Okavango Delta Safari

Mokoro safaris, big game sightings, and overnights in remote bush camps.

Why Visit Okavango Delta ?

If you’re looking for the best safari experience in Botswana, the Okavango Delta is hard to beat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s most unique natural wonders — a massive inland delta that floods the Kalahari Desert and turns dry land into a wildlife-filled network of channels, lagoons, islands, and open floodplains.

What makes an Okavango Delta safari so special is the combination of scenery, wildlife, and exclusivity. One moment you’re cruising through calm waterways, the next you’re watching elephants cross a channel in front of you. It’s wild, peaceful, and completely different to a traditional safari.

For travellers comparing Okavango Delta tours and other safari destinations, the Delta stands out for one big reason: it offers both land and water-based game viewing in one of Africa’s most untouched ecosystems.

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Key Highlights of an Okavango Delta Safari

An Okavango Delta safari in Botswana is all about variety — and that’s what makes it such a bucket-list destination.

  • Mokoro safaris are the classic Okavango experience. You’ll glide quietly through the reeds in a traditional dugout canoe, getting close to birds, frogs, hippos, and wildlife along the water’s edge.
  • Excellent predator sightings, especially in peak season. The Delta is known for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and one of Africa’s best chances of spotting African wild dogs.
  • Water-loving wildlife, including elephants in the floodplains and species like the red lechwe that thrive in this wet environment.
  • Small, uncrowded camps thanks to Botswana’s low-volume tourism approach. Many Okavango tours include private concession areas where you won’t be sharing sightings with big crowds.
  • Unique safari activities in private concessions, like guided walking safaris, night drives, and off-road tracking — all of which take the experience up a level.

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Find the right Okavango Safari

Okavango Delta tours for every style – budget camping overland tours or comfortable lodge safaris in Botswana.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is usually July to October, when floodwaters are high, wildlife sightings are excellent, and conditions are ideal for both game drives and water activities.

The Delta’s floodwaters arrive months after rain falls in Angola. That means the waterways can be full during Botswana’s dry winter, creating some of the best conditions for Okavango Delta tours.

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Okavango Delta FAQ'S

What's unique about a Okavango Delta safari?

The Okavango Delta offers something most safari areas don’t: a true land-and-water safari. Alongside 4×4 game drives, you’ll explore by mokoro or boat, giving you a completely different view of wildlife and a more intimate experience overall. This is one of the reasons Okavango tours are so popular with travellers who want a safari that feels varied and exclusive.

Is the Okavango Delta a Big Five destination?

Yes — the Delta and nearby Moremi Game Reserve are home to the Big Five, including rhino in certain areas. It’s also one of Africa’s top regions for spotting African wild dogs, which is a big reason many travellers choose Okavango Delta tours over other safari options.

How do you get to the camps in the Okavango Delta?

Most camps in the Okavango Delta are located on remote islands and floodplains, so the most common way to get there is by light aircraft (usually flying in via Maun). The flights are short, scenic, and give you incredible aerial views of the Delta — it’s basically a safari activity before the safari even starts.

That said, there are some Okavango tours that involve driving, especially overland and camping trips. These usually travel through Moremi Game Reserve and other accessible areas of the Delta, using 4×4 safari vehicles.

What are the luggage restrictions for an Okavango Delta safari?

Because flights use small charter aircraft, luggage is usually limited to 15 – 20kg per person (including hand luggage and camera gear). Soft-sided bags are required, and hard-shell suitcases are typically not accepted.

Why stay in a private concession in the Delta?

Private concessions make a massive difference on an Okavango Delta safari, because they allow activities not permitted in national parks:

  • Night drives for nocturnal animals and predators on the move
  • Off-road tracking when guides follow wildlife sightings
  • Walking safaris for a closer look at the bush (with an armed guide)

This is where the Delta really shines — it’s not just about what you see, but how you experience it.

Is the Okavango Delta a malaria area?

Yes — the Okavango Delta is considered a malaria-risk area, especially in the wetter months. Most travellers simply chat to their doctor or travel clinic before the trip and pack good insect repellent (you’ll be totally fine with the right prep).

Will I have WiFi and cell signal in the Okavango Delta?

Sometimes… but don’t count on it. Many camps have limited WiFi in main areas, and cell signal is often weak (or non-existent). Think of it as a built-in digital detox 😉

What should I pack for an Okavango Delta safari?

Pack light and practical — safari style is all about layers (cool mornings, warm afternoons), comfy shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent.

Please refer to our FAQ’s page for a detailed packing list. 

Are mokoro safaris safe (hippos?!)

Mokoro tours are a big highlight! They are led by experienced local polers who know the Delta’s channels inside out. Guides carefully choose routes based on water levels and wildlife movements, so you can enjoy the experience safely while still getting those unforgettable sightings.

Plus, your guide will explain everything before you go, so you’ll feel comfortable from the start.

What’s the difference btw camping and lodge tours in the Okavango?

It comes down to your travel style (and how much you love a hot shower 😄).

Camping overland Okavango tours are more adventurous and hands-on, with classic safari vibes and great value.

Lodge Okavango Delta tours are more comfortable and relaxed, often fly-in, with ensuite tents/rooms, amazing meals, and fewer logistics to think about.

Both options are brilliant — it just depends on whether you’re team “campfire + stars” or team “comfort.

Reviews from our Travellers

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Giorgia Buglino

“It’s hard to put into words the incredible experience we had in South Africa, but great credit goes to Detour.”

The organization was flawless from start to finish. They guided us through every step…

Date of experience: 30 June 2025

 
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Laura Huber

“The tours were amazing!”

The booking progress is very easy as well as the payment.
The tours’ descriptions are accurate and the staff helps wherever it can to make it a great experience…

Date of experience: 26 Aug 2024 

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Ouma Jamilla C

“Amazing Travel Agency!”

Booking with Detour Africa, have been the best decision ever.
From the beginning to the end, the Detour Africa team had been nothing short but AMAZING…

Date of experience: 1 Feb 2025

Reviews from our Travellers

Essential Okavango Delta Travel Information

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