About Shinde Camp
From the moment you arrive at Shinde, just minutes from the bush airstrip, it's clear you're in good hands.
The team here is one of the most long-standing in the Delta, united in their welcoming approach and their understanding of the environment.
And it's an intrinsically beautiful environment: the tree-shaded camp looking out over open plains, backed by a mosaic of channels. As the dry season progresses, wildlife – both predators and prey – is drawn to the plains, creating a near-Arcadian spectacle. Less visible are some of the aquatic species, though the lucky few may spot the sitatunga. And the birdlife in this part of the Delta is a must.
Exploration – in the hands of a team of experienced guides – is there for the asking, on game drives day and night, motorboat excursions, gentle mokoro trips or on foot. Unusually, options are limited only by your energy – so if you're up for three activities a day, go for it.
Alternatively, settle back and watch from the comfort of your traditional tented chalet, or the multi-level structure that culminates in an open-sided dining room up in the trees. Or add a touch of hedonism and make for the pool – with a view, of course.
Our view
Despite the rebuild, Shinde remains quite a traditional safari camp with something of a tree-house feel to the main area. The tented chalets are spacious and beautifully decorated and we like this camp for its mix of both water- and land-based activities, its very warm welcome and its team of experienced guides – although big-game viewing can be a little sporadic between November and May. Shinde works very well in combination with dry-area camps in both the Delta and the Kwando–Linyanti/Chobe areas.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
9 tented chalets
Children
Best for 12+, or 7+ for Young Explorers
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Shinde Camp
105 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 27 pictures of Shinde Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Shinde Camp
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Tsessebe Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.
Visiting Okavango Delta, Moremi & Surrounds
US$8,520 - US$11,410 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
Visiting Moremi & Surrounds, Okavango Delta and 1 other area
US$17,600 - US$28,240 per person
Shinde Camp: Our full report
Fringed by a lagoon and deeper waters in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Shinde was completely rebuilt in 2020.
It's a well-established camp in a private reserve, just to the north of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Its wide-open floodplains sit alongside some very pretty waterways, allowing for a mixture of both land and water activities.
When we arrived at Shinde in January 2024, as on many previous trips, we were met by singing staff with enormous smiles and a very warm welcome. It was an experience that was with us throughout our stay, when the staff were always willing to please.
The main area has a wonderful tree-house feel, with a thick canopy of ebony, mangosteen and water-fig trees sheltering a split-level series of polished teak platforms. Linked together by staircases and ramps, these house the reception, lounge and dining room. An unusual “wagon-style” canvas roof lends an airy feel and an atmosphere of relaxed opulence.
At the front of camp you'll find an open reception area, where armchairs overlook a semi-circular deck with a firepit and comfortable canvas chairs. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks are usually served here, and guests are welcome to help themselves from the fridge, which is discreetly hidden behind a screen. A glass cabinet forms a small curio "shop", stocked with local crafts, including baskets made by Shinde's staff.
A gradual ramp leads up to the lounge area, tastefully decorated in soft shades of grey, beige and pale blue. There is plenty of comfortable seating, along with a bookshelf with a good selection of bird, mammal and reptile books, a few board games and a display of baskets. At night, guests may make use of the very retro spotlight to view any animals visiting the camp.
Continuing up the ramp brings you to the newly extended dining room, where the outlook over the permanent waters of the Delta is spectacular and there’s scope for alfresco dining. From here, steps descend to a series of reasonably secluded decks, where you can sit quietly in a deckchair and enjoy the views.
Paths of sand lead away from Shinde's main area to nine tented chalets, all raised on wooden decks and quite traditional in design. Five look out towards the open plains, which are often filled with grazing antelope. A sixth (the honeymoon suite) and the three tents that form Shinde Enclave, all face in the opposite direction, overlooking the papyrus waterways. The family chalet has a separate twin bedroom and a shared family bathroom.
We would describe these spacious chalets as smart and comfortable. At the front of each is a shaded porch with two chairs and a small table. A sliding door with a mesh window leads inside to a beautifully decorated bedroom. An expansive mosquito net hangs over either twin or double beds and a ceiling fan provides welcome relief from the heat in the summer months. Temperature control is aided by large mesh windows, with drop-down canvas blinds to help retain the warmth during the cold winter nights, and eyelet curtains to allow a breeze through during the summer.
Polished teak floors are dotted with rugs, toning bed linens are white and grey with soft-coloured cushions, and white blinds are shut each night, while dark wooden furniture, leather trunks and leather-bound bedside tables all complement the elegant feel.
Small touches make the chalets feel quite homely: a jar of cookies baked by the chef; a decanter of sherry laid out for the evening; a couple of comfortable armchairs; magazines, postcards and bird and animal checklists. There is a flask of ice water and two glasses, too, while tea and coffee will be brought to your room with your early morning wake-up call, and at other times on request.
A wooden door to the side of the beds leads to a very spacious en-suite bathroom with twin copper basins beneath a large mirror, a walk-in open shower, and a flushing toilet. Complimentary Charlotte Rhys products are provided, as are bathrobes and slippers, and rather unusually each tent has its own hairdryer. There is WiFi available in the rooms, but not the main areas.
Three of the tents form the discrete Shinde Enclave, which comes with its own kitchen and guide, as well as a private communal area, but guests here may also use the camp's other facilities. The enclave's small lounge and dining area has steps down to an outside deck with a firepit and camp chairs. When water levels permit, mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) activities can set out from here. This is an excellent option for families or parties of guests who are seeking a degree of privacy, and can also be combined with Ker & Downey's Young Explorers programme.
Set on a low rise is the camp’s swimming pool, with fantastic views over the floodplains in front. Alongside sunbeds and large umbrellas are fresh towels and a coolbox stocked with ice-cold soft drinks and beers. Although there is an electric fence to restrict elephant movement within camp, other animals can travel through freely, so don’t be fooled by the oasis created by the fence; you should always proceed with caution.
Activities at Shinde include day and night 4WD game drives – when we have been treated in the dry season (between June and October) to some outstanding wildlife sightings – along with guided walks. Although motorboat trips and mokoro excursions are subject to water levels, Shinde can generally offer these throughout the year, and they offer some excellent birding opportunities.
The camp also offers fishing in the company of skilled guides, with the possibility of catching bream, catfish and African pike, as well as tigerfish in November and December. Shinde generally operates a catch-and-release policy, although if the fish are of a suitable size then the chefs will prepare and cook them for you. Do note, however, that no fishing is offered in January and February, which is the breeding season.
Some guests choose to combine time at Shinde with a couple of days at their smaller camp, Shinde Footsteps, which is reached from here by 4WD vehicle, or a three-minute helicopter ride.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- Shinde accepts children from the age of six.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Usually six years. Children younger than six years may be accepted at Shinde Enclave on an exclusive-use basis, or by special arrangement, and then only if the entire camp is reserved for exclusive use.
- Special activities & services
- If arranged in advance, guests at the Shinde Enclave can take part in Ker & Downey's Young Explorers programme. They will be allocated one of the company's phenomenal specialist family guides who are enthusiastic and passionate about their work and sharing their knowledge of the wilderness, and who have a lot of experience guiding families with children. For details, see Shinde Footsteps.
- Equipment
- Shinde has a family tent with two bedrooms and a shared en-suite bathroom, sleeping a maximum of five people
- Generally recommended for children
- Shinde has a more relaxed child policy than most other camps in the Okavango Delta, where private vehicles at an additional cost are often required for families with children under 12 years. This is not a requirement at Shinde, but with the maximum number of passengers per vehicle usually kept at four (unless there’s a family group of five or six), families will typically be allocated a private vehicle anyway.
However, because of the raised decks in the main area, the amount of water in the immediate vicinity of the camp and the fact that children will generally accompany adults on all activities, we suggest that the main camp is best for more mature children only. For more flexibility, we'd suggest booking the Shinde Enclave on a private basis. - Notes
- The main area is raised, in some parts very high off the ground, with only simple handrails to prevent a fall. The decks can become very slippery when wet and both the camp and the pool have only a fence to restrict elephants; all other animals can roam freely. Children will need constant supervision from their parents or guardians.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We've always found the food at Shinde to be excellent, and our last visit in January 2024 was no exception. Vegetarian meals are served, and most other dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
Breakfast is served early, before the morning activity, and is a substantial meal with a full cooked option available, in addition to toast, muffins, a choice of cereal and fruit.
A buffet lunch is offered after the morning activity. Most recently we had chicken kebabs, peppers stuffed with tasty couscous, lentil and feta salad, mangetout and sprout salad and fresh garden salad, followed by a cheese platter and fruit.
Afternoon tea, just before the afternoon activity, usually includes a savoury snack and something sweet. During our last visit we enjoyed a selection of homemade pizzas and a milk tart, along with iced tea and coffee, lime juice, tea and coffee.
Dinner is announced upon returning from the afternoon activity. Each course is served to the table. Our delicious tomato soup was followed by roasted chicken, roast potatoes, carrots and mangetouts. Dessert was a decadent chocolate mousse. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dinners can be arranged either on your deck, or tucked away within the camp for a special occasion.
- 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. Clean, cold drinking water is always available and each chalet is also provided with glasses and a flask of filtered drinking water.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Shinde Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Shinde Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
96% success
92% success
92% success
76% success
70% success
62% success
58% success
48% success
18% success
15% success
14% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Getting there
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a stay of three nights at Shinde, as there is the opportunity to do both land- and water-based activities here. Note that when Shinde is combined in an itinerary with one of its sister camps – Kanana, Shinde Footsteps or Okuti – then there's usually a discount in the total cost.
- Directions
- The flight from Maun to Shinde airstrip takes approximately 25 minutes. It is then a five-minute drive to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Special interests
- Family safaris
- A family chalet, specialist family friendly guiding programme and a more relaxed child policy than most of Botswana's safari camps make Shinde a wonderful camp for your family safari to Botswana.
- See ideas for Family safaris in Botswana
- Photography safaris
- With four people per vehicle as standard, Shinde is ideal for both budding and more experienced photographers on safari in Botswana. Private vehicles are also available at an additional cost.
- See ideas for Photography safaris in Botswana
- Private safari camps & lodges
- While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.
- See ideas for Private safari camps & lodges in Botswana
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Solar power charges large batteries, which in turn power the lights and run the camp. There is a back-up the generator.
Each room has a strip of multi-national charging points, which means an adaptor is unlikely to be required. There is also a twin USB port near each bedside table. - Communications
- There is no cellphone reception but there is WiFi access in the tented chalets (not in the main area). The connection can be slow so this is best used only to send emails. Shinde is in radio contact with Ker & Downey's head office in Maun, with the camp's guides on activities, and with other Ker & Downey camps.
- TV & radio
- There is no radio or TV at Shinde.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the tented chalets have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Managers are first-aid trained, as are the guides. The closest doctor is in Maun (about a 25-minute flight) and the camp has 24-hour radio contact with a medical evacuation nurse in case of need. 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
- The camp is surrounded by an electric elephant fence to keep these animals away from the camp interior, but all other animals can pass through freely. Guests are escorted to and from their chalets when it is dark. There is an air horn in each chalet to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the chalets and common areas.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included and, as long as weather permits, items are usually returned the same day. A pot of washing powder is provided in each bathroom should guests wish to handwash any delicates themselves.
- Money
- Each chalet has a small safe. No exchange facilities are offered at Shinde.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. Cash payments may be made in South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula.
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Shinde Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Shinde Camp.
Excursions from Shinde Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Shinde Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year-round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a large concession, the romantic Duke's Camp and smaller Duke’s East are nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains and waterways of the Okavango.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, untouched area.
Singita Elela
Singita Elela is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb wildlife and water based opportunities depending on the seasonality.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Maxa
Overlooking the permanent Maxa Lagoon, Maxa has a range of activities on offer, combining understated luxury with comfort in a remote location.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is located in the same wildlife-rich private concession as its sister camp Dukes.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
When to go to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Shinde 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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