Things to Do in Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of Africa's most pristine and extraordinary wilderness areas, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive inland delta transforms seasonally as floodwaters from Angola create a labyrinth of waterways, islands, and floodplains that support an incredible diversity of wildlife in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. The delta covers approximately 15,000 square kilometers during peak flood season, creating a unique ecosystem where water-adapted and desert species coexist.
This remarkable wetland offers visitors an unparalleled safari experience, combining traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) journeys through papyrus-lined channels with game drives across palm-fringed islands. The delta is home to large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species, while predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs thrive on the permanent islands. The region's remoteness and limited access ensure an exclusive, intimate encounter with Africa's wildlife in one of the continent's last great wilderness areas.
Top Things to Do in Okavango Delta
Mokoro Excursions
Glide silently through the delta's intricate waterways in traditional dugout canoes poled by expert local guides. These peaceful journeys offer intimate encounters with aquatic wildlife, bird species, and the unique ecosystem of papyrus and reed beds that define the delta's character.
Booking Tip: Mokoro trips are typically included in lodge packages and best during high flood season (June-September). Choose camps that employ local polers from nearby villages for authentic experiences, and expect to pay $800-2000+ per person per day for full-service camps including mokoro activities.
Game Drives
Explore the delta's islands and floodplains in open 4WD vehicles with experienced guides tracking elephants, lions, leopards, and diverse antelope species. Night drives reveal nocturnal predators and offer a completely different perspective on delta wildlife activity.
Booking Tip: Game drives are standard at most camps with morning and afternoon options. Book camps in Moremi or private concessions for best wildlife density. Expect premium pricing of $1000-3000+ per person per day for camps offering excellent game drive opportunities with professional guides.
Walking Safaris
Discover the delta's smaller wonders on guided walking safaris across islands and seasonal floodplains. These intimate experiences focus on tracking, bird identification, and understanding the intricate ecosystem details often missed from vehicles.
Booking Tip: Walking safaris require camps with licensed armed guides and are weather dependent. Book during dry season (May-October) for best conditions. Most quality camps include walking as part of comprehensive packages, with specialized walking camps charging $600-1500+ per person per day.
Scenic Flights
Experience the delta's vast scale and intricate patterns from above in small aircraft, revealing the maze-like waterways, islands, and seasonal changes impossible to appreciate from ground level. These flights often include wildlife spotting from the air.
Booking Tip: Book scenic flights through your lodge or directly with operators in Maun, costing $200-400 per person for 45-60 minute flights. Best during flood season for dramatic water patterns, and early morning for optimal lighting and wildlife activity below.
Fishing Expeditions
Try your hand at catching tiger fish, bream, and catfish in the delta's productive waters while enjoying the serene environment. Fishing combines sport with wildlife observation as you encounter hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the waterways.
Booking Tip: Fishing is seasonal (April-September) and requires camps with proper equipment and licensing. Specialized fishing camps or lodges with dedicated fishing guides charge $800-2000+ per person per day. Book camps in areas known for tiger fish populations for the best angling experience.
Getting There
Access to the Okavango Delta is primarily through small aircraft from Maun, Botswana's safari capital, which serves as the main gateway. Maun Airport receives flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other regional destinations, with several airlines including Air Botswana and SA Airlink providing regular service. Most safari camps and lodges in the delta are accessible only by light aircraft, with flights ranging from 20-45 minutes depending on the destination. Road access is extremely limited and generally not recommended for visitors, as the terrain becomes impassable during flood season and requires specialized 4WD vehicles and extensive local knowledge during dry periods.
Getting Around
Transportation within the Okavango Delta is entirely managed by safari camps and lodges, as independent travel is not permitted in most areas. The primary modes of transport are mokoro (traditional dugout canoes) poled by local guides through the waterways, motorboats for deeper channels, and game drive vehicles on the islands and dry areas. Walking safaris with armed guides are popular for exploring islands and observing smaller wildlife and bird species. All activities and transfers are typically included in safari packages, with experienced local guides handling navigation through this complex and ever-changing landscape.
Where to Stay
Chief's Island (exclusive luxury lodges)
Moremi Game Reserve (diverse accommodation options)
Jao Concession (high-end water and land activities)
Vumbura Concession (excellent predator viewing)
Abu Concession (remote wilderness experience)
Xudum Concession (authentic mokoro experiences)
Food & Dining
Dining in the Okavango Delta is exclusively provided by safari camps and lodges, with most offering all-inclusive packages that feature high-quality cuisine prepared by skilled chefs. Meals typically blend international dishes with local Botswana flavors, featuring fresh ingredients flown in daily, along with locally sourced game meat, fish from the delta, and traditional preparations. Many camps offer bush dining experiences, including breakfast on remote islands, sundowner cocktails with appetizers at scenic viewpoints, and romantic dinners under the stars. The dining experience is designed to complement the wilderness setting, with communal meals fostering interaction among guests while maintaining the intimate, exclusive atmosphere that defines delta hospitality.
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When to Visit
The best time to visit the Okavango Delta depends on your safari preferences, with the dry season (May to October) offering excellent game viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources. The flood season peaks between June and August, providing optimal conditions for mokoro excursions and water-based activities, though this varies annually based on rainfall in Angola. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, excellent bird watching with migratory species, and fewer crowds, but some areas may be inaccessible and game viewing can be more challenging. For the ultimate experience combining both water and land activities with prime wildlife viewing, visit during the shoulder months of May-June or September-October when flood levels are moderate and temperatures are comfortable.
Insider Tips
Pack neutral-colored clothing and avoid bright colors or white which can disturb wildlife and make you more visible during game viewing activities.
Bring high-quality binoculars and a camera with telephoto lens, as the delta offers exceptional bird watching and wildlife photography opportunities that require good optics.
Book well in advance (6-12 months) as the best camps have limited capacity and fill up quickly, especially during peak season from June to October.