About 4 Rivers
Nestled in ancient woodland fronted by a permanent lagoon, 4 Rivers combines wilderness with a feeling of intimacy.
In every direction is a mosaic of waterways, open plains and forested islands, characteristic of this private wildlife reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Just nine traditional walk-in tents welcome visitors into this peaceful sanctuary. Raised wooden decks with comfortable seating are the perfect spot to watch over the scenic channel, while outdoor (as well as indoor) showers with a view ensure that you never miss a moment.
In seeking out wildlife, you'll be accompanied by a guide and a tracker, whether exploring the reserve from an open-sided 4WD game vehicle or – even more thrillingly – traversing the forested Maboa Island on foot, with the chance of spotting the majestic sable antelope.
On the water, weave through the channels by mokoro or try your hand at fishing. At 4 Rivers, the options are many.
Then it's back to camp to revel in the day's events, perhaps with a drink from the bar in the lounge area designed to soak in the view, or around the flames of a warming central firepit before dinner.
Our view
4 Rivers is an exciting camp in a seldom-explored corner of the Kwara Reserve. Based on the region's rich wildlife history, this camp is one to watch and the team has done well to learn the animal movements in the area in the short time the camp has been open. While it will take a few years for more elusive animals, like leopards, to become fully relaxed around vehicles, this somehow adds to the allure of this wild location.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
9 tented rooms
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of 4 Rivers
11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 80 pictures of 4 Rivers to get the candid view.
View gallery4 Rivers: Our full report
Opened in June 2023, 4 Rivers is the latest camp from which to explore the private Kwara Reserve.
With its own airstrip, under well-established ownership, and very well-priced for the Okavango Delta, we are excited to watch this camp and wildlife develop.
Several numerous members of the Expert Africa team have visited 4 Rivers since it opened, most recently in October 2024. We have been excited to explore this new, hidden corner of the 1,750 km2 Kwara Reserve.
Although the camp shares the Kwara private concession with its established sister camps, Kwara and Splash, it is located further west, with its own private airstrip and an area around camp that is exclusive to 4 Rivers' vehicles.
Overlooking a permanent small lagoon to Maboa Island, the camp is surrounded by a rich mosaic of waterways, mopane woodlands and open plains, dotted with forested islands.
The camp’s nine tented rooms, including a family tent, are spacious, double-shelled extra-long Meru-style tents. All are set on raised wooden platforms, and linked by raised walkways backing an ancient forest. At the front of each tent is a deck overlooking the channel, with an outdoor table and chairs providing a peaceful spot to enjoy the views and birdlife.
A meshed door to the side of each tent leads into an open-plan lounge with two couches and a reading table, and a bedroom with twin or king-size beds. The style is contemporary and floor-to-ceiling meshed windows add to the feeling of spaciousness.
A central headboard separates the room, with small bedside lamps and USB charging points thoughtfully located above a small bedside table. Along with a small writing table and additional charging points, you’ll find a fan, a safe and a battery-charging outlet. WiFi is available only in the rooms.
Each tented room has an indoor and outdoor shower and a matching pair of sinks, framed by a pair of hanging mirrors. We loved the outdoor shower’s pressure, a rarity in the safari world!
The Family room consists of two standard tented rooms on a raised platform with an enclosed walkway between the two rooms, offering safety and privacy at the same time. They share an outside deck and, each room offers ensuite facilities. The family room can accommodate a family of five.
In the main area, a large statue of a pangolin welcomes you to a number of lounge areas, where guests can relax over a book or a drink from the bar. A small pool to the right of the main area invites additional relaxation, while the firepit on the water’s edge comes into its own as night falls – its warmth welcoming after an evening’s game drive. A curio shop is also on hand to purchase gifts.
Activities at 4 Rivers include game drives, day and night, each accompanied by a guide and tracker, thus enhancing the opportunities for visitors to spot wildlife. Guided safari walks on Maboa Island introduce that thrill of adventure, and seasonal mokoro excursions come into their own here, too.
As 4 Rivers is a new camp, we wanted to spend time focusing on the area and landscape rather than on specific animals during our January 2024 visit, but what we did see was impressive. An estimated 300 zebra appeared during our first game drive, plus numerous herds of giraffe and a wonderful multi-species sighting of roan antelope, impala, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck and a pair of dainty steenboks – all framed by five large elephant bulls in the distance.
We have yet to try any water based or walking activities at 4 Rivers, but we would recommend a scenic helicopter transfer; seeing the vast landscape from the air puts the beauty of the Okavango into context.
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- We would suggest a stay of three nights at 4 Rivers. It works well in combination with its sister camps, Lagoon Camp or Lebala Camp in northern Botswana's Linyanti region within the extensive Kwando Reserve; and Nxai Pan and Tau Pan in the drier reaches of the Kalahari to the south.
Do note that if you combine time at 4 Rivers with Lebala, Lagoon, Tau Pan or Nxai Pan for a total of six or more nights, we are able to offer a discounted long-stay rate. - Directions
- Guests usually arrive by light aircraft at 4 Rivers' private airstrip, which is a 35-minute flight from Maun. From there it's a short drive of around 20 minutes to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our most recent visit, in January 2024, the food was fresh, tasty and plentiful. The kitchen can comfortably cater to vegetarian requests, with other dietary requirements possible with advance notice.
Breakfast was a selection of muffins, yoghurts, porridge and cereals with tea or coffee.
Brunch is served when you return from your morning activity. We enjoyed a delicious spread of fresh fish, vegetarian quiche, apple, raisin and carrot coleslaw, a green salad and freshly baked bread. A sideboard of cheese was also available as was a cooked breakfast option.
The timing of dinner depends on when you return from your afternoon activity. We tucked into a traditional themed dinner with pounded beef (seswaa), sausages, steaks and an assortment of vegetables and pap (polenta).
Excitingly the camp can also offer private meals by the pool, main area or your own deck. Weather permitting there are also facilities for bush dinners. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Local drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, are included. Imported and premium drinks such as champagne are extra, and advance notice is needed if these are required. Filtered drinking water is always available.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- The terrain surrounding 4 Rivers is home to a wide variety of vegetation making this camp an ideal location for birdwatchers in Botswana to see many of the Okavango’s almost 450 species of birdlife.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
- Walking
- 4 Rivers in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has access to Maboa Island. A tract of land that has limited vehicle access, it allows for some exciting walking opportunities.
- See ideas for Walking in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- 4 Rivers Camp has a positive approach to children on safari and welcomes children aged six and over
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age 6 years. Families with children aged 6–12 years are required to book a private vehicle on game drives; depending on the size of the group, there may be an additional charge for this.
- Special activities & services
- The camp will be as flexible as possible with children's mealtimes and will prepare favourites such as spaghetti bolognese for children.
- Equipment
- 4 Rivers Camp has one family tented room, with two interleading rooms – a double and a twin. There is no special equipment is available.
- Generally recommended for children
- We recommend 4 Rivers for older children who are genuinely interested in wildlife.
- Notes
- 4 Rivers is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife, including lion and leopard, can wander through the camp at any time. There is no fence around the pool, and both the rooms and the footpaths are elevated. Thus, all children will need to be constantly supervised by a parent or guardian.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from 4 Rivers
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at 4 Rivers have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
92% success
90% success
80% success
75% success
58% success
55% success
27% success
11% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator. Battery-charging facilities are available in each tented room.
- Communications
- Wi-Fi is available in the guest rooms, but there is no cellphone reception. In an emergency, radio contact can also be made with the main office in Maun.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the tented rooms have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers as well as flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Camp managers are first-aid trained and a first-aid kit is kept at camp. In an emergency, 4 Rivers can arrange for clients to be flown out. Please note, however, that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The camp is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife is known to move through, so guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. A safety talk is given on arrival. “Foghorns” are provided in the tented rooms to attract attention in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the common areas of the camp and in each room.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Included
- Money
- Each tented room has a safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa are accepted, but not Amex. Cash payments may be made in US dollars, British pounds, euros, Botswana pula and South African rand.
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4 Rivers's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of 4 Rivers.
Excursions from 4 Rivers
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at 4 Rivers. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
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 FlightOther lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year-round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a large concession, the romantic Duke's Camp and smaller Duke’s East are nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains and waterways of the Okavango.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
When to go to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit 4 Rivers in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in January
January marks the peak of the rainy season in the Okavango Delta. Evening rains are often short but heavy, accompanied by occasional dramatic thunderstorms. Temperatures remain high, although cooler than the preceding months of October to December. Wildlife can be harder to spot as animals spread out across the lush floodplains.
This month is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with migratory species in abundance over flooded areas. Rising water levels in parts of the Delta make mokoro safaris possible, offering serene and immersive experiences. The vibrant greenery and dramatic skies provide stunning opportunities for photography. With relatively low rates and fewer visitors, January is ideal for those seeking a quieter, budget-conscious Botswana safari.
- Warm temperatures with frequent evening showers
- Birdlife at its most spectacular in the Delta
- Wildlife dispersed, but insects and smaller creatures abound
- Excellent availability in Delta lodges and camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in February
February mirrors January’s weather patterns, with heavy rains and slightly cooler temperatures. The Delta’s landscape is at its greenest and teeming with life. Smaller animals, insects, and vibrant birdlife dominate, as many species raise their young. The rains create temporary pools and waterholes, further dispersing larger game, while thick vegetation and tall grass adds to the challenge of spotting big wildlife.
However, Moremi Game Reserve and select areas of the Delta still offer excellent game viewing opportunities. Rising water levels enhance water activities, with boat safaris providing unique access to the Delta’s watery beauty. February is particularly rewarding for photographers seeking lush landscapes and dramatic skies and birdwatchers, with many migratory species present.
- Warm with occasional thunderstorms
- Many animals with young in the Delta
- Big game dispersed throughout wetlands
- Big game dispersed, but viewing improves in drier areas
- Lower visitor numbers and great lodge availability
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in March
March marks the gradual end of the main rainy season in the Okavango Delta. Sunny days become more frequent, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The Delta remains lush and vibrant, with wildlife activity increasing as animals finish raising their young and begin congregating around permanent water sources.
Rising water levels make boat safaris a highlight, offering intimate access to the Delta’s waterways. Birdwatching is excellent, with both resident and migratory species thriving. With fewer visitors, March offers a quieter, more personal safari experience.
- Rains taper off but temperatures remain warm
- Occasional small thunderstorms in Delta
- Wildlife begins congregating around water sources
- Ideal conditions for boat safaris
- Few tourists and attractive rates at camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in April
April brings clearer skies to the Okavango Delta, with the landscape remaining green and lush. Night temperatures begin to drop, especially in the southern Delta. The annual floods from Angola start to flow through the northern Delta, filling channels and lagoons, creating ideal conditions for water-based activities like boat safaris.
Wildlife viewing improves as vegetation thins and predator activity increases with cooler evenings. Moremi Game Reserve and the private concessions offer rewarding game drives, and walking safaris on the larger islands, such as Chief’s Island, become popular during this time. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many migratory species still present. April’s combination of pleasant weather, wildlife activity, and relatively low rates makes it a rewarding time to visit.
- Cooler evenings and occasional light showers
- Floodwaters begin to fill Delta channels
- Predator-prey interactions increase
- Ideal for walking safaris and boat trips
- Popular shoulder season, rates fairly low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in May
May is a popular time to visit the Okavango Delta, marking the last month of the shoulder season. The annual floods continue to spread through the Delta, transforming the landscape. Cooler mornings and evenings encourage predator activity, while thinning vegetation makes wildlife spotting easier, though some tall grasses may still obstruct views.
May offers excellent photographic opportunities with clear, crisp air. It's a favourite time for many visitors, combining good wildlife sightings with pleasant weather. Camp bookings throughout the Delta fill up quickly during this period.
This is a perfect month for scenic flights, offering breathtaking views of the advancing floodwaters. Mokoro trips through the Delta’s tranquil waterways provide a unique perspective on the environment. Camps start to fill quickly as the Delta’s combination of pleasant weather and excellent wildlife sightings makes it a favourite among safari-goers.
- Cool mornings and evenings with little rain
- Improved game viewing as Delta grasses thin
- Predator activity increasing in drier areas
- Scenic flights and water activities highly recommended
- Last month of shoulder season for camps
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in June
June signals the start of the dry season in the Okavango Delta. Days are warm, with clear skies, while mornings and evenings can be cold, occasionally reaching freezing temperatures. The annual floods reach their peak, creating spectacular conditions for water-based activities like boat safaris along the Khwai River and in private concessions.
Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources as surface water dries up, improving game viewing. The thinning vegetation and crisp, clear air make June perfect for photography. High demand for camp bookings reflects its popularity, as this month combines great game viewing and pleasant weather.
- Warm days, cold mornings and nights
- Peak floodwaters make boat safaris unforgettable
- Wildlife congregates around permanent water sources
- Excellent conditions for photography
- High demand for camps and lodges
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in July
July offers cool mornings and evenings with warm, sunny days, making it ideal for wildlife viewing. The floodwaters remain at their peak, providing excellent opportunities for boat safaris. Vegetation continues to thin, enhancing visibility on game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango’s private reserves.
Large herds of elephants and buffalo are common sights as they gather near water sources. Predator sightings, including lions and leopards, increase as prey concentrates. Birdwatching is rewarding, and the crisp winter air creates stunning photographic conditions. July is one of the most popular months to visit, with many lodges fully booked well in advance.
- Comfortable days, cold mornings and nights
- Excellent game viewing and predator activity
- Moremi and Khwai areas become busy
- Private concessions offer exclusivity
- High season rates; advance bookings essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in August
August remains a highly sought-after month for visiting the Okavango Delta. Nights are cool, while daytime temperatures rise gradually. Wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals concentrate near water sources, while the Delta’s floods are typically at their peak, offering picturesque settings for excellent boat safaris.
Walking safaris and game drives in areas like Moremi Game Reserve and Chief’s Island are particularly rewarding. Large herds of elephants and buffalo are common sights, and predator activity is high, with increased chances of seeing lions, leopards, and wild dogs hunting. The clear skies and lack of humidity create excellent stargazing conditions. With many travellers visiting during European and North American holidays, lodge availability can be challenging.
- Dry, warm days and cool nights in the Delta
- Fantastic wildlife viewing near water sources
- Excellent opportunities for game drives and boat safaris
- Cloudless skies, spectacular stargazing
- High demand for accommodation – book early
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in September
September is a favourite for many safari-goers in the Okavango Delta. Daytime temperatures rise, but nights remain cool. The landscape transforms as greenery fades, and hazy conditions create dramatic sunsets. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals cluster around permanent water sources, with especially large numbers of elephants and buffalo. This concentration of prey attracts predators, increasing chances of witnessing exciting hunts.
The return of migratory birds enhances birdwatching. Water levels begin to recede, but boat cruises are still possible. Dusty conditions may challenge photographers, but the stunning landscapes and wildlife action more than make up for it.
- Warm days, cool nights in the Delta
- Prime month for Okavango wildlife viewing
- Migratory birds return, enriching birdwatching
- Spectacular sunsets and dramatic scenery
- High season rates, many Delta camps full
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in October
October is the hottest and driest month in the Okavango Delta. Wildlife concentrates around the last remaining water sources, creating some of the most dramatic game viewing opportunities of the year. Predator-prey interactions are frequent and visibility is excellent, making for thrilling safaris.
Walking safaris are particularly rewarding, especially on smaller islands, but early starts are essential to avoid the midday heat. Towards the end of the month, the first rains may bring relief and begin rejuvenating the parched landscape. Despite the heat, October offers excellent big-game viewing and dramatic photographic moments of animal interactions.
- Hot days, with late-month chances of rain
- Outstanding big-game viewing near water sources
- Water activities limited as floods recede
- Walking safaris provide unique experiences
- Final month of the peak safari season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in November
November marks the start of the green season in the Delta. Rising humidity and temperatures often lead to the first heavy rains; these are typically short, heavy showers in the late afternoon or night, creating spectacular scenes and bringing a flush of green to the parched landscape. Wildlife begins to disperse as waterholes refill, but game drives still offer rewarding sightings.
Water levels may be low, limiting boat activities, but November is exceptional for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migratory species. Scenic flights highlight the contrast between dry and wet areas. The first two weeks are popular for travellers seeking good game viewing at lower rates as the Delta transitions into its shoulder season.
- Hot, humid days in the Delta
- Dramatic rain showers , increasing as month progresses
- Migratory birds arrive in abundance
- Wildlife watching good, but less predictable
- Shoulder season offers mid-range rates
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves in December
December sees the rainy season in full swing across the Okavango Delta, bringing some respite from high temperatures. Game viewing becomes more challenging as wildlife disperses, but great sightings can still be had. The landscape transforms dramatically, with lush vegetation sprouting across the Delta. This period is excellent for birdwatching, with numerous migratory species present.
Water levels begin to rise, gradually improving conditions for boat safaris. The green season offers unique photographic opportunities, with dramatic skies and newborn animals. December is ideal for visitors seeking a more intimate Delta experience, with fewer tourists and lower rates at many camps and lodges. The combination of wildlife, birdlife, and scenic beauty makes it a rewarding time to visit.
- Warm temperatures
- High chance of rain in short, heavy storms
- Wildlife more dispersed across Delta
- Game viewing more challenging in wetlands
- Low-season rates and fewer visitors in most Delta camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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