Okavango Delta
The Ultimate Okavango Delta Safari: A Guide to Botswana's Liquid Jewel
The Okavango Delta is not just a destination; it's a miracle. It's a river, born in the Angolan highlands, that flows 1,000 km not to the sea, but into the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Instead of disappearing, it fans out to create a 15,000 sq km labyrinth of islands, lagoons, and crystal-clear channels—a lush, liquid oasis that explodes with life.
This is Africa's last great Eden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the entire ecosystem is dictated by a paradoxical flood that arrives during the peak of the dry season.
This guide is your first step into that miracle.
Why Go? The Beyond Africa Safaris Promise
A quick search will show you hundreds of Okavango Delta packages. So why choose Beyond Africa Safaris?
Because we understand that the Delta's true magic isn't just in what you see, but how you see it. It's the silence of a mokoro (traditional canoe) gliding past a painted reed frog. It's the exclusivity of a private concession where you won't see another vehicle. It's the expert guide who knows the name of the leopard you're tracking.
We don't just book lodges. We craft bespoke journeys that match your dream—whether it's frontline predator action, a soul-quieting water retreat, or a family adventure that will be told for generations.
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???? Okavango Delta: The Highlights
The Mokoro Experience: The iconic Delta activity. Glide silently through lily-choked channels in a traditional dugout canoe, poled by your expert guide.
African Wild Dogs: The Delta is one of the last true strongholds for this highly endangered and fascinating predator.
Land & Water Combo: No other park in Africa blends world-class, land-based 4x4 game drives with immersive water safaris so seamlessly.
The "Dry Season Flood": Witness the miracle as floodwaters from Angola arrive from June to August, transforming the landscape and concentrating wildlife.
Predator Paradise: Home to massive lion prides (famous for hunting buffalo), leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Birding Heaven: Over 500 species, including the rare Pel's Fishing Owl and the majestic African Fish Eagle.
Exclusive Concessions: Stay in private reserves for crowd-free safaris, night drives, and off-road tracking.
????? When to Go: The Two Deltas
The "best" time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience.
?? Peak Dry Season (July – October)
This is the prime-time for wildlife viewing. It's winter, the bush is thin, and the floodwaters have peaked, forcing wildlife to concentrate on the islands.
Pros: Phenomenal game viewing. High water levels mean all water activities (mokoro, boating) are at their best. Weather is pleasant and mild.
Cons: This is peak season, so it's the busiest and most expensive time.
???? Green "Emerald" Season (November – March)
This is the "secret season." The summer rains arrive, the landscape explodes into a lush, green paradise, and the air is electric.
Pros: Incredible for birdwatching as migrants arrive. It's birthing season—see baby impala, zebra, and wildebeest. Stunning green backdrops for photography. Prices are lower.
Cons: Wildlife is more dispersed and harder to spot in the thick vegetation. Some lodges may be closed, and it can be hot and humid.
???? Shoulder Season (April – June)
A beautiful transitional time. The rains have stopped, the landscape is still green, and the floodwaters are just beginning to creep in.
Pros: A fantastic balance of good game viewing and beautiful scenery. Fewer crowds than peak season.
Cons: Water levels may not be high enough for mokoro trips in all areas (especially in April/May).
???? Where to Go: Finding Your Perfect Spot
The Delta isn't one single place. It's a mosaic of different habitats.
1. Moremi Game Reserve
This is the "mainland" of the Delta, a protected national park on the eastern side. It's renowned for its high density of wildlife, including the Big 5 (rhino has been reintroduced) and vast tracts of dry land.
Best for: Land-based 4x4 safaris, seeing the Big 5, and high-density wildlife.
Keep in mind: As a national park, no night drives or off-roading are permitted.
2. Private Concessions (e.g., Khwai, Duba Plains, Vumbura)
These are vast, private areas bordering Moremi. They offer the single greatest luxury in safari: exclusivity. Only guests of the few small camps in the concession are allowed here.
Best for: The ultimate exclusive safari. Activities you can't do in Moremi, including night drives, walking safaris, and off-road tracking to get closer to sightings.
Expert Tip: Concessions like Duba Plains are famous for lion vs. buffalo battles, while Khwai is a hotspot for leopards and wild dogs.
3. The Panhandle (Northern Delta)
This is where the Okavango River enters the Delta, forming a deep, wide, and permanent river.
Best for: Serious birders, fishing (especially for Tigerfish), and a pure, water-focused retreat.
Keep in mind: This is not a prime "big game" viewing area compared to Moremi or the private concessions.
???? What to Do: The Top 5 Delta Experiences
1. Glide in a Mokoro: The Soul of the Delta
This is the non-negotiable, essential Okavango experience. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe poled by a local guide. It is silent, slow, and low to the water, allowing you to see the small wonders—reed frogs, kingfishers, dragonflies—as well as the giants (elephants, lechwe) from a unique, water-level perspective.
2. Explore on 4x4 Game Drives: The Thrill of the Hunt
On the Delta's "islands" (areas of permanent dry land like Chief's Island), 4x4 game drives are king. This is your chance to cover ground and track the Big 5, wild dogs, and cheetahs. In a private concession, your guide can drive off-road to get the best angle on a sighting.
3. Soar on a Scenic Flight: The True Perspective
The only way to understand the sheer scale and beauty of the Okavango Delta is from above. We recommend a scenic helicopter flight—the doors are often removed for reflection-free photography. You'll see the intricate web of channels and the vast herds of elephants and buffalo moving across the plains.
4. Discover on a Walking Safari: The Intimate Encounter
Get your boots on the ground. Led by a highly-trained, armed guide, a walking safari connects you to the bush in a way no vehicle can. You'll learn to read tracks, smell wild herbs, and feel the thrill of approaching animals on foot. (Primarily offered in private concessions).
5. Cruise by Motorboat: The Water Highway
For the deeper channels and wide-open lagoons (known as madiba), a motorboat is the perfect tool. It's a fantastic way to cover distance, spot hippos and crocodiles, and enjoy a classic "sundowner" G&T while floating on the water.
?? Sample Itinerary: Your Bespoke Delta Journey
This is where our expertise shines. The best Okavango safari combines different areas to give you the full "land and water" experience. All our trips are luxury fly-in safaris, ensuring you waste no time on long road transfers and get a stunning scenic flight every time you move camps.
The Ultimate Delta Duo (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Best For: Luxury Safaris, Honeymoons, First-Time Visitors
Price: From ZAR 99,500 per person sharing
A Note on Pricing: This is an estimated price in ZAR for the "Green Season" (approx. Nov-Mar) to give you an idea. Botswana safari packages are priced in USD, so the ZAR price is subject to exchange rate fluctuations. The final cost depends on your exact travel dates, lodge choice, and inclusions.
Please contact us for a precise, tailor-made quote. This is why you book with an expert!
Day 1-3: The Water Sanctuary (Private Concession)
Your journey begins at Maun (MUB), the gateway to the Delta. Here, you'll board a light aircraft for a breathtaking scenic flight over the winding channels. You'll land at a remote airstrip and be driven to your luxury lodge, set on a secluded island in a water-rich private concession.
Your days here are about the magic of the water.
Glide silently on a mokoro through fields of waterlilies.
Explore the deeper lagoons by motorboat, stopping for sundowners on the water.
Enjoy guided bush walks on the islands, tracking antelope and giraffe.
Day 4-6: The Predator Heartland (Moremi / Khwai Concession)
After a final morning activity, you'll take a seamless camp-to-camp flight to a completely different habitat—a land-focused concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Here, the landscape opens up into savanna, woodlands, and floodplains, all magnets for big game.
Your focus shifts to thrilling predator action.
Embark on morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives in search of lion, leopard, and cheetah.
Track the highly-endangered African wild dog.
Experience the thrill of a night drive, using a spotlight to find nocturnal animals.
Day 7: Farewell, Okavango
Enjoy one last game drive or a delicious breakfast overlooking the plains. Your guide will transfer you back to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Maun, where you'll connect with your onward flight home.
Make it Your Perfect Trip
This itinerary is just a blueprint. We design every trip from scratch.
?? The Perfect Honeymoon: Want to make it a romantic safari? We know the lodges with private plunge pools, secluded suites, and the best "star-bed" sleep-out experiences. Let us arrange private dinners under the stars and romantic bubble baths after your evening game drive.
??????????????????? The Ultimate Family Safari: Travelling with children? We are family safari specialists. We will select lodges that welcome children, offer engaging "Young Explorers" or "Bush Buddy" programs, and have dedicated family suites. We design a safari that’s safe, fun, and educational for all ages, with activities like fishing, animal tracking, and bush bakes.
Your Okavango Delta Safari Starts Here
The Okavango Delta is a place of profound beauty and thrilling adventure. It changes you.
But planning a trip to such a complex and seasonal destination can be overwhelming. That's our job. The team at Beyond Africa Safaris has been there. We know which camps have the best guides, which concessions are best for wild dogs in October, and how to combine land and water for the perfect, seamless journey.
Let's turn this dream into your reality.
[Start Planning My Custom Safari] ?
???? Your Okavango Delta Safari: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does an Okavango Delta safari cost?
This is the most common—and most complex—question! The Okavango Delta is one of the world's most exclusive safari destinations, and prices reflect that.
Mid-Range Luxury: Expect to start from ZAR 85,000 to ZAR 120,000 per person for a 6-7 day fly-in safari during the "Green Season" (Nov-Mar).
Peak Season Luxury: For the prime winter months (Jul-Oct), prices typically range from ZAR 130,000 to ZAR 250,000+ per person.
Ultra-Luxury: For premier camps (like Mombo, Vumbura Plains, or Duba Plains), pricing can exceed ZAR 70,000 per night.
Why the high cost? Your safari is almost always all-inclusive (flights, lodges, gourmet meals, all drinks, and all activities). You are paying for exclusivity and remoteness. These small, unfenced camps are accessed only by light aircraft, ensuring you have a pristine wilderness experience without crowds.
Expert Tip: The cost varies hugely by season. A Green Season safari can save you up to 40% and is sensational for photography, birding, and seeing newborn animals. Contact us for a bespoke quote based on your exact dates and preferences.
2. When is the absolute best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
This is the magic of the Delta: there are two "best" times! It all depends on the "Great Flood."
Peak Wildlife Season (July - October): This is Botswana's dry, cool winter. The landscape is dry, so wildlife concentrates in massive numbers around the permanent water. Ironically, this is when the floodwaters from Angola arrive, so water levels are HIGH, making it the best time for both game drives and mokoro/boating activities.This is peak season for a reason.
"Emerald" Green Season (January - April): This is the "secret season." The summer rains create a lush, green paradise. It's the birthing season for antelope, which brings predators. The birdwatching is world-class, and the skies are dramatic. Prices are lower, and you'll get a more intimate experience.
Our Verdict? For a first-timer wanting the "classic" Delta experience, go from July to September. For photographers or return visitors, the value and beauty of the Emerald Season are unbeatable.
3. Is the Okavango Delta a good choice for a honeymoon?
It is not just a good choice; it is one of the most romantic and unforgettable honeymoon destinations on Earth.
Imagine:
Gliding silently on a private mokoro for just the two of you.
Staying in ultra-luxurious suites with private plunge pools overlooking the floodplains.
Enjoying private dinners under a canopy of stars, with only the sounds of the bush.
Sleeping out in a "star bed" on a raised platform, safely surrounded by the magic of the African night.
We specialize in crafting seamless, romantic itineraries. We know the camps with the most secluded rooms, the best private guides, and those special touches that create the perfect honeymoon.
4. How do I get to the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta is a remote wilderness, and the best way to access it is via a luxury fly-in safari.
You will fly internationally into Maun (MUB), the gateway to the Delta. From there, you will board a small light aircraft(like a Cessna Caravan) for a spectacular scenic flight (your first game drive!) over the winding channels, landing directly at a remote airstrip near your camp.
All your lodge-to-lodge transfers are also done by these small planes. This is the Beyond Africa Safaris standard—it maximizes your time on safari by eliminating long, bumpy road transfers, giving you an eagle's-eye view of this vast ecosystem.
5. What is a mokoro safari and is it safe?
A mokoro is the Delta's iconic traditional dugout canoe, poled by an expert local guide. It is the soul of the Okavango.
Gliding silently at water level is a zen-like experience. You see the world from a new perspective—tiny reed frogs, blooming waterlilies, and painted snipes. You can also get incredibly close to large animals like elephants or lechwe feeding peacefully in the water.
Yes, it is very safe. Your poler is a highly trained professional who grew up in these channels. They expertly navigate the shallow waters, avoiding hippos (who prefer deep channels where mokoros don't go) and crocodiles (who are generally wary of the canoe). It is a peaceful, gentle activity, not a thrill ride.
6. Is the Okavango Delta safe? (Wildlife & Malaria)
Yes, Botswana is one of the safest and most stable countries in all of Africa. When it comes to safety, there are two components:
Wildlife Safety: At your lodge, you are completely safe. These luxury camps are staffed by professional guides and trackers who understand animal behaviour. You will be escorted to your tent after dark. On game drives, you are in the care of an expert. The animals see the vehicle as a single, large entity and are not a threat.
Health & Malaria: The Okavango Delta is in a malaria-risk area. You must consult your doctor or a travel clinic about taking anti-malarial prophylaxis. The risk is highest in the wet summer months (Nov-Apr) and lowest in the dry winter (Jun-Oct). All luxury lodges have mosquito nets and provide repellent, but medical precautions are essential.
7. What's the difference between a private concession and Moremi Game Reserve?
This is a key question for planning the best safari.
Moremi Game Reserve: This is a vast, protected public park (like Kruger or Yellowstone). It has a very high density of wildlife, but you must stay on marked roads, you cannot drive at night, and you may share sightings with other vehicles.
Private Concessions: These are exclusive-use areas leased to a single lodge (or a few). This is the ultimate luxury safari experience. Here, your guide can:
Drive off-road to get you closer to a leopard in a tree.
Conduct night drives to find nocturnal animals like hyenas, genets, and lions on the hunt.
Lead guided bush walks, which are not permitted in the national park.
Our Expert Advice: The best itineraries combine both. We often design trips that include a few nights in a land-based concession (like Khwai) for predator action, and a few nights in a water-based concession for the classic mokoro experience.
8. What wildlife will I see? Can I see the "Big 5"?
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. The concentration of animals is staggering. You are virtually guaranteed to see:
Elephants (massive herds)
Buffalo
Hippos & Crocodiles
Vast herds of Red Lechwe, Impala, Kudu, and Zebra
Giraffe, Tsessebe, and Wildebeest
Over 500 species of Birds
The Delta is also famous for its predators. It is one of the last strongholds for the endangered African Wild Dog and a hotspot for Lions (some prides are famous for hunting buffalo) and Leopards.
What about the Big 5? Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffalos are abundant. The Rhino (both black and white) has been successfully reintroduced into the Delta in protected areas. Seeing one is possible but rare, making a sighting exceptionally special.
9. What should I pack for a fly-in safari to the Delta?
Packing is crucial due to the light aircraft flights.
The Golden Rule: You are restricted to 20 kg (44 lbs) total, packed in a soft-sided duffel bag (no hard suitcases or wheels). This is non-negotiable for the plane's hold.
Clothing: Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, green, beige, brown). Avoid white (it's too visible) and dark blue/black (which can attract tsetse flies).
Layers are Key: It's cold on morning drives, even in summer.
A warm fleece or windbreaker
A beanie, scarf, and gloves (essential for winter mornings: May-Aug)
Light shirts/t-shirts for the warm midday
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for evenings (for warmth and mosquito protection)
Essentials: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, binoculars (a must!), and your camera.
10. Can I take my family on a safari to the Okavango Delta?
Absolutely! An Okavango Delta safari is a life-changing "classroom in the wild" for children.
However, planning a family safari requires expert knowledge. Many lodges have a minimum age limit (often 8 or 12 years old) or are not suited for young children.
As family safari specialists, we will design your trip with:
Family-Friendly Lodges: We know the camps with dedicated family suites, swimming pools, and flexible schedules.
Engaging "Bush Buddy" Programs: Many lodges offer kids' programs where guides teach children animal tracking, fishing, and bush skills.
Private Vehicles: We highly recommend a private game drive vehicle for your family. This gives you total flexibility to go back to camp when the kids are tired or to spend an hour watching baby elephants play.
Let's plan a safe, magical adventure your family will talk about forever.
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