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Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge
Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge


19°27’11.0"S 23°18’8.0"E

About Sandibe Safari Lodge

Adjacent to Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, the luxurious and uniquely designed Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge ...

... sits among towering stands of palm trees, thick riverine vegetation and several huge old baobabs. It's a lovely mix of forested areas interspersed with floodplains and permanent deep-water channels.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a uniquely designed lodge, where in our experience the guiding and service match the high standards of the lodge itself. This, coupled with an impressive track record for game viewing in the private concession around the lodge, makes Sandibe well worth considering for those in search of serious comfort and luxury in the Delta.

Our view

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a uniquely designed lodge, where in our experience the guiding and service match the high standards of the lodge itself. This, coupled with an impressive track record for game viewing in the private concession around the lodge, makes Sandibe well worth considering for those in search of serious comfort and luxury in the Delta.

Amanda Bond

Amanda Bond

Botswana expert

Accommodation

12 suites (two are connected for a family suite)

Children

Best for aged 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Helicopter

Helicopter

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Sandibe Safari Lodge

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


94%
78 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
62
Good
12
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Lauren&MikefromTexas

Arrived 6 May 2024, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Our guide was fabulous... room and location were beautiful.. saw an aardvark …" Read Lauren&Mike’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs H fromLondon

Arrived 15 May 2024, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Fantastic. As with Nxabega, an all round great experience, rooms, food and wildlife …" Read Mrs H ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D.fromChelmsford

Arrived 5 Nov 2022, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Excellent... Guides very good …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromEpsom

Arrived 15 Sep 2022, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Beautiful location..great room..Great viewings..outstanding guide and tracker …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Steve & JoanfromCrowboro

Arrived 18 Sep 2022, 4 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"This is certainly the most luxurious lodge with excellent rooms, food & service. …" Read Steve & Joan’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs C.fromWem

Arrived 10 May 2022, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"...excellent lodge with great staff, fantastic wildlife, lovely food. …" Read Mrs C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr J.fromMakati

Arrived 2 May 2022, 2 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Helpful staff and chef when my wife had stomach problems. Lovely villa with …" Read Mr J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromPrestbury

Arrived 11 Apr 2022, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"outstanding camp, but the most expensive.. chalets with pool, large deck, etc.. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs fromCarshalton

Arrived 19 Sep 2018, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Wonderful camp, amazing structure of your room and restaurant/lounge area. …" Read Mr & Mrs ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family AfromScarborough

Arrived 24 Sep 2018, 3 nights

"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"

"Cannot fault it...really good atmosphere.Very laid back but really comfortable. …" Read Family A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Sandibe Safari Lodge reviews

Safaris visiting Sandibe Safari Lodge

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


Map

Kudu Safari

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

A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.

Visiting Okavango Delta

US$8,760 - US$20,120 per person

Read more about the Kudu Safari

Sandibe Safari Lodge: Our full report

Adjacent to Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, the luxurious and uniquely designed Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge ...

... sits among towering stands of palm trees, thick riverine vegetation and several huge old baobabs. It's a lovely mix of forested areas interspersed with floodplains and permanent deep-water channels.

Sandibe Safari Lodge was completely rebuilt in 2014, and its rather imposing structure is significantly different from the original: much more luxurious, yet much more environmentally efficient. The owners consider it their flagship camp in Botswana – and we tend to agree. That’s boosted by a friendly and helpful team, who have always made sure that we are very well looked after.

The striking main area is an elongated multi-level structure, open-fronted, and covered by a large curved roof that blends well into the environment. Designed to mimic the scales of a pangolin, the roof is made up of thousands of cedarwood tiles, carefully fitted together like a mammalian suit of armour.

Inside it feels a bit like the inverted hull of a wooden ship, with light wooden tones dominating both the buildings and the décor. At the top, up a series of stairs, comfortable seating marks out the bar and lounge area, with a fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. Open decking extends out into the reed bed and to a raised outdoor viewing area where tables and chairs overlook the floodplains, ideal for private dining or drinks. Keep a look out for elephants wandering past and the bushbuck that like to shelter under the relative safety of the raised platforms.

Closer to ground level is Sandibe's main dining area, a large open space with another smaller lounge and more comfy seating. An interactive kitchen complete with a pizza oven stands behind the long wooden buffet bar, where a large chalkboard displays the daily menu. As on the upper storey, the deck extends out beyond the roof, allowing for dining under the stars, but in cool or wet weather the tables can be brought under cover. As at all &Beyond lodges in Botswana, guests usually dine at individual tables, although there are plenty of locations to socialise with others – and traditional outdoor dinners, held in a sandy boma area at ground level, are usually communal events.

Back in the main building, a few more steps take you down, past his and hers toilets, to a separate lounge area, entered through large glass, folding doors. Here you'll find a small library, some board games and even a large-screen TV (which may be connected on request for events such as football matches, current events, etc). There's also an impressive curio shop where locally made baskets, beaded and silver jewellery and nature books stand alongside branded safari clothes.

Sandy paths lead to a separate building which houses a massage room with a single treatment table, and a small gym, complete with a rowing machine, treadmill, bicycle and bench with weights, as well as an area for yoga, Pilates and stretching.

Sandibe’s 12 suites – two of which connect to form a family suite – are all elevated to maximise the views over the permanent Santantadibe Channel and tall reed beds. From their spacious rooms, large wooden and mesh sliding doors can be opened up completely onto a private multi-level deck, where you'll find a rim-flow plunge pool, a sala area, an outdoor shower and a daybed. For colder nights, enormous metal shutters can be unfolded to enclose the front of the bedroom.

Inside, the suites are decorated in light wooden tones, and are very well thought-out. The open-plan lounge area has air conditioning and a free-standing fireplace complete with armchairs for chilly winter evenings. A polished tree stump forms an interesting coffee table and a well-stocked minibar is almost hidden in the wooden cladding. We liked the discreet hatch, where staff outside can put your tray of morning tea/coffee ready for you to grab from the comfort of your enormous king-size or twin beds. Enclosed within a box mosquito net, the beds face towards the deck, with far-reaching views beyond

Tucked away behind the bed you’ll find a spacious walk-in wardrobe – which feels a bit like a Swedish sauna, but helpfully houses dressing gowns, slippers, insect repellent and spray, a safe umbrellas and a hairdryer.

In the en-suite bathroom, twin copper basins are set beneath two large oval mirrors. While the cylindrical open shower doesn’t offer much privacy, the separate toilet is behind a solid wooden door.

In our experience, the wildlife in the area around Sandibe has generally been very good, with red lechwe, impala, tsessebe, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of giraffe. Buffalo and elephant are permanent residents. Lion and leopard are the dominant predators, but cheetah, wild dog and hyena are not uncommon. The birdlife here is often good too – although you won't see the full range of water birds found elsewhere in the Delta. Birding here, as in much of the rest of the Delta, is at its best in the green season, between December and March.

Activities from Sandibe are land-based, and include both morning and afternoon 4WD game drives, and guided walks. Guides are accompanied by trackers, who sit on the front of the vehicle and can improve the chance of spotting more elusive animals.

The game viewing at Sandibe was superb on our most recent visit in September 2017. A highlight was watching a mother and her very small cub break from the safety of their cover and come to the waterhole to drink. The reflection of the two cats in the flat pool made for some great photographs. We also saw a group of lionesses lazing in the shade of a tree just a stone’s throw from where a young male leopard had cached a fresh kill in another tree.

The birdwatching at Sandibe can also be excellent with sightings that included grey-headed kingfisher, Dickinson's kestrel, white-backed vulture, grey go-away-bird, loads of spur-winged geese, African grey hornbill, brown snake eagle, double-banded sandgrouse and lilac-breasted roller.

Geographics

Location
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
We’d recommend three nights at Sandibe Safari Lodge.
Directions
Sandibe is about 20 minutes by air from Maun. Guests fly into Chitabe airstrip, from where the game-drive transfer to Sandibe takes approximately three-quarters of an hour (or one hour in the green season)
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The food at Sandibe has always been excellent – well presented, varied and really tasty. On our most recent visits, those standards have been maintained.

Tea and coffee are brought to the hatch in your room before a breakfast of toast, freshly cooked muffins, meats, cheeses, fresh and stewed fruit, cereal, oatmeal and fresh pastries, along with tea and coffee. You can also order eggs and porridge at the 'omelette station'.

For brunch, served on our return from the morning activity, we were invited to 'build your own burger' in the interactive kitchen. From a choice of, beef, chicken, or kudu burger with various toppings, we enjoyed the beef with cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms and onions, and sliced tomato.

Afternoon tea, served just before our second activity, was impressive. Decadent freshly cooked doughnuts with chocolate sauce, a light cream and jam sponge, fruit kebabs and savoury options of a Spanish omelette and cheese with flatbread and crackers was substantial fare, which we washed down with a delicious glass of iced coffee.

Dinner at Sandibe is usually a plated, three-course meal with a choice of two main courses. However on our most recent visit we enjoyed a more traditional dinner. The menu, which was announced by the chef, who seemed passionate about his food, started with garam masala chicken-liver parfait with melba toast and fig-and-cranberry sauce. We were then invited to choose items from the grill, including fillet of beef or pork belly, along with roasted vegetables, potatoes and chakalaka – a spicy vegetable relish. For pudding we enjoyed chocolate fondant and vanilla ice cream.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Private dining can be set up on the deck and in your suite.
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 'premium' wines and spirits cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.

Each suite is provided with glasses and a flask of filtered drinking water.

Special interests

Walking safaris
Sandibe focuses primarily on day and night game drives, but they also offer guided walking safaris, with specialist walking guides based in camp. You'll learn about the Delta's ecosystem, plant life, the 'small five' and how to read the tracks and signs left by animals.
See ideas for Walking safaris in Botswana
Wildlife safaris
Sandibe is situated in an excellent area for consistent big-game viewing. A variety of predators are regularly seen, alongside a good number of plains game. This is definitely a camp to consider for those wanting good year-round game viewing.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana
Luxury
Each of the stylish and modern rooms at Sandibe Safari Lodge come with air-conditioning, private decks with a plunge pool and a large seating-area making it an extremely comfortable option in a prime game viewing area.
See ideas for Luxury in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Sandibe but there are restrictions on participation in individual activities.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions, but children under the age of five may not participate in any activities. Children aged 6–11 years may participate in game drives only at the lodge manager's discretion. Children of 12 years or above may join in with game drives, but not guided walks.
Special activities & services
Sandibe has a 'WILDChild Programme', which involves a number of fun and educational activities around the camp. Activities are carefully selected according to the interests and ages of the children, and range from tracking and fishing, to making traditional bows and arrows, craftwork, painting and cooking. Children will also receive a WILDChild backpack on arrival filled with a scrapbook and various surprise goodies.
Equipment
Childminding is available at extra cost (currently US$5 an hour) but must be booked on the day of arrival. It should be noted that the staff here are not professionally trained childminders.
Generally recommended for children
Although Sandibe accepts children of all ages, we feel that it's most suitable for those of 12 years and over.
Notes
Sandibe is very open with dangerous wildlife in the area; the camp suites are elevated off the ground and the plunge pools are unfenced. There is also open water surrounding the camp. An adult must supervise children at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Sandibe Safari Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Sandibe Safari Lodge 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

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Buffalo

91% success

Leopard

83% success

Wild dog

82% success

Cheetah

58% success

Eland

45% success

Roan antelope

11% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

White Rhino

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Generators are run at night, but we did not hear them during our recent trip. Guests can charge batteries in their suites at all times.
Communications
There is no cellphone reception and no direct phone or fax. WiFi is available in the main guest area and the suites. In an emergency, there are two fixed phone lines in the main office that can be used to dial out.

Each suite has a telephone with a direct line to the camp's reception area, as well as an air horn to attract attention in case of emergency.
TV & radio
The lodge has a television in a separate library
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
All the suites have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets. Note that the hot water is shut off between midnight and 4.00am.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The camp managers, guides and trackers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. In an emergency, Sandibe can arrange for guests to be flown out.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Because of the Okavango's large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is unfenced, guests are escorted to their suites after dark. Air horns are provided in the suites to attract attention in case of emergency.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers on the balconies of all suites. A fire drill map can be found behind each bedroom door.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A full laundry service is included.
Money
No exchange facilities are offered. There are safe deposit boxes in the suites. The camp does not keep a large amount of cash.
Accepted payment on location
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex are not, and nor are debit cards. Cash payments may be made in British pounds, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula.

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Sandibe Safari Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sandibe Safari Lodge.


Excursions from Sandibe Safari Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Sandibe Safari Lodge. 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 Sandibe Safari Lodge 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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