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Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura

About Little Vumbura

Little it may be, but this intimate lodge deep in the Okavango still packs quite a punch.

From its remote island hideaway, Little Vumbura looks out across the private Vumbura Reserve. With seasonal floodplains criss-crossed by permanent channels, and drier areas punctuated by tracts of woodland, this is an exceptionally varied area.

Key to its appeal is that diversity, which attracts a phenomenal range of wildlife – from big cats and wild dog to elephant and vast herds of buffalo.

It also opens the door for land and water activities, be it a gentle paddle in a mokoro or a leisurely motorboat trip, a guided walk or a full-on 4WD game drive. And if that's not enough, consider fishing, or even a scenic helicopter flight.

Back at camp, lofty roofs rising up from tented structures are redolent of a circus big top – while enhancing the feeling of light and space. Shades of blue and sun yellow define the lounge, the blues echoed in the ceramic basins of each smart but comfortable chalet.

Rouse yourself from your private deck, help yourself to a drink and cool off in the plunge pool – or head for the library

Our view

We've been visiting Little Vumbura for many years now and it's long been a favourite. The camp is very comfortable, and we've had some very good guides and generally good food. But what really stands out is the Vumbura Reserve. Not only is it an exceptionally pretty area – and thus a great backdrop for photography – but it also offers fantastic mokoro and boat trips, as well as game drives that deliver regular, good and varied game viewing.

Amanda Bond

Amanda Bond

Botswana expert

Accommodation

6 tented chalets

Children

Best for aged 13+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Helicopter

Helicopter

Mokoro

Mokoro

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Little Vumbura

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


96%
138 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
115
Good
20
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
LBfromToronto

Arrived 1 Nov 2023, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"Beautiful setting...very friendly staff, had a very personal/family feel. …" Read LB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs GfromDartmouth

Arrived 12 Oct 2023, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"saw 3 "kills" in one day; dogs, lion and leopard …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Jan & NinafromDüsseldorf

Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 3 nights

"Magical"

"..a magical place. Staff is very kind and very helpful.. …" Read Jan & Nina’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

B & HfromUckfield

Arrived 16 Sep 2023, 3 nights

"A comfortable but slightly jaded camp"

"We came here in 2018 but felt that it looked a bit jaded and the food and service …" Read B & H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs A.fromHenley

Arrived 16 Aug 2023, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"The room was lovely and probably the best of our trip.. …" Read Mrs A.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

G & CfromAnn Arbor

Arrived 11 Aug 2023, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"Little Vumbura camp was amazing... with a variety of animals right outside …" Read G & C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs FfromLondon

Arrived 9 Nov 2022, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"Excellent - top of the range all round …" Read Mr & Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromLondon

Arrived 9 Nov 2022, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"Great place..friendly staff..excellent guide, the best we had. Loads of game... …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromAvon

Arrived 26 Sep 2022, 4 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"... the room was great and the setting was magnificent. …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs EfromHereford

Arrived 17 Sep 2022, 3 nights

"Little Vumbura review"

"different activities such as game drives and a boat trip …" Read Mr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Little Vumbura reviews

Safaris visiting Little Vumbura

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


Map

Bushbuck Safari

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

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

Visiting Okavango Delta, Kwando-Linyanti

US$18,020 - US$31,740 per person

Read more about the Bushbuck Safari

Map

Slaty Egret Safari

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

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

Visiting Okavango Delta

US$7,920 - US$14,550 per person

Read more about the Slaty Egret Safari

Little Vumbura: Our full report

Intimate, remote but eminently comfortable, Little Vumbura is built on a secluded island in the private Vumbura Reserve.

The camp is surrounded by water, both permanent deep channels and seasonal shallower floodplains, with access to good tracts of dry open plains, woodland and riverine forests. It's an interesting reserve, with a particularly diverse set of environments within easy reach of the camp, and a high density of game.

Sharing the reserve with Little Vumbura is its larger and more opulent sister camp, Vumbura Plains.

After the short boat to the island, guests disembark onto an innovative floating jetty (made of large, hollow, plastic cubes pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle), which leads to Little Vumbura's open-sided main areas. Here, tall, circular tented roofs enhance the cool and spacious feel, though there are roll-down canvas blinds in case of inclement weather.

The lounge is decorated in vibrant tones of blue and yellow to complement the water setting, which we thought was an attractive departure from the traditional safari khaki. A couple of very comfortable sofas, along with armchairs and coffee tables, are arranged to maximise the views over the water.

A little more secluded is the small library area, which feels rather like a tree house built around a vacant termite mound. Furnished with a couple of armchairs, it has a good selection of reference books and wildlife magazines. A few steps away, a short wooden walkway brings you to the launching area for mokoro (a traditional dug-out canoe) activities.

To the other side is the dining area, with a very long wooden dining room table (which can be broken into smaller tables for individual dining), and a wooden buffet counter. You'll also find a well-stocked bar with a relaxed help-yourself approach and a tea and coffee station, where hot water is available throughout the day.

Along another short walkway is the star deck and firepit, which juts out over the water. It's a great spot to retire after dinner, especially when the fire is roaring on a cool evening. Set back is a small secluded plunge pool, whose decked area is topped with comfortable sunloungers and a large sunbed under a shaded canopy.

Little Vumbura also has a curio shop with a wide selection of products, including wildlife reference books, postcards, their in-house range of Earth skincare products, safari shirts, fleeces and hats, and locally made baskets, children's toys and jewellery.

Wooden walkways, slightly raised to allow for fluctuations in water levels of the Delta, lead from the central area to the six tented chalets - including a family tent with two en-suite bedrooms and an interleading door, and a honeymoon tent. All are very comfortable. Pale timber floorboards, floor-to-ceiling mesh windows and circus-top style canvas roofs lend an air of space and light.

The tents are furnished with the usual double or twin beds – with mosquito nets – and a fan connected to the headboard. Inside are a comfortable sofa and coffee table, with a writing desk and chair. Out on the small private deck, a pair of canvas-backed chairs enjoy a view of the lagoon. There is an en-suite shower room, and a separate toilet. We particularly liked the beautiful blue ceramic his and hers basins on the washstand.

The honeymoon tent has exactly the same furnishings as the other tented chalets, but with the addition of an outdoor bathtub on the private deck, with views over the floodplains.

Activities at Little Vumbura are varied, with both water and dry-land excursions. Deep-water channels allow for motorboat trips, while shallow channels enable excursions by mokoro. Morning and afternoon safaris by 4WD are very rewarding in the Vumbura Reserve, too. It is important to note, though, that due to the boat access the camp does not offer night drives, which can restrict afternoon explorations.

In our view, the private Vumbura concession is one of the best areas for game in the Okavango Delta, and we've had excellent sightings over the years of lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. On our most recent stay in January 2024 the game viewing was phenomenal! Highlights included three wild dog sightings, one with a leopard in the same sighting, along with numerous herds of sable antelope, a vast herd of buffalo, two prides of lions with cubs and a very memorable herd of elephant having a mud wallow. Top of the bill was a mother sitatunga antelope and her little fawn, something our guide had not seen in six years of working in the Vumbura Reserve.

Our afternoon motorboat safari was very scenic, rewarding us with a Pels fishing owl at a nest, numerous African swamphens and a close encounter with a large crocodile sunning itself.

On one visit a member of the Expert Africa team also spent a fantastic afternoon fishing on the local waterways. Bream and African pike are abundant and a spot of catch-and-release fishing with your guide is a really great way to unwind and relax. Guided walks can also be arranged on request, although for safety reasons these are at the discretion of the managers and should be requested in advance of your stay. At an additional cost, scenic helicopter flights are also available.

Geographics

Location
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
We recommend three or four nights at Little Vumbura.
Directions
Vumbura Airstrip is a 40-minute light aircraft flight from Maun. Depending on water levels, the journey to camp is usually a 45-minute game drive followed by a boat transfer of between five and 25 minutes.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Over many years, we have very much enjoyed the food at Little Vumbura, and on our latest visit, in January 2024, all the dishes were delicious. As far as possible, ingredients are locally sourced. With advance notice, the camp can cater for vegetarian and many other dietary requirements.

The day usually starts with a light breakfast of toast, fruit, cold meats and cereal, along with tea and coffee, served prior to your early-morning game activity.

Brunch, including a hot option, is offered after the morning activity. On our most recent visit, although we arrived late, we were served a delicious meal of lamb kebabs, chickpea and green bean salad with feta, couscous with mixed fresh herbs and tomatoes, and a zesty lime and basil rice salad.

Afternoon tea, at around 4.00pm, usually combines a savory snack, like homemade sausage rolls, with something sweet such as fresh doughnuts and a fruit salad. These are served with fruit juice, hot and iced teas and coffees.

Dinner is usually a plated starter with a buffet for the main course. We had a delicious butternut soup to start. This was followed by a variety of dishes which included vegetarian lasagne, grilled chicken, a green salad and caramelised carrots. Dessert was crème brulé. All the dishes were delicious.

On previous trips our team have enjoyed a traditional meal of braaied (grilled on an open flame) lamb chops, oxtail stew, bean casserole, chickpea tagine and grilled fish, with cauliflower, green beans, stuffed gem squash and salad.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Breakfast and lunch are usually group meals, with individual tables set up according to passengers in each game vehicle for brunch. Private dining can be arranged.
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.

Guests are given an aluminium water bottle on arrival which they are encouraged to top up with cold water in the camp's main area during their stay.

Special interests

Birdwatching
Little Vumbura is a first-rate camp for birdwatching in Botswana. From shallow and deepwater floodplains and channels to dense, shady woodlands, our sightings have included swallowtail bee-eaters, Pels fishing owls, white-backed ducks, brown firefinches, slaty egret and rufus-bellied herons.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
Wildlife safaris
Little Vumbura offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Botswana. It's in one of the Okavango's prime game areas, with a real depth and range to the wildlife. In our last few visits here, we have had good sightings of lion, leopard, and wild dog – as well as sable antelope.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children
Children over 12 are welcome at Little Vumbura. The camp may accept children aged 6–12, but private activities must be booked, and these will be at an extra cost. Children younger than six may be accepted by special arrangement, but only if the entire camp is reserved for exclusive use.
Property’s age restrictions
Note that minimum age requirements also mean that children are allowed on boat trips from the age of six years, but on mokoro trips only from the age of 13 years.
Special activities & services
Little Vumbura has a complimentary “Bush Buddies” programme, whereby a dedicated member of staff is allocated to families with children. This option needs to be requested in advance, prior to arrival. Each child is given a safari bag filled with items such as a bug viewer, a safari guide booklet, water bottle, cap and torch. Activities, variously entertaining and educational, may include arts and crafts, short nature walks around the camp, tracking lessons, bird and animal call identification, treasure hunts, baking biscuits and cooking lessons in the bush (for example, pizza-making in termite mounds), as well as dancing and drumming, star-gazing and storytelling.

The camp will also arrange separate mealtimes and menus for families with young children.
Equipment
No special equipment is available, but there is a two-bedroom chalet with an interior inter-leading door that is suitable for families. Both bedrooms are en-suite.
Generally recommended for children
We would recommend Little Vumbura for more mature children aged 13 years or older, because noise travels in this small camp and it is in very close proximity to deep water.
Notes
Little Vumbura is unfenced, and wildlife is known to wander through the camp on a regular basis. The pool is unfenced, too, and the camp is often completely surrounded by water. Children must be under the constant supervision of their parents or guardians.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Little Vumbura

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

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Lion

100% success

Zebra

96% success

Hippo

93% success

Leopard

74% success

Wildebeest

74% success

Buffalo

73% success

Sable antelope

70% success

Wild dog

54% success

Cheetah

28% success

Spotted Hyena

21% success

Sitatunga

9% success

Pangolin

4% success

Roan antelope

4% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

White Rhino

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
The camp uses a generator and inverter system. The generator is run during the day and batteries are charged for lights, fans, etc in the evening. Each room has a plug for charging batteries, although an adaptor will be required. Note that hairdryers draw too much power and cannot be used.
Communications
WiFi is provided in the chalets only, but there is no cellphone reception, no direct phone 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
Water is sourced from the Delta and is treated by reverse osmosis. All the chalets have running hot and cold water, with a flushing toilet.

Sustainability

Little Vumbura sustainability

The Botswana Lion Genetics Project

Wildlife at Little Vumbura is flooded with predators including the African wild dog, as well as leopard, cheetah and African wildcat. However, the well-known prides of lion are the most popular among guests and photographers alike. However, to ensure the protection and conservation of the species, Little Vumbura contributes to a study on Botswana Lion Genetics initiated by Wilderness Trust.

The purpose of the project is to research the past and present genetic structure of the lion population centred in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in order to predict and mitigate future harmful scenarios.

In addition, the project aims to identify possible genetical threats that may have occurred as a consequence of habitat loss, changes in the eco-system or migration.

During the first stage of the project, samples from within the Delta were collected using biopsy darts and each lion was darted and photographed. Later in the process, with the Trust funded laboratory equipment that allowed researchers to compare the samples against 100-year-old historical data gathered from museum material (Natural History Museum, London) and ancient DNA techniques generating a historic estimate of genetic diversity to compare to the current population.

Results show that despite having an estimated population of 1 500 lions in the Okavango Delta, untenable inbreeding risks the long term sustainability of the population. Therefore, proper conservation management is required to sustain the continuity of this species.

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 medical evacuation is available in case of emergency. There is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. 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 their rooms after dark as the camp is unfenced and dangerous wildlife is known to wander through. 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 at all the tents 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

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is included. Laundry is collected in the morning and usually returned the same day, weather permitting. For cultural reasons and because the clothing is generally hand washed, the staff do not wash underwear. Detergent is provided in each chalet for guests who wish to do hand washing.
Money
No exchange facilities are offered. There is a small safe in each chalet, and a larger one in the office.
Accepted payment on location
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. Cash in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula is accepted.

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Little Vumbura's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Little Vumbura.


Excursions from Little Vumbura

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Little Vumbura. 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)

Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

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When to go to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

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