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The Okavango Delta

An African Oasis of Waterways, Wildlife, and Endless Wonder

A Classic Botswana Safari

The Okavango Delta, a shimmering oasis in the heart of Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations. Unlike most river deltas that empty into the ocean, the Okavango Delta spills into the Kalahari Desert, creating an immense network of channels, lagoons, and islands teeming with life. This dynamic, seasonally flooded landscape offers one of the most unique and immersive wildlife experiences on the planet.

The annual floodwaters from Angola arrive in May, transforming the Delta into a lush paradise. This marks the start of Diamond Season (May – September), when the floodwaters create ideal conditions for water safaris and spectacular game viewing. As the waters recede in September, wildlife from far and wide gathers at the remaining pools, coinciding with Botswana’s Amber Season (October – November).

A safari in the Okavango Delta offers both water and land-based exploration. Glide through reed-lined channels in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, expertly guided by our local polers, or embark on thrilling game drives across national parks and private concessions for unforgettable adventures.

The Okavango Delta is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Bird enthusiasts will revel in sightings with over 400 species, including the majestic African fish eagle and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. From hippos jostling in the lagoons to buffalo herds wading through the floodplains, this ever-changing ecosystem offers an unparalleled safari experience when it comes to animal diversity.

The Okavango Delta is more than a safari destination – it’s an experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.

Gallery

  • Emerald season
  • Diamond season
  • Amber season

January is the summertime, with warm daytime temperatures around 30°C. The afternoon summer rains bring a freshness to the season and landscapes, replenishing the plants and the delta.

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In February, the summertime climate of high temperatures (around 30°C during the day) and late afternoon thunderstorms, continue.

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March is the tail-end of the summer season. Thanks to a summer season of plentiful rain that has wound its way from Angola over the previous months, the Delta is at its peak.

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In April there are still warm days to enjoy as temperatures continue to hover around 29°C. The nights bring cooler weather, as the mercury drops to the mid-to-late teens.

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Come May, the Delta is still in full flow. Daytime and evening temperatures have cooled slightly, with averages around 27°C and 10°C respectively. Most notable is the transition from the rainy summer season to the dry winter season. May marks the start of the winter season and sees far less rain than the previous months.

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Wildlife numbers are at their highest during the dry season – June to September – as they congregate around the water sources in the Delta.

Plan your Safari

Wildlife numbers are at their highest during the dry season – June to September – as they congregate around the water sources in the Delta.

Plan your Safari

Wildlife numbers are at their highest during the dry season – June to September – as they congregate around the water sources in the Delta.

Plan your Safari

September sees the beginning of the low water months at the Okavango Delta.

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October sees temperatures reach their peak during the day, around 32°C. The weather is excellent for experiencing the Zambezi River either by canoe or on a sunset cruise.

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November usually brings the start of the rainy season. So, while the waters of the Falls are still low, you can expect some afternoon rain showers.

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December is usually the rainiest month of the year, seeing around 11 days of afternoon rains, which helps to reinvigorate the fauna and flora after months of dry weather.

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Our Experiences in the Okavango Delta

Wildlife

A myriad of species are found within the delta including African bush elephant, African buffalo, hippopotamus, wildebeest, giraffe, Nile crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, brown hyena, spotted hyena, greater kudu, sable antelope, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, plains zebra, warthog, and chacma baboon. Notably, the endangered African wild dog still survives within the Okavango Delta and exhibits one of the richest pack densities in Africa.

wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife

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