The Okavango Delta does not behave like a normal river system. It never reaches the sea. Instead, water from the highlands of Angola fans out acrossthe Kalahari sandsand simply disappears into the desert, creating a maze of channels, lagoons and islands that supports an astonishing amount of life.
Why the Delta is different
A UNESCO World Heritagesite and the world's largestinland delta, the Okavango is a place where you can search for wildlife by vehicle in the morning, by boat at midday and on foot or by canoe in the afternoon. That mix of water and land is what sets the Okavango Delta safari experience apart from classic game-drive-only destinations.
What a mokoro trip is really like
A mokoro is a traditional dugoutcanoe, poled quietlyby a local guide. Originally carved from largetrees, many are now made from fiberglass to protect the environment. Sitting just above the waterline, you notice small things that a vehicle misses: frogs on reed stems, kingfishers hunting from papyrus, water lilies opening in the morning light. The pace is slow, the silence is almost complete and elephants crossing a channel in the distance feel close without being threatening.
Understanding the flood
The delta'sflood is on a timetablethat surprises many visitors. Rain falls in Angola months before the water arrives in Botswana, so channels are often at their fullest during the dry season, when the surrounding land is parched. This is why the drier months from around May to October can be so rewarding: wildlife concentrates on the islands and floodplains while the water offers boat and canoe activities.
The greenseason has its own appeal,with newborn animals,dramatic skies and excellent birding,but access can be harder and some activities change. For the full seasonal picture, our guide to the best time for an African safari is a handy reference.
Wildlife you can expect
Elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, lechwe and sitatunga are all part of the delta story, and predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog roam the larger islands. Birders will find hundreds of species, from
African fish eagles to the elusive Pel's fishing owl.
Combining the Delta with the rest of Botswana
The delta works best as part of a wider trip. Many itineraries pair it with Chobe for elephants and with the Kalahari pans for contrast, and our overviewof Botswana safaris shows how these regionscan be linked by light aircraft.
Practical tips
Fly-in camps use smallplanes with strictluggage limits, so soft-sided bags are essential; our advice on what to take on safariwill help you pack lightly. Bring a neutral wardrobe, a good hat, polarized sunglasses for glare off the water and a camera with a decent zoom lens.
Ready to turn ideasinto an itinerary? The safari specialists at Adventure SafariNetwork have livedand worked in Africa and will build a trip around your time and budget. Contact our team to start planning.