12 Reasons to Visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in Botswana, Southern Africa. It is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a unique natural wonder, home to an incredible array of wildlife and a diverse range of habitats, from grasslands and savannas to wetlands and floodplains.

The delta is formed by the Okavango River, which originates in the Angolan highlands and flows into the Kalahari Desert, where it forms the delta. The delta covers an area of over 15,000 square kilometers and is fed by a network of channels and lagoons that provide water to the plants and animals that call the delta home.

The Okavango Delta is renowned for its incredible wildlife, with some of the most sought-after species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and many species of antelope. The delta is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species recorded in the area.

Visitors to the Okavango Delta can enjoy a range of activities and experiences, including guided game drives, bush walks, traditional mokoro rides, horseback riding, fishing, and stargazing. The delta is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Batswana and San people, who have lived in the area for centuries and have a deep connection to the land and its resources.

Here are 12 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Okavango Delta:

1. Spectacular Wildlife

The Okavango Delta is a wildlife paradise and a haven for many different species of animals. The delta is home to a vast range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and many species of antelope. It is also an important habitat for many species of birds, including the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, and the Sacred Ibis, among others.

The delta is unique in that it offers both land-based and water-based wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can take game drives on a Okavango Delta safari in a open 4×4 vehicle to explore the area and encounter these incredible creatures on land. Alternatively, visitors can take traditional dugout canoe rides, called mokoros, to explore the delta’s channels and see the wildlife up close. The delta is also home to a number of luxury lodges and camps, which offer guided walking safaris, night drives, and other activities to give visitors the best possible wildlife viewing experience.

The Okavango Delta is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the local government and conservation organizations work together to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors can support these conservation efforts by choosing eco-friendly accommodation and participating in conservation activities, such as guided walks and animal tracking.

2. Majestic Scenery

The Okavango Delta is known for its beautiful scenery, which is unlike any other in the world. The delta’s winding waterways, tranquil lagoons, and emerald-green islands make for breathtaking views and stunning photo opportunities.

The delta is a unique and important ecosystem, which is home to a wide variety of plant species that thrive in the delta’s wetland environment. The delta is also surrounded by the arid Kalahari Desert, which creates a striking contrast and makes the delta’s lush vegetation and waterways even more remarkable.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Okavango Delta also offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. The delta’s remote location and lack of development make it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating escape.

3. Traditional Mokoro Rides

Traditional Mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta are a unique and special experience that allows visitors to explore the delta’s waterways and see the wildlife up close in a non-intrusive way.

Mokoros are traditional dugout canoes made from the trunks of large trees and are poled along the waterways by experienced local guides, who also act as naturalists and share their knowledge of the delta’s ecology and wildlife.

4. Beautiful Remote Areas

The Okavango Delta is a vast and diverse wilderness area, and there are many remote areas within the delta that are inaccessible to motorized vehicles and can only be explored on foot or by traditional dugout canoe, called a mokoro. Some of these remote areas include:

• Moremi Game Reserve: This reserve is located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. The reserve’s remote location and limited access make it a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for safari enthusiasts.
• Okavango Panhandle: This area is located in the northern part of the Okavango Delta and is characterized by its winding waterways and lush vegetation. It is a remote and untouched area of the delta that is home to a wide variety of bird species, as well as hippos and crocodiles.
• Khwai Community Area: is considered a remote destination as it is located in a relatively isolated area of northern Botswana, in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta. The community area covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers and is managed by the Khwai Development Trust in partnership with the Botswana government.
• Delta Island: This island is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta and is one of the most remote and secluded areas in the delta. It is accessible only by mokoro or helicopter and offers visitors a true wilderness experience, with opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife and explore the delta’s channels and lagoons.

5. The Most Incredible Game Drives

The Okavango Delta is widely recognized as one of the best destinations for game drives in Africa. The delta’s diverse ecosystems and habitats offer a unique and varied range of wildlife viewing opportunities, making it an exceptional destination for game drives.

6. Cultural Experience

The Okavango Delta is rich in cultural experiences. The delta is not only home to a vast range of wildlife and stunning landscapes but also to several indigenous communities, including the Batswana and San people, who have lived in the area for centuries and have a deep connection to the land and its resources.

Visitors to the Okavango Delta can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional villages, where they can learn about the customs, traditions, and daily life of the local people. The Batswana people are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and visitors can experience their warm welcome and generous spirit firsthand.

In addition to visiting traditional villages, visitors can also participate in cultural activities such as traditional dancing and music performances, basket weaving, and storytelling. These activities provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and its significance to the people who call the delta home.

The Okavango Delta is also home to several community-based tourism initiatives like some of the work done by our African Bush Camps Foundation,  that is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities. These initiatives provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the local communities in a meaningful way, while also supporting the local economy and preserving the delta’s unique cultural heritage.

7. Luxury Accomodation

The Okavango Delta offers a wide range of luxury accommodation options for visitors, including lodges and camps that offer an unparalleled safari experience in the heart of this breathtaking wilderness area.

Luxury lodges and camps in the Okavango Delta offer world-class amenities, including spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, private plunge pools, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor showers.

8. Birdwatching

Birdwatching in the Okavango Delta is a popular activity, as the delta is home to a vast array of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. With over 450 bird species recorded in the delta, it is one of the best birding destinations in Africa.

Some of the bird species that visitors can expect to see in the Okavango Delta include the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, saddle-billed stork, hamerkop, lilac-breasted roller, and the sacred ibis, among others. The delta is also home to many species of water birds, such as ducks, geese, and herons, which can be spotted around the delta’s channels and lagoons.

The best time for birdwatching in the Okavango Delta is during the wet season, from November to March, when the delta is teeming with life and the birdlife is particularly active. However, birding is also possible year-round, and many lodges and camps in the delta offer guided birdwatching walks and drives with experienced guides who can identify and point out the different species.

In addition to guided birdwatching activities, visitors to the Okavango Delta can also take advantage of the many photographic opportunities available to capture the beauty and diversity of the delta’s birdlife.

9. Photography

Photography in the Okavango Delta is a popular activity, as the delta offers stunning and diverse scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the Okavango Delta is a paradise for anyone who loves to capture the beauty of nature with their camera.

Some of the photographic opportunities available in the Okavango Delta include:

• Wildlife: The delta is home to a vast array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and many species of antelope. Capturing these animals in their natural habitat can be an incredible photographic experience.
• Landscapes: The Okavango Delta is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including floodplains, grasslands, and woodlands. This diversity of habitats offers a range of different environments for different species and stunning scenery for photographers.
• Sunsets and sunrises: The delta offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets, which provide a beautiful backdrop for wildlife and landscape photography.
• Traditional Mokoro rides: Photographing a traditional mokoro ride through the delta’s channels and lagoons can be a unique and memorable experience.
• Nighttime photography: The Okavango Delta offers opportunities for nighttime photography, including capturing the stars and nocturnal wildlife such as lions, hyenas, and owls.

In addition to the photographic opportunities, lodges and camps in the Okavango Delta offer photography workshops and classes led by experienced photographers who can provide tips and guidance on capturing the best shots.

10.  Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the Okavango Delta is a unique and exhilarating way to experience the beauty and wildlife of this stunning wilderness area. Horseback riding safaris offer visitors a chance to explore the delta’s channels, islands, and floodplains, while getting up close and personal with its wildlife.

Some of the benefits of horseback riding safaris in the Okavango Delta include:

• Intimate wildlife encounters: Horseback riding safaris offer visitors a unique and intimate way to experience the delta’s wildlife, with the possibility of encountering a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes.
• Unique perspective: Horseback riding offers a unique perspective of the delta’s landscapes, with the opportunity to explore areas that are inaccessible by vehicle.
• Flexibility: Horseback riding safaris offer visitors the flexibility to explore the delta at their own pace, with the option to choose shorter or longer rides depending on their preferences.
• Experienced guides: Horseback riding safaris are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the delta’s flora and fauna and can provide insight into the area’s natural and cultural history.
• Adventure and excitement: Horseback riding safaris offer a thrilling and adventurous experience, with the chance to navigate the delta’s waterways, ride through open savannahs, and even canter alongside herds of wildlife.

11. Fishing

ishing in the Okavango Delta is a popular activity, offering visitors a chance to experience the delta’s waterways and wildlife while pursuing a variety of fish species. The delta’s rivers and lagoons are home to a variety of fish species, including tigerfish, tilapia, bream, and catfish.

Fishing in the Okavango Delta is a catch-and-release sport, which means that fish are not taken out of the water but are instead released back into the water unharmed after they have been caught. This helps to maintain the fish population and ensures that the delta’s fish species remain healthy and abundant.

12. Stargazing

Stargazing in the Okavango Delta is a magical experience, offering visitors a chance to view the stunning African night sky in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. The Okavango Delta’s remote location, away from the light pollution of cities, makes it an ideal destination for stargazing, with clear and dark skies that provide optimal viewing conditions.