About Duke’s Camp
The beguiling and romantic imagery evoked by the thought of an African wildlife safari is perfectly replicated at Duke’s Camp.
Attention to detail is at the heart of Duke’s Camp, whether it’s in the beautifully appointed tented chalets, the uniquely styled main area, on safari, or around a dinner table where lantern light dances on polished crystal glasses.
Picture yourself sinking into a leather-upholstered chaise lounge or reclining in cushioned directors' chairs on your private deck. Every feature, from the Persian carpets underfoot to the vintage campaign chests, speaks of timeless elegance. The four-poster beds, draped in soft fabric, and the paisley tent linings evoke the grandeur of an Edwardian mansion, while the scalloped canvas roofs add a touch of refined style.
But the allure doesn't stop at the guest tents. The main area artfully blends the romanticism of classic African safaris with the exotic touches of nomadic Bedouin camps, transporting guests on a journey to another era, all while keeping you deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness.
Tucked beneath mature riverine trees alive with birdsong, you’ll find an open-sided lounge, a dining room, and a charming tearoom where colourful rugs are encircled by large, inviting cushions. Here, you can relax with a cool drink and delicious bites while taking in the serene views of the floodplains crisscrossed by shimmering channels.
Venture out to explore the mosaic landscape of open plains, tree islands, and lily-filled channels by comfortable safari vehicle, gliding mokoro, or motorboat. For a touch of extra adventure, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight, unwind with a rejuvenating massage, or sleep under the stars, camping out on your own secluded island.
What truly makes each stay unforgettable is the warmth and care of the dedicated Duke’s Camp team. Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend, and take with you memories of an experience that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Our view
Rather than clashing with the environment, the style and décor of Duke’s Camp complements it beautifully and allows guests an experience immersed in the romanticism of a bygone safari era. Attention to detail, a high level of comfort and exceptional service mixes remoteness with luxury. We’ve always found the guiding at Duke’s to be excellent, with an interpretation of the bush that really enhances wildlife encounters.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
8 tented suites at Duke’s; 4 at Duke’s East
Children
Best for aged 10+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Duke’s Camp
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 1 pictures of Duke’s Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryDuke’s Camp: Our full report
The elegant Duke's Camp is located on Kgao Island, overlooking a lagoon in an 890km2 concession in Botswana's ...
... northwest Okavango Delta. Founded by the renowned guide, conservationist, and businessman Ralph Bousfield, it reflects the distinctive style that sets his camps apart. Duke’s offers a wildlife experience steeped in the romanticism of a bygone era, complemented by expert guiding, exceptional service, and exquisite cuisine.
Duke's Camp – along with the smaller but near identical Duke's East – is the fulfilment of a vision by Ralph Bousfield, creator of Jack's Camp on the edge of the wide open Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Boasting a similarly 1940’s safari style, it also benefits from the exacting standards of guiding and service for which Ralph's teams are known.
The camp's namesake is Sarefo “Duke” Sarefo, custodian of this piece of wilderness. Born and bred here of the local Wayeyi tribe, he became a champion for the conservation of his surroundings. In partnership with Ralph, his work and philosophy are continued through Duke’s Camp.
With its 8 tented chalets raised on wooden decks and nestled among mature ebony and leadwood trees, Duke's blends beautifully with the landscape. Whether in doubles, twins or the family tent (two en-suite rooms, separated by a shared lounge and set on one raised deck with a plunge pool) guests will find rooms evocative of safaris from a bygone era, created with a clever eye for detail.
Through traditional zip doors, you’ll find a lavish interior. In place of standard tent linings, you'll be almost enveloped in patterned drapery that sets the scene for vintage mahogany furniture, historical artworks, and raised four-poster beds under mosquito net canopies with Evening Breeze cooling systems. Persian rugs on polished floors and brass fittings in the en-suite bathroom continue the theme, while on each private deck you'll find both leather directors' chairs and a lounger from which to scan the plains and waterways in front for wildlife.
The same style pervades the open fronted main area, where you can cosy down at low tables on large cushions in the tea tent, or relax in the more traditional lounge with a view out onto the channel and the plains beyond. In keeping with safari tradition, meals are served at one long table, either outside under the trees or in the dining area. Either way, polished crystal and antique cutlery clink over delicious fare.
Wildlife watching can continue from around the pool, while as night falls the firepit comes into its own to chat over the day's adventures. On one recent visit, we particularly enjoyed seeing a pair of Pel's fishing owls roost within the camp's African ebony (jackalberry) trees.
Duke's sister property, Dukes East, a five-minute drive away, is a smaller yet otherwise almost identical twin camp, ideal as a private camp for groups it can also be shared by individual travellers. There are 4 tented chalets, including a large family tent with its own private plunge pool. The two camps are run independently of each other, but the guide teams work together over wildlife sightings, which comes in handy when tracking fast-paced wild dogs or that elusive leopard!
Both camps are surrounded by a low electric fence designed to restrict hippo and elephant movement within the camp. However, as is typical at safari camps in the region, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark as other animals can and do pass through. On a recent visit we were very lucky to see a caracal within the camp boundary, and after dark we heard a leopard calling nearby.
During the daytime, adventures are plenty. Game drives top the list of activities, exploring this exceptional wilderness area in 4WD vehicles in search of wildlife that ranges from sitatunga and elephant to lion, leopard and wild dog – and bird species in the hundreds.
We had an incredible first game drive when we saw three leopards, including a cub that was no more than six weeks old. Other sightings of note were a pair of large male lions and a pack of 22 wild dogs making repeated hunts, flushing reedbuck in the long grass only to lose sight of them bounding over the reeds, all overlooked by an inquisitive herd of giraffe.
Water levels permitting, glide almost silently along the channels by mokoro, or explore further by motorboat - perhaps try your hand at fishing (excluding January to March, which is the breeding season). Or, at extra cost, consider a helicopter trip, either to view the surrounding area or to the Tsodilo Hills. And in case you need a little more adventure, there's the possibility of spending a night under the stars on a small, private island.
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 - 4 nights.
- Directions
- Duke's Camp is approximately 40 minutes by light aircraft from Maun, followed by an estimated 45-minute game drive into camp. The duration of the drive depends on the wildlife you see along the way and the water levels. Duke's East is about a 5-minute drive from Duke's Camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Meals at Duke's Camp and Duke’s East are typically sociable occasions around a communal table. Special dietary requests and private dining can usually be catered for with advance notice. We have always found the food at these camps to be fresh, well cooked and very tasty.
Before an early morning activity, a quick cup of tea or coffee is served with muffins or cookies on a ‘to go’ basis. A light breakfast is then served while out on the morning game drive. This is usually a selection of cereals, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, freshly made muffins, tea and coffee. For guests with a later activity, or on request, a more leisurely breakfast is served in camp.
Lunch is served between about 11.30am and 1.30pm, and is flexible around activities and guests preferences. On our visits, we’ve enjoyed beef fillet with garlic and herb butter, served with homemade chips; homemade chicken pie; and tasty vegetarian samosas accompanied by a green salad or a couscous salad. The meal is usually rounded off with a cheese board.
Afternoon tea at Duke's Camp is usually delicious. Hot and cold drink choices are accompanied by a selection of savoury and sweet treats. We’ve tried shortbread biscuits, quiche tartlets, mini chicken pies, chocolate lamingtons, scones with jam and cream, and an irresistible coffee and walnut cake. It is during teatime that the evening's dinner menu will be announced by the chef, usually incorporating a choice of three main courses.
Dinner is usually a communal meal around one long table. It begins with soup accompanied by a freshly made bread roll, and we’ve had spicy butternut and green pea soups. For our main courses we’ve selected from fillet of beef wrapped in bacon served with mashed potato and a selection of caramelised carrots, zucchini and beans; a deliciously warming lamb curry with rice and mixed vegetables; salmon with potato rosti cakes and steamed vegetables; and quinoa cakes with chickpea tagine. The meal is rounded off with dessert and we remember delicious homemade ice creams and chocolate malva pudding.
We were offered red or white wine chosen to accompany our dinner, and house spirits were also available. After dinner, drinks were served around the campfire. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinking water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
Guests can help themselves to tea and coffee in the main area throughout the day. You are also provided with your own personal drink bottle and encouraged to keep this topped up with filtered water.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Duke's Camp and Duke's East are good family safari options, each surrounded by a low fence to restrict large animals. Each camp has a large family suite with two ensuite bedrooms and a lounge, all set on a raised deck with a plunge pool.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Botswana
- Honeymoons
- The service and attention to detail at romantic Duke’s Camp and Duke’s East are excellent and you can be sure of being made to feel special. For an extra addition, consider a sleep out under the stars on a private island!
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Botswana
- Private villas & houses
- Duke’s East is a small, intimate camp with just three double/twin tents and one two-bedroom family unit. This beautifully situated camp can be booked on a private basis for exclusive use when travelling with extended family and friends on safari.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Duke’s welcome children aged from 6 years.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under 6. For guests aged 6-9 on game drives, a private vehicle must be booked at extra cost.
- Special activities & services
- There are two family chalets, each with two en-suite bedrooms: one at Duke's Camp, the other at Duke's East.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although both camps accept children from the age of 6, they have an adult feel that is not in keeping with young children. They are also in an area where dangerous animals are free to roam, so are best suited to children aged about 10 and above.
The camps do offer discounted rates for children up to the age of 18 sharing a room with adults. - Notes
- Duke's is surrounded by tracts of water with an unfenced pool and dangerous wildlife roaming through. Children must be supervised by a parent or carer at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Duke’s Camp
Since mid-2022, many of our travellers who stayed at Duke’s 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 method
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Communications
- Power supply notes
- Guest tents have 24hr solar-powered electricity.
Each chalet has a multi-point plug adaptor. - Communications
- Duke's has WiFi access in each of the rooms, but not in the main areas. There is no cellphone signal in the camp.
- TV & radio
- No TV or radio
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- All the tented chalets are plumbed with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Maun. All managers and guides are first-aid trained and there is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. Medical evacuation is available in case of emergency, but please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their suites after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A safety briefing is given on arrival. “Foghorns” are provided in the suites to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is in place, with the exception of undergarments, for which washing powder is provided in each bathroom.
- Money
- There is a safe in each suite. No exchange facilities are offered.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as are cash payments in US dollars, euros, GB sterling, South African rand and Botswana pula.
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Duke’s Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Duke’s Camp.
Excursions from Duke’s Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Duke’s 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.
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.
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.
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 Duke’s 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
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