Destinations / Botswana
Okavango Delta
A river that floods into the desert and fills with wildlife. Seven days by canoe, on foot and in an open vehicle.
- Length7 days
- Best monthsMay–Oct
- TypeWildlife adventure
- Budgetfrom €3,200
Why Go
A river that never reaches the sea
The Okavango rises in the highlands of Angola and, instead of running to the ocean, spreads out across the Kalahari sands of northern Botswana. Every year the flood turns dry plains into channels, lagoons and islands.
The water arrives in the dry season, when the land around it is parched, so animals gather in huge numbers. Botswana keeps visitor numbers low and camps small, which makes this one of the quietest safaris in Africa, and one of the more expensive.
The Route
Day by day
Arrive in Maun
Maun is the small, dusty gateway town to the Delta. Land, rest after the flights and repack into a soft bag for the light aircraft. Dinner by the Thamalakane River.
- Maun
- Thamalakane River
- Safari briefing
Into the Delta
A short flight in a small plane shows you the Delta from above: channels, palm islands and elephants like grey dots. Land on a bush airstrip, reach your water camp and go out by mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe, before sunset.
- Light aircraft flight
- Water camp
- First mokoro outing
Mokoro and a walk
The slow day, and often the favourite. A poler steers you through the reeds at water level, past lilies, frogs and kingfishers. Then walk on an island with an armed guide and learn to read tracks.
- Mokoro trip
- Island bush walk
- Sunset on the water
Across to Moremi and Khwai
Transfer to the drier eastern side, where the Delta meets the Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai River. This is big-game country. Your first afternoon drive goes out as the light turns gold.
- Camp transfer
- Khwai River
- Afternoon game drive
Game drives in Moremi
Out at first light, back for brunch, out again in the afternoon. Elephants, buffalo, hippos and antelope are near certain. Lions, leopards and wild dogs take patience and a good guide.
- Dawn game drive
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Sundowner stop
A last full day
Follow up on yesterday’s tracks, or ask for a boat trip on the lagoons if the water is high enough. Where the camp is allowed to, finish with a night drive to look for the animals that only come out after dark.
- Morning drive or boat
- Hippo pools
- Night drive
Back to Maun
One more early outing if time allows, then fly back to Maun for your onward flight. The route also extends well: Chobe and Victoria Falls are the natural next step.
- Final outing
- Flight to Maun
- Departure
Where to Stay
One town night, two camps
A riverside lodge in Maun
Nothing fancy is needed. Pick somewhere by the river with a garden, a pool and an easy transfer to the airport.
A water camp in the Delta
A small tented camp on an island, reached by plane or boat. Here the activities are mokoro trips and walks rather than drives.
A land camp in Khwai or Moremi
Choose a camp for its guides and its location, not its decor. Tents with proper beds and a bucket shower are part of the experience.
When to Go
The dry season, when the flood arrives
Peak flood, peak season
The water is highest and the wildlife is concentrated. Clear, cool days, cold nights and the highest prices.
Our pick for value
Still dry and very good for game. September and October get hot, but animals crowd the remaining water.
Green season
Rain, lush grass, young animals and superb birdlife at much lower rates. Game is harder to find and some camps close.
Budget
What seven days cost
An estimate for one person sharing, in simple mid-range camps outside the June to August peak. Flights to Maun are not included. Safari prices vary enormously by camp and month, so treat this as a starting point and ask for a current quote.
Practical Notes
Worth knowing before you go
See a travel clinic
The Delta is a malaria area. Ask a doctor about prevention and vaccinations well before you travel.
Pack a soft bag
Light aircraft have strict weight limits and only take soft-sided luggage. Check the limit with your camp.
Dress for cold dawns
Winter mornings in an open vehicle are properly cold. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves, in neutral colours.
Book well ahead
Camps are small and the best ones fill up to a year in advance for the dry season.
Listen to your guide
Camps are unfenced and animals walk through. Never leave your tent alone after dark.
Getting there
Most travellers fly to Maun through Johannesburg or Cape Town. Check visa rules for Botswana and any country you pass through.
Want This Route for Your Dates?
Tell us when you’re going and who is coming. We’ll adjust the plan to fit.