A miracle of nature and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, the Okavango Delta in Botswana offers one of the richest wildlife spectacles on the continent. Dense game, pristine scenery and remote lodgings of all types give travellers the chance to unplug and experience safari at its most immersive and authentic.
It’s also one of the most popular destinations on the safari circuit – for good reason. Even so, it still raises a few frequently asked questions. Let us unpack some of its finer points – to help you pack for your next trip…
What is it, actually?
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and spans 16 000 square kilometres of land. Formed approximately 60 000 years ago, the Okavango Delta’s source is in the Angolan Highlands, with numerous smaller tributaries joining to form the Okavango River.
Tectonic plate movement stopped the flow of this river, causing the mass of water to flood the landscape seasonally. Comprising swamps, lagoons, grasslands (depending on the season), riparian forest and woodlands, this ever-shifting landscape is a diverse and species-rich biosphere.
When is the best tome to go?
The arrival of the annual flood waters from Angola around April/May sees the Okavango begin to expand (at its height it grows up to three times its size in non-flood season). Then, as the waters recede, the Okavango begins to shrink again, usually in September. The Okavango can be generally divided into two distinct areas, those that have water all year (permanent swamp) and seasonal swamp which dries up gradually with the onset of summer.
When you go really depends on your own personal preferences and interests, as well as your budget. Typically, the Delta has three distinct seasons: low, green and peak season. Peak season spans from June to October. During this period, the rains subside, the channels/lagoons reach their fullest levels – and it’s easier to spot wildlife.
December to March is low season (during the summer), where you’ll experience lush landscapes. This is an excellent time for birding enthusiasts to visit, and also coincides with the zebra migration. Prices are lower at this time, and while some camps don’t operate, there is still plenty of variety.
How to choose a lodge and location
Due to the fluctuating seasonal water levels in the Delta, the landscape quite literally transforms throughout the year. So, the activities available to you will depend on the exact location of your lodge or camp – which is why it’s worth deciding what are dealbreakers for your party before booking.
For example, camps in the permanent swamp will offer year-round activities, while those set in areas that experience seasonal flooding will only offer water activities when the levels allow for it (usually from May to September). On the flipside, camps which are surrounded by floodplains can only offer limited game drives on shorter routes.
Offering the best of all worlds (if you want options), some camps are set on higher ground and in areas with permanently flowing channels and as a result are can offer both water activities and game drives year round. It really comes down to what activities you want to do!
Is the Delta family friendly?
In a word, yes. Depending on the age of your children, and the camp or lodge of your choosing. Many camps and lodges welcome younger guests, and the Delta makes for an enriching and engaging – and highly educational – trip to take.
However, most will not permit very young children under a certain age – this is for a variety of reasons, but most pertain to safety due to the lodges’ locations in unfenced wilderness areas and their remoteness. And so as a general rule, this destination is better for older children.
Make the most of our expertise
To navigate the nuances of the Delta, and get the best out of this once-in-a-lifetime safari, chat to our team.