About Chitabe Camp
Overlooking a floodplain within the Chitabe concession, in the southern part of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, ...
... the established Chitabe Camp has an impressive track record for game viewing. The concession, or private reserve, is bordered on three sides by the Moremi Game Reserve and lies in one of the Delta’s drier areas. Unlike areas further north in the Delta, it is largely forested, with shady, wooded glades but few open plains.
Chitabe Camp has historically been known for superb game viewing and its resident population of wild dog. The standard of guiding is very high, and the team is very enthusiastic about the area's wildlife. This, together with very comfortable accommodation, makes Chitabe a popular choice for visitors to the Okavango – so you're likely to need to book well in advance.
Our view
Chitabe Camp has historically been known for superb game viewing and its resident population of wild dog. The standard of guiding is very high, and the team is very enthusiastic about the area's wildlife. This, together with very comfortable accommodation, makes Chitabe a popular choice for visitors to the Okavango – so you're likely to need to book well in advance.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
8 tented rooms
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Chitabe Camp
69 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 48 pictures of Chitabe Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Chitabe Camp
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
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$7,920 - US$14,550 per person
Chitabe Camp: Our full report
Overlooking a floodplain within the Chitabe concession, in the southern part of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, ...
... the established Chitabe Camp has an impressive track record for game viewing. The concession, or private reserve, is bordered on three sides by the Moremi Game Reserve and lies in one of the Delta’s drier areas. Unlike areas further north in the Delta, it is largely forested, with shady, wooded glades but few open plains.
Within the Chitabe concession you'll find a collage of mopane and acacia woodlands, bordered to the north-east by the Gomoti River and to the south-west by the Santantadibe River. Chitabe Camp shares the reserve with its smaller sister camp, the neighbouring Chitabe Lediba as well as Sandibe Safari Lodge.
As it stands, the main area is a beautifully designed thatched structure, with a selection of big comfortable sofas and a cleverly crafted bar. Hewn from the trunk of a marula tree, this is well-stocked with a variety of soft drinks, local beers, wines and local spirits. Wide steps lead down to the firepit, where guests gather for afternoon tea or to enjoy evening drinks.
A walkway connects this area to the open-sided dining room, also under thatch, and affording views over the surrounding plains. Both brunch and dinner are served from counters of beautifully polished old tree trunks, with guests eating together at one large table. On some nights (often a Monday), guests will gather in the separate boma to enjoy a convivial evening and a selection of Botswana's traditional dishes.
Set below the dining room is the camp’s plunge pool, surrounded by sunloungers and sharing the view from the shade of some enormous trees.
One of the things we particularly like at Chitabe is the small library, nestled in the branches of a large tree along a walkway away from the main areas, yet still with a great view. With a seat designed from the branch of a sausage tree, balanced by comfortable and stylish sofas, it's a great place to retreat with a drink and a good book.
There’s also a small curio shop selling traditional Okavango crafts and baskets made by the staff.
Chitabe Camp has eight tented rooms, built on raised wooden decks that are linked by walkways that meander through the trees. To the front of each room is a shady veranda with cushioned iron-framed chairs and a table, where you can sit and watch the birds or the wildlife that wanders by the camp. Glass sliding doors lead inside, flanked by large mesh windows to let in light and air.
The rooms themselves combine classic and modern themes, with pride of place given to wildlife photos taken by camp owner Dave Hamman, who is a photo-journalist and private guide. In the centre, a mosquito net envelops comfortable twin or double beds, complete with the bedside table and lamps. A writing desk, standing fan, luggage rack and a soft chair with a footstool complete the picture.
Separated from the bedroom by a canvas wall divider, is a respectably sized en-suite bathroom, with hot and cold running water. Central to the room are twin basins, with a large mirror above each, while both the toilet and an indoor shower are hidden discreetly behind canvas screens. More fun, though, is a private outside shower where you can take in more of those fantastic views.
On the practical side, there’s plenty of shelving and hanging space, as well as an electronic safe, a laundry basket and anti-mosquito sprays etc, while creature comforts come in the form of fluffy towels and bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries.
Chitabe offers a classic dry-land safari experience, with activities focusing on 4WD game drives with the bonus of spotlit drives after sundowners. All are conducted in covered open-sided safari vehicles, in which everyone has a 'window' seat.
The Chitabe reserve supports a varied range of animal and birdlife, with numerous leopards thriving on a prolific population of impala, and a good record of wild dog sightings, which are always a highlight. Other regular sightings are giraffe and zebra, and there are also good populations of buffalo and elephant, as well as lion.
Chitabe was the location for photographs by the camp’s owners, Dave and Helene Hamman, in Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog – and our most recent visit in November 2019 the weather was not on our side and despite seeing a pride of lions including some very full looking cubs, other sights were a little sparse. However, we have had some epic wild dog sightings in the area at one tome the 32-strong pack of dogs resident to the area twas reportedly the largest in the Delta, although this has since fragmented. We also seen honey badgers, leopards, and cheetah from Chitabe. The birdlife was also excellent and varied, from wattled cranes to ground hornbills. We were really spoilt during our stay!
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- A three-night stay is ideal at Chitabe Camp.
- Directions
- Guests take a light-aircraft flight to the Chitabe airstrip, and it is then a half-hour game drive to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our last visit to Chitabe in 2019 our meals were very tasty. The camp is able to cater for most dietary requirements as long as they are informed in advance.
For early-morning breakfast, before your morning game drive, there is a choice of cereal, porridge, fruit and muffins, alongside tea, coffee and fruit juice.
You’ll return from the morning activity to a substantial brunch. There is always a hot dish on offer – we enjoyed a chicken poiki – and the chef will cook up bacon, sausages and eggs in front of you on request. There is also a selection of salads, freshly cooked bread, fruit and a cheeseboard.
Afternoon tea is served before the afternoon activity, with both a savoury snack and cake; our samosas stuffed with vegetables with a sweet dipping sauce were excellent. There’s also homemade lemonade and iced or hot tea and coffee.
Shortly after your return to camp following the afternoon activity, guests gather for dinner. In the past we have enjoyed a starter of salmon carpaccio, followed by roast leg of lamb and roast chicken with roast vegetables and a selection of salads, and finished with fresh berries and pavlova. On our most recent stay we were there for the boma night, where we were treated to canapés and drinks around the fire before a traditional braai, or barbecue. Our hosts also explained a little about Batswana culture and traditions, an interesting and unexpected addition to to our evening. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- None.
- Drinks included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits, and a limited selection of South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
On arrival, guests are usually given a water bottle of filtered water from the camp’s reverse osmosis machine, and are encouraged to top it up from the filtered supply in the camp's main area. Each room is also provided with glasses and a flask of filtered drinking water.
Special interests
- Wildlife safaris
- The Chitabe concession has regular lion and leopard sightings but reasonably constant wild dog sightings over the last few years have really been the highlight. There are also good levels of plains game here.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 12 are welcome at Chitabe Camp. The camp may accept ages 6–12 if a private vehicle is booked but this must be requested in advance. Children aged six years and under are not accepted.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age six years
- Special activities & services
- Chitabe can provide families with children with their own 'Bush Buddy', who is trained in educating and entertaining children while on safari. This complimentary service must be booked in advance.
- Equipment
- There are board games for children, and the camp can arrange separate mealtimes for families if they want to eat earlier.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Chitabe Camp for children over the age of 12 years on the grounds of safety and the need for a private vehicle for children younger than this.
- Notes
- Dangerous wildlife regularly moves through camp and the walkways to the rooms are raised fairly high off the ground, so children must be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chitabe Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chitabe Camp 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
100% success
90% success
88% success
82% success
56% success
25% success
13% success
13% success
13% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Each tented room has a power point where guests can charge their batteries, with adaptors available in camp. Extensions for CPAP machines can be provided on request.
There is a generator in case of power failure. - Communications
- Chitabe Camp has a CB radio link in case of emergencies, but otherwise you should consider yourself out of contact. There is no cellphone reception or WiFi.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the tented rooms have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.
Sustainability
Alternative energy for a healthier environment
Over the past 21 years, Chitabe Camp has been committed to having a low eco-footprint by managing their electrical power consumption and implementing various systems to lighten their carbon footprint. These projects include multiple activities such as converting on-site geysers to either power heat pumps or hybrid solar/heat systems, thus considerably increasing use of alternative energy.
Chitabe Camp has been operating entirely on solar power since February 2016. The largest part of their energy makeover entailed the installation of a 75kWh solar PV plant of approximately 500m2 in extent. Large scale of solar power installations will provide tourists a reliable, safe and high-quality source of electricity. For night operations, they have 96x1660 Ah lead-acid batteries which store 220kWh of power. With less possibilities of blackout, tourists will have continuous energy but at lower environmental costs.
Chitabe’s solar conversion programme mirrors Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to find sustainable energy solutions that help minimise any negative impacts that its operations may have on the environment. Compared to the traditional diesel generator, solar generation results in less noise and creates a much more welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy their stay at Chitabe Camp.
See more great sustainability projects in Botswana
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All camp managers are first-aid trained and various medications are kept in the camp. In an emergency, clients can be flown out either via helicopter or medical rescue plane – but please note 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
- Because of the Okavango Delta's large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Chitabe Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to/from their rooms after dark. Airhorns are provided in the rooms to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- Fire assembly points in the camp are clearly marked with signs. Each room has a fire extinguisher outside, and there are fire extinguishers in the main areas.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included, with a net bag provided for smalls. Weather permitting, laundry is collected in the morning and brought back in the evening.
- Money
- There are safes in all the rooms, and pouches locked with numerical tags are provided. No exchange facilities are offered.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners Club and Amex are not. Credit-card transactions attract no commission. Cash payments may be made in South African rand, US dollars, GB pounds, euros and Botswana pula.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Chitabe Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chitabe Camp.
Excursions from Chitabe Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Chitabe Camp. 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.
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.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
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 Chitabe Camp 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
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me