This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Elephant and hippo pathways in the Okavango

Be prepared for a variety of terrain whilst on game drive

Eco-tourism - the mokoro is replaced by fibreglass

Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Holding almost mythical status within the safari world, the Okavango Delta is up there with the legendary Shangri-La.

And rightly so. The world’s largest inland delta breathes life into the surrounding Kalahari, supporting a thriving wildlife population that is largely protected by its very inaccessibility.

Weaving through this wilderness is a network of channels, many lined with towering papyrus and reeds that secrete a myriad creatures – from the tiniest reed frog to the wallowing hippopotamus. Floodplains spread out in every direction, punctuated by tree islands that are a haven for birdlife. And leopard.

Into this pristine environment come a handful of individual safari lodges, some in the more accessible Moremi Game Reserve; others within the confines of often vast private reserves, or concessions. But choose wisely, for each reserve, each lodge, is different.
To spend time at a water-based camp is to drift silently in a mokoro along narrow waterways, strewn with waterlilies under the watchful eye of kingfishers and fish eagles, or to explore the further reaches by motorboat, watching out for hippo and elephant.

Opt for dry (or drier!) land, and you’ll traverse open floodplains and dappled woodland in comfortable 4x4s, seeking out safari animals, day and night. And if you’re after both environments, that too can be accommodated.

Some camps focus largely on the predators; others on photography, with carefully constructed bird and animal hides where you can ‘stake out’ your photographic prey. There are even specialist walking camps – not to be missed by those in search of heart-racing adventure.

If each reserve has its style, so too do the camps. With contemporary design, personal plunge pools, top-class cuisine and soothing spas, the ultimate in hedonistic luxury can be yours. Or perhaps you’d prefer a more traditional approach, all solid wood, soft lighting and squashy sofas. Whatever your choice, exclusivity is a given.

Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Okavango Delta Safari Reserves: in detail

Safaris visiting Okavango Delta

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Kudu Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.

Visiting Okavango Delta

US$7,840 - US$18,400 per person

Read more about the Kudu Safari

Map

Large-spotted Genet Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Kwando-Linyanti

US$10,930 - US$23,640 per person

Read more about the Large-spotted Genet Safari

Map

Bushbuck Safari

8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Discover three of Botswana’s best game-viewing regions with stays in the private Linyanti, Chitabe and Vumbura reserves. Intimate, smart camps offer a range of activities by which to discover these stunningly varied habitats.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Kwando-Linyanti

US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person

Read more about the Bushbuck Safari

Map

Tsessebe Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Moremi

US$7,790 - US$11,820 per person

Read more about the Tsessebe Safari

Map

Pangolin Safari

8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Kwando-Linyanti

US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person

Read more about the Pangolin Safari

Map

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 3 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.

Visiting Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta and 2 other areas

US$9,200 - US$17,100 per person

Read more about the Great Egret Safari

Map

Slaty Egret Safari

4 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two luxurious, intimate camps provide a highly personalised exploration of the Chitabe concession and private Vumbura reserve within the Okavango Delta. A range of water and land activities allows for stunning sightings.

Visiting Okavango Delta

US$7,000 - US$14,130 per person

Read more about the Slaty Egret Safari

Map

Mopane Squirrel Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit two wildlife-rich private reserves in an exploration of the Okavango and Kwando regions. Sister camps Splash and Lagoon camp provide a range of immersive activities, and their long-stay discounts make for an excellent-value safari.

Visiting Kwando-Linyanti, Okavango Delta

US$5,890 - US$11,770 per person

Read more about the Mopane Squirrel Safari

Map

Honey Badger Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two smart sister camps offer access to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the heart of the Okavango Delta. Experience a spectacular range of habitats and wildlife through diversely exciting safari activities.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari

US$5,790 - US$10,150 per person

Read more about the Honey Badger Safari

Map

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

Visiting Chobe, Moremi and 2 other areas

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Read more about the Wild Dog Safari

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Okavango Delta

This is their success for sightings in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves.
Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.


Elephant

99% success

Hippo

98% success

Giraffe

98% success

Zebra

98% success

Lion

92% success

Wildebeest

92% success

Buffalo

84% success

Leopard

69% success

Wild dog

64% success

Spotted Hyena

59% success

Cheetah

55% success

Sable antelope

28% success

Sitatunga

24% success

Eland

20% success

Roan antelope

18% success

White Rhino

8% success

Aardvark

2% success

Pangolin

2% success

Black Rhino

1% success

Oryx

0% success

Map of Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Choices for where to stay in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves


Reference map

Most recent reviews of our safaris to Okavango Delta

Click below to browse all 949 reviews from Okavango Delta Safari Reserves. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


99%
949 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
912
Good
36
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Flying Dutchmen from NL

Arrived 7 Feb 2024, 17 nights

"This was truly very special!"

Overall rating: Excellent

C&A from Munich

Arrived 28 Jan 2024, 9 nights

"My Jan 2024 trip"

"We can't wait to go back. …" Read C&A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

A&L Polo from USA

Arrived 18 Dec 2023, 20 nights

"My Dec 2023 trip"

"We didn’t have to worry about anything. It was wonderful. Thanks a lot!!! …" Read A&L Polo’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

LB from Toronto

Arrived 29 Oct 2023, 31 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"Incredible experience... trip of a lifetime exceeded any and all expectations. …" Read LB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs M & Mr D from Germany

Arrived 29 Nov 2023, 8 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

"The commitment and support from Lucy and Expert Africa was outstanding …" Read Mrs M & Mr D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr A. from Ongar

Arrived 7 Nov 2023, 12 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

"the most memorable time.. organisation from Expert Africa was super.. seamless.. …" Read Mr A.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss K from Kent

Arrived 14 Nov 2023, 11 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Pete & Nancy from Stockton

Arrived 5 Oct 2023, 28 nights

"Our Oct 2023 trip"

"the best safari experience we’ve had. Expert Africa took care of all the details …" Read Pete & Nancy’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs G from Dartmouth

Arrived 6 Oct 2023, 18 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"we have come to rely upon Expert Africa and they never disappoint …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D. from Edinburgh

Arrived 9 Oct 2023, 8 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"Entire trip was brilliant. …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Okavango Delta Safari Reserves reviews

When to go to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Okavango Delta in Botswana


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Botswana in January

January is at the peak of Botswana’s rainy season. These rains are often in the evening and are short but heavy, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures will still be high but cooler than October–December. Animals are generally dispersed, and not easy to spot, with the best game viewing found in the north of Chief’s Island and on the eastern and southern sides of the Okavango Delta.

January is also one of the best months to see the zebra and wildebeest migration in the Makgadikgadi salt pans and at Nxai Pan. Migratory birds abound throughout northern Botswana, along with a large number of breeding flamingos in the flooded salt pans. Rates are generally relatively low, making this a good time to visit on a budget.

  • Temperatures are still warm, with occasional thunderstorms
  • The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
  • Big game is dispersed
  • Zebra & wildebeest migration at its height
  • Availability in lodges and camps is often very good

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Botswana in February

The weather in February is very similar to January, with heavy rain most days – often towards evening – and temperatures on the high side, albeit cooling off from the rains and surface water. Across northern Botswana, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, the rains have created pools and waterholes in the bush and thicker vegetation and tall grass makes it trickier to spot larger animals.

Further south, the game viewing is beginning to pick up in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Visitor numbers remain low, with attendant rates and availability in camps and lodges.

  • Temperatures still warm with occasional thunderstorms
  • Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
  • Big game is dispersed
  • Game viewing picking up in the Central Kalahari
  • Visitor numbers are low, so camp availability can be very good

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Botswana in March

March usually sees Botswana’s main rains starting to tail off. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun raising temperatures. On some days clouds will build, and the late-afternoon may see a short thunderstorm. Across the country, the landscape is green and alive. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young. Much of the migration is now moving north towards the Savute area or Chobe National Park, though thick vegetation still makes it trickier to spot even larger animals.

March is one of the best times to be in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where many of the pans fill up and animals come to drink, closely followed by predators. With few visitors in most areas, rates may still be relatively low.

  • Variable weather: rains tailing off but still hot
  • Occasional small thunderstorms
  • Many animals finish raising their young; birdlife still spectacular
  • The best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Botswana in April

During April the rains have usually stopped, though there may be still be the odd late downpour. This results in clear skies and a lovely green, lush landscape. Night-time temperatures usually start to drop during April with this being most noticeable in the Central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi areas. The Central Kalahari is really coming into its own at this point and from April through to May/June the Savute region is a particular favourite of ours, with good predator/prey interaction.

In much of northern Botswana, the camps are coming into their “shoulder” season, so rates are on the rise but still relatively low.

  • Evening temperatures cooling with just the odd shower
  • Northern Botswana is green and lush
  • Many animals still with young; good predator/prey interaction
  • Central Kalahari and Savute the best places for wildlife
  • A popular shoulder season time to book. Rates relatively low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Botswana in May

May is a very popular month to visit Botswana, often the last month of the “shoulder” season before camp rates hit their peak. While there is very little chance of rain, the annual floods from Angola are starting to make their way through the northern part of the Delta, and will eventually reach the majority of the Okavango late June.

With cooler temperatures morning and evening, predator activity tends to be higher, although tall grasses can still obstruct game viewing. With cool crisp evenings, and the game viewing really picking up, this is the favourite time to visit for many of our team – and camp bookings throughout Botswana are snapped up quickly.

  • Cool mornings and evenings with little chance of rain
  • Game viewing is beginning to pick up
  • Predator activity increasing, though grasses still quite high
  • Last month of “shoulder” season for most camps
  • Availability goes quickly throughout Botswana

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Botswana in June

June is the real start of the dry season. Temperatures are still cool in the morning and evenings with night-time temperatures sometimes reaching freezing, rising to 25–30 degrees Celsius during the day, with blue skies. Along with this comes a certain clarity to the air, favourable for serious photographers. Surface water and waterholes begin to dry up during this period and many animals begin to congregate around the remaining areas with water.

Visibility is improving as the grass is beginning to die back, and game viewing is very good everywhere, with particular improvement in the Kwando–Linyanti areas. Not surprisingly, camp availability is becoming scarce and rates are high.

  • Warm, comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
  • Air clarity favours serious photographers
  • Wildlife is gravitating to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
  • Grasses beginning to die back
  • Most camps are into peak season, with rates correspondingly high

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Botswana in July

Evenings and mornings are still cool in July, and this combined with great game viewing makes it one of the most popular times to visit Botswana. Vegetation is really thinning out now making game easier to spot, with the few remaining waterholes attracting lots of wildlife. The north-eastern side of Chobe National Park, along the Chobe River, is also very rewarding, although this area can become very busy.

Game viewing is extremely good in the Khwai areas, too, but again, this is a public area and – unlike in the private concessions of the Delta – vehicle numbers can be high. Camps are now very much into the peak season, and tend to be full.

  • Comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
  • Game viewing very good as vegetation dies back and waterholes dry out
  • Chobe Riverfront and Khwai areas become very busy
  • Private concessions helps to avoid potentially high vehicle numbers
  • Now very much into peak season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Botswana in August

August is a popular time to visit Botswana, coinciding with the European summer holidays, and camp availability is difficult. Temperatures are generally cool at night, and comfortable during the day, although towards the end of the month they can rise above 35 degrees Celsius (albeit with low humidity). Cloudless skies bring spectacular star-gazing. Wildlife has congregated around the few remaining water sources, and much of the vegetation has now died back, so wildlife viewing tends to be varied and rewarding, particularly in the Okavango Delta.

Depending on the rains in Angola this can also be one of the best times to see the delta floods at their peak.

  • Dry, warm days, with mainly cool nights
  • Cloudless skies with spectacular stars at night
  • A fantastic time for wildlife watching, particularly in the Okavango
  • Traditionally one of the best times to see the Delta in full flood
  • Peak season: so high rates and many lodges full

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Botswana in September

September is another favourite month for some of our team members. Daytime temperatures are getting warmer, but nights remain cool. With the drier conditions, most of the greenery has faded from the landscape, and dust or even smoke create hazy conditions that aren’t great for photographers – though this does result in fantastic sunsets.

This is another extremely good month for game viewing, with large numbers of elephant and buffalo congregating in the Chobe region and migrant birds begin to return to Botswana. Rates remain high – and availability correspondingly low.

  • Warmer days and cool nights
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
  • Large congregations of elephant & buffalo in the Chobe region
  • Hazy conditions less good for photographers, but brilliant sunsets
  • High season rates; many lodges & camps are full

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Botswana in October

October is the one of the hottest months of the year, and usually one of the driest. Towards the end of the month the chances of rain can increase, and along with this can come greater humidity. The air is usually dry and hazy, making photography more challenging, but the lack of water and vegetation result in very good big-game viewing.

Water levels are now much lower, so water-based activities such as boating, mokoro trips and fishing cease in many of the camps which are not on major tributaries.

  • Hot temperatures, with the chance of rain towards the end of the month
  • Great big-game viewing
  • Less opportunity for water activities in camps as floods recede
  • Hazy air not great for photographers
  • Final month of the peak season in camps

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in October

Botswana in November

November usually marks the end of the dry season in Botswana, when increasing temperatures drive a rise in humidity, sometimes culminating in the first rains. These are often short but very heavy showers in the late afternoon or during the night, and can be spectacular. The rains lower the temperatures slightly but bring a flush of green back into the dry landscapes. As waterholes in surrounding areas fill, wildlife will gradually begin to disperse as it is not restricted by the availability of water.

November is a great time for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant birds. The first couple of weeks are very popular with travellers looking for great game viewing at lower rates as Botswana enters the “shoulder” season.

  • Hot in the middle of the day; sometimes humid
  • Heavy showers increasingly likely as the month progresses
  • Wildlife watching still good, but less reliable once it rains
  • Migrant birds start to arrive
  • “Shoulder” season brings mid-range rates in camps

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Botswana in December

The rains in Botswana have now started, bringing some respite to the high temperatures. Game viewing becomes harder as wildlife is more dispersed but great sightings can still be had in the right areas such as Khwai and the Kwara and Mombo concessions.

Areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans change completely with the salt pans becoming covered in a shallow layer of water attracting large numbers of breeding flamingos. Low-season rates at many camps are a draw.

  • Temperatures starting to fall from the highs of October/November
  • Very high chance of rain, usually large heavy storms for short periods
  • Flamingos return to breed at the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Wildlife more dispersed, so game viewing more challenging
  • Typically low-season rates in the camps

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Botswana fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Okavango Delta Safari Reserves.


ABU CAMP in OKAVANGO DELTA

Excursions in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Optional extra day-drips and excursions possible whilst your staying within Okavango Delta Safari Reserves. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Ballooning in the Okavango Delta

Ballooning in the Okavango Delta

Half day - mornings only

Airborne over the Okavango Delta is always magical - not only for its beauty, but also for insights it gives you into the patterns of channels, lagoons and floodplains. Floating silently at dawn, watching the early sun light up the misty palms islands and spotting the animals as they wake up is particularly enchanting.

More about Okavango Ballooning
Elephant Activity

Elephant Activity

Half day - mornings only

Any stay to Baines' Camp and Stanley's Camp is synonymous with the acclaimed elephant activity! Join experts Doug and Sandi Groves in a gentle, interactive experience walking with the two elephants Jabulani and Marula. This experience is a must for all lovers of elephants and wildlife!

More about Elephant Activity
93% (3 reviews)
Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

More about Helicopter Flight

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa