Excellent wild dog sightings

What You Trade

  • -Very expensive
  • -Weather affects water levels
  • -Remote, light aircraft access only
  • -Seasonal variation in experience

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Activities

Available

  • Mokoro safari

    Traditional dugout canoe

  • Motorboat safari
  • Game drives
  • Walking safari
  • Night drives

    In private concessions

  • Helicopter flights

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly from Maun (20-45 min light aircraft) to camp airstrips

Typical Stay

3-4 nights, often combined with Chobe or Moremi

Itineraries Including Okavango

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