Things to Do in Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta stands as one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas, where the Okavango River fans out into the Kalahari Desert to create the world's largest inland delta. This UNESCO World Heritage site transforms seasonally - during flood season, crystal-clear waters spread across 15,000 square kilometers of channels, lagoons, and islands, creating a maze of waterways teeming with wildlife. The delta operates on its own timeline, with floodwaters from Angola's highlands arriving during Botswana's dry season, creating a remarkable oasis when the surrounding landscape is at its most arid. What makes Okavango Delta genuinely special is how it functions as both a refuge and a highway for wildlife. Elephants wade through chest-deep waters, hippos navigate narrow channels, and countless bird species nest in the papyrus and reed beds. The experience here revolves around getting close to this ecosystem - whether you're gliding silently through channels in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) or watching the delta from a small aircraft as it stretches endlessly toward the horizon.

Dining in Okavango Delta revolves around lodge meal plans, as there are no restaurants or independent dining options within the delta itself. Most lodges serve excellent international cuisine with African influences, often featuring game meats, fresh fish, and vegetables flown in from South Africa. Bush dinners under the stars are common, along with breakfast served on remote islands during full-day excursions. In Maun, you'll find several decent restaurants serving everything from traditional Botswana cuisine to pizza, plus well-stocked supermarkets if you're camping or self-catering before heading into the delta.

Okavango Delta operates on two distinct seasons that offer completely different experiences. High flood season (June-September) provides the classic delta experience with extensive waterways, excellent mokoro conditions, and lush vegetation, though it's also peak tourist season with corresponding prices. Low water season (October-March) concentrates wildlife around permanent channels and offers better game viewing, particularly for predators, while lodge rates drop significantly. The shoulder months of April-May and October can offer good value with decent water levels and fewer crowds, though weather can be unpredictable.