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Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp

About Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp is a fairly small camp built on a little island amidst the large open floodplains of the Jao Flats.

The Okavango's levels fluctuate throughout the year but when the water levels are high during the peak of the floods, Jacana is usually completely surrounded by water, giving it a true island feeling. This also means that water-based activities can generally be offered year-round. When water levels permit, occasional dry-land 4WD trips to Hunda Island, for game viewing, are also an option.

This authentic Delta camp is a firm favourite of our team. It stands out for its stunning location, excellent birdlife and informal, tropical air. Jacana Camp makes a particularly good place to end a safari, or when used in the middle of a trip, as a welcome break from the 'serious' business of big-game watching. Come for a classic water-based Delta experience, and we hope you enjoy this camp as much as we do.

Our view

This authentic Delta camp is a firm favourite of our team. It stands out for its stunning location, excellent birdlife and informal, tropical air. Jacana Camp makes a particularly good place to end a safari, or when used in the middle of a trip, as a welcome break from the 'serious' business of big-game watching. Come for a classic water-based Delta experience, and we hope you enjoy this camp as much as we do.

Maruska AdyeRowe

Maruska AdyeRowe

Botswana expert

Accommodation

5 tented chalets

Children

Best for 12+

Open

The camp usually closes for a month at t

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Helicopter

Helicopter

Mokoro

Mokoro

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Jacana Camp

27 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


99%
27 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
25
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Pete & NancyfromStockton

Arrived 18 Oct 2021, 3 nights

"Jacana Camp review"

"Our experience will be hard to beat... Animal & bird sightings were outstanding. …" Read Pete & Nancy’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs VfromHarlow

Arrived 22 Jan 2020, 2 nights

"Jacana Camp review"

"... were rewarded by good views of sitatunga …" Read Mr & Mrs V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromUK

Arrived 13 Aug 2018, 3 nights

"Jacana was a great experience"

"The highlight was a great sighting of a Pels Fishing Owl …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T & Ms KfromNL

Arrived 12 Nov 2017, 2 nights

"Jacana Camp review"

"Great place for water-based activities... staff service was really great... …" Read Mr T & Ms K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

A, T & HfromLondon

Arrived 27 Jul 2017, 2 nights

"Pure Paradise"

"Arriving here is a magical experience. The camp is small, relaxed, familial …" Read A, T & H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs & Mr PfromEssex

Arrived 29 Jul 2017, 3 nights

"Always my favourite"

"Even after 4 visits, dawn from the deck in front of Jacana is still a breathtaking …" Read Mrs & Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs LfromBasingstoke

Arrived 5 Sep 2016, 3 nights

"Jacana Camp is in a beautiful location"

"A special camp, surrounded by and accessible only by water. All the staff …" Read Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs OfromSomerset

Arrived 30 Apr 2016, 3 nights

"Jacana Camp review"

"Another small camp surrounded by water and a glimpse of paradise within a natural …" Read Mr & Mrs O’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms S & Mr KfromUSA

Arrived 30 May 2015, 2 nights

"Jacana Camp review"

"The setting and rooms were the prettiest of all our camps but only two days …" Read Ms S & Mr K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs CfromMiddlesex

Arrived 4 Oct 2014, 2 nights

"Jacana Camp review"

"The staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, right from leaving the …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Jacana Camp reviews

Jacana Camp: Our full report

Jacana Camp is a fairly small camp built on a little island amidst the large open floodplains of the Jao Flats.

The Okavango's levels fluctuate throughout the year but when the water levels are high during the peak of the floods, Jacana is usually completely surrounded by water, giving it a true island feeling. This also means that water-based activities can generally be offered year-round. When water levels permit, occasional dry-land 4WD trips to Hunda Island, for game viewing, are also an option.

Jacana Camp lies within the Jao Reserve, and its small palm-fringed island is typical of the Jao Flats, which is one of the Okavango Delta's largest areas of floodplains. The scenery is very beautiful, and corresponds to what many people expect of the Okavango Delta before they see it for the first time: it's very lush and tropical. We also feel that the camp itself has a particularly relaxed, laid-back air with friendly and efficient staff – perhaps aided by the watery surroundings and the naturally slow pace of mokoro activities.

Jacana Camp's main area is a double-storey building which faces east. So while eating muffins and toast before our morning activity, we had a prime spot to watch the sunrise over the water (and admire our elephant visitor who happily munched his own breakfast at the end of the deck).

Downstairs on the lower deck is the main lounge area with some comfortable sofas, a tea-and-coffee station, and polished wooden bar. Tucked away on a small landing about halfway up the stairs you’ll find a small library and sofa. And the upper deck houses the open-sided dining area, which offers even better views across the floodplains. A wooden walkway leads from the eating area to the fun 'loo with a view', which must be experienced during your stay!

Nestled off to the side of the main building is a small plunge pool with sunloungers and umbrellas. Behind the bar is an area with a central firepit, which is lit most evenings and is a popular spot for pre- and post- dinner drinks and animated discussions. There is also a small curio shop.

Accessed along sandy paths, the five fairly spacious tented chalets at Jacana Camp are set up on wooden decks, each with a small balcony overlooking the scenic floodplains. Sliding doors open into the bedroom area, where a large bed beneath a walk-in mosquito net and cooling ceiling fan makes the most of the view. Bed linen and cushions are in muted tones. A couple of comfortable chairs invite relaxation, and a writing desk plays host to camp information and a few magazines. The practical stuff is tucked away at the back: shelves and hanging space, a tea- and coffee-making station, an electronic safe, and an assortment of international adaptors.

Another sliding door at the back leads to the open-plan, en-suite bathroom. Ceramic double basins are set into a wooden surface beneath an unusual metal-framed mirror. Separated to some extent by head-height wooden poles are the indoor shower and flushing loo. But for stunning views, head for the outside shower, leading off the veranda.

While all Jacana’s chalets are almost identical in style, two are geared to particular guests. Those with children will welcome the family chalet, which has two separate bedrooms joined by a single bathroom. And in the honeymoon suite, set on the other side of the main area to the rest of the chalets, greater privacy allows for an outside bath in an opulent copper roll-top tub.

We're always impressed by the rich birdlife that can be viewed from an armchair on our balcony or the lounge at Jacana, and of course during activities. Species we've spotted include wattled crane, slaty egret, saddle-billed stork and rufus-bellied heron. Birding enthusiasts should keep an eye out for Pel's fishing owl, which are known to nest on a nearby island. On our last trip in September 2017 we only had time to pop in to look around the camp, but on a previous visit we were lucky enough to spot two of these riverine specialists in the same tree.

On activities at Jacana, we've found the guiding to be of a generally high standard. On one visit, water levels were high and we chose to go out in the motorboat for the morning and try our hand at fishing (much to the delight of our guide!). It was incredibly relaxing and we spent a wonderful few hours birding and learning to fish. Jacana also offers mokoro trips.

Daylight game drives are usually offered in the Jao area when the waters have receded, generally from around September until about April. This said, the transfer is long so Jacana should be considered a primarily a water-based camp. Despite the occasional visit from hippo and elephant and frequent red lechwe sightings don't come here expecting abundant big game. Rather, enjoy the opportunity to immerse yourself in a true water-based Delta experience.

Note that even when game drives are offered, night drives are not generally an option because it's usually necessary to boat into camp, and they won't run the boats at night for safety reasons.

Geographics

Location
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
Two nights are fine here, because of the focus on water-based activities. However, if Jacana is the only water-based camp you are visiting or you'd simply prefer to slow the pace of your safari a little, then you may wish to stay a night longer.
Directions
Access to camp is usually via a light-aircraft transfer to Jao airstrip. Transfers to Jacana Camp from there are usually by boat, but may be by road (or a combination of both) if the flood waters have receded sufficiently. For the past two years the latter has not been an option due to high water levels.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Meals at Jacana Camp are served buffet-style. In the past, the food has sometimes been disappointing, but we have really enjoyed it the last few times we have stayed here (though we didn’t have time for a meal on our most recent visit, in September 2017).

A light breakfast of cereal, fruit, toast, muffins, tea and coffee is served on the deck before departing on your early morning activity. .

On your return, brunch is a good selection of dishes. On one occasion we were offered chicken kebabs, mustard mashed potato, artichoke and asparagus salad, a green salad and freshly baked bread, with sausages and eggs cooked to order. There was also a fruit platter and a cheeseboard, just in case you could squeeze in more after the main offerings!

For afternoon tea on different visits, we’ve had savouries of tuna samosas, pizza slices and mini quiches, balanced by a moist orange cake or banoffee pie. Several iced drinks – coffee and lemonade, plus tea and coffee, usually accompany this.

On our last stay, we had a really tasty dinner of corn chowder soup, breaded chicken escalope with patty pan (a type of squash) and green beans served with a mushroom sauce and a green salad, rounded off by orange pancakes.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
There is no room service.
Drinks included
Bottled 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 will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.

Special interests

Birdwatching
Jacana Camp would be a key part of a birding trip to Botswana, with species including Pel's fishing owl, wattled crane, saddle-billed stork, African darter, reed cormorant, slaty egret, and goliath and rufous-bellied herons.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children
Children over the age of 12 years are welcome at Jacana.
The camp may accept children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, but private activities must be booked and these will be at an extra cost.
Children younger than six may be accepted by special arrangement, and then only if the entire camp is reserved for exclusive use.
Property’s age restrictions
Minimum age normally six years. Note that there is a 13+ age limit on mokoro activities.
Special activities & services
There are no special activities or services for children.
Equipment
No special equipment is available, but there is a family chalet with two bedrooms linked by one shared bathroom.
Generally recommended for children
We think this camp would suit older children with a keen interest in the natural world, possibly even fishing (note that fishing is not allowed during the breeding season of January–February). Game drives can be hard going, when they are offered, so we strongly recommend booking private activities for greater flexibility.
Notes
Wildlife, including hippos and bull elephants, wanders through Jacana Camp on a surprisingly regular basis. The balconies are on stilts and would not be suitable for small children. The pool is unfenced and the camp is often surrounded completely by water. Children must be under the constant supervision of their parents.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Jacana Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Jacana 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.

Buffalo

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Elephant

67% success

Giraffe

67% success

Lion

67% success

Sitatunga

67% success

Leopard

33% success

Spotted Hyena

33% success

Wildebeest

33% success

Zebra

33% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

White Rhino

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Batteries provide power when the generator is off.
Communications
There is no cellphone reception, no direct phone or fax and no email. Communication is maintained with the head office in Maun via radio.
TV & radio
There is no TV or radio.
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
The water is pumped from the Delta and treated by reverse osmosis, as such it is safe to washing and human consumption.

Sustainability

Jacana Camp sustainability

Educating children in the wilderness

In an area of the Okavango Delta highly affected by human-wildlife conflicts, the team at Jacana camp is committed to bridge the gap between locals and wildlife conservation through teaching future generations about the benefits of protecting natural heritage. Over the past decade, the camp has repeatedly hosted 3-day eco-camps for local children– as part of the ‘Children in the Wilderness Botswana’ initiative – which are aimed to provide them with adequate skills and knowledge concerning environment and wildlife protection, so that they can become the future leaders of the Okavango Reserve.

The camp has a similar programme for their little guests called ‘Bush Buddy Programme’ – a great opportunity for families traveling with children to engage in aspiring activities, learning about the local wildlife and the challenges encountered in protecting it.

Additionally, Jacana has partnered up with ‘Pack for a Purpose’ and encourages guests to save some space in their luggage for packing some donations which go directly to the primary school in Tubu village or other nearby communities. Among the necessities required, guests could bring school supplies, reference or reading material, toys, clothes or toiletries/first-aid kits.

See more great sustainability projects in Botswana

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest doctor is in Maun. All management 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 emergencies, 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
Guests are escorted to/from their chalets after dark as dangerous wildlife wanders through the camp. A thorough safety briefing is given on arrival. 'Fog horns' are provided in the chalets to attract attention in case of emergency.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers outside all the chalets and in the main area.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Mokoro

    Mokoro

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is included at Jacana. Laundry is collected in the morning and usually returned the same day, weather permitting. For cultural reasons, the staff do not wash underwear. Detergent is provided in each chalet for guests who wish to do a little hand washing.
Money
No exchange facilities are offered. There are safes in all the chalets.
Accepted payment on location
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. Cash payments may be made in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula.

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Jacana Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Jacana Camp.


Excursions from Jacana Camp

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Jacana Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

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

More about Helicopter Flight
100% (2 reviews)

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When to go to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Jacana 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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