Okavango Delta
The most famous of Botswana’s wildlife areas, at around 16,000 square kilometres, the Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and one of the highest regarded safari destinations in Africa. The glistening floodwaters of the delta, begin many hundreds of miles away in the highlands of Angola, before slowly trickling down into the Caprivi strip of Namibia and into northern Botswana where it fans out amongst the golden Kalahari sand.
Incorporating the Moremi Game Reserve and several privately-owned wildlife concessions, the Okavango is a pristine wildlife area which is home to some of the highest densities of big game and birds on the planet.
Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and Hippo are in abundance and, along with swathes of common plains game, are accompanied by good numbers of predators including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Spotted Hyaena. The Okavango is also renowned as being one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the endangered African Wild Dog. Birdlife is prolific, with the vast waterways and lagoons being home to over 400 species, many of which are highly sought after - such as the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the Wattled Crane.
The diverse range of habitats within the delta mean that there are a host of different ways to explore this unique place. Game drives in 4x4s allow close-up experiences with most species of wildlife, while one can explore the intricate channels via boat and traditional canoes known as mokoros. For those who want a different perspective, then scenic helicopter flights offer a mesmerising experience over this wetland paradise.
When to go:
June through to September is Botswana’s winter and historically the finest time of year to be in the Okavango. The very dry conditions force animals towards its enticing floodwaters resulting in outstanding game-viewing.
October sees the highest temperatures before the first rains in November. As the rains set in, the game disperses to the wider surrounds. The green season – from December to March - is when Botswana receives most of its rainfall. Whilst the denser foliage and dispersal of game in the green season mean that it can be harder to spot big game, it is a great time to visit for birdwatchers – with both European and African migrant species being in the area. It is also a time at which the premium camps’ rates are reduced dramatically and so you can stay in some of the most luxurious properties at a fraction of the price.