About Sitatunga Private Island Camp
Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.
Set on a remote, exclusive island with just three suites, privacy is guaranteed. And it’s not just humans who benefit; as one of the shyest antelopes on the planet, sitatunga thrive in this watery wilderness.
It was visiting this area, in the 1980s, that inspired photographers Dereck and Beverly Joubert to share such a special place with just a handful of safari-goers – and 35 years later, their camp was born.
With two suites in the “main” camp and one in the even more exclusive Private Island Suite, the island hosts barely a handful of visitors at a time. All will be met by a sense of space – in bedrooms and separate lounges; bathrooms complete with proper tubs; lounge areas that lead out onto wooden decks, each culminating in a plunge pool.
Small, flat-bottomed motorboats and hand-poled mekoro are on hand to help you explore the lagoons and channels, whether you're intent on photography or fishing, or simply on absorbing the beauty of this pristine environment. Along with sitatunga you’ll find hippo, crocodile and elephant, and an array of birdlife.
Come dusk, it’s time to settle around the firepit, perhaps with a glass of wine selected from the cellar, before a relaxed dinner under the stars.
Our view
We are excited about this new, highly exclusive camp in a hidden corner of the Delta. Although it's in a high price bracket, we consider that Sitatunga Private Island has met our expectations, with a focus on service, food and tranquility that is difficult to replicate in the remote reaches of the Okavango. Note that as a water-based camp, it will not offer game drives, so if this is important, you may need to look elsewhere.
Country manager: Botswana
Accommodation
3 tented suites
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Mokoro
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Sitatunga Private Island Camp
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 1 pictures of Sitatunga Island Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySitatunga Private Island Camp: Our full report
Opened in July 2023, Sitatunga Private Island Camp sits on an island within a private concession.
The location, in the north-west of the Okavango Delta, makes this an entirely water-based camp, with a focus on luxury, food and tranquility.
The new camp is the fulfilment of a dream for photographers Dereck and Beverley Joubert, who first visited this area of the Delta in the 1980s.
The camp's structure, inspired by local fishing artefacts, makes use of solid wooden poles and oversized baskets, while the soft blues of the surroundings are picked up in Persian carpets, beaded curtains and silk and linen fabrics. On our recent visit in January 2024, we really enjoyed being raised above the tall papyrus and seeing the wildlife within the lagoon.
Essentially even this level of exclusivity comes in two guises. The Private Island Camp itself has just two large, tented suites, each set high among the trees on a wooden deck under a mop of thatch, with a big veranda and its own plunge pool. This is accessed from a large lounge, which is in turn linked through to the bedroom and en-suite bathroom.
Mosquito netting set into the canvas sides admits a cooling breeze, while the Delta's high temperatures are further mitigated by a fan and solar-powered air conditioning over the beds. In the bedrooms, which can be configured as twin or double rooms with mosquito nets draped over the beds, there is the option of an additional bed for a child aged 6–15.
Tea and coffee are on hand to help yourself, as is a small fridge stocked with drinks of your choice.
As well as a clawfoot bathtub overlooking the lagoon, the bathroom incorporates an indoor shower, twin basins, a flushing toilet and a dressing area. Toiletries are of course provided, as is a hairdryer.
Offering even greater intimacy is the Sitatunga Private Island Suite, whose lounge area, leading out onto a huge deck, firepit and pool, is flanked by two en-suite bedrooms. The suite will accommodate up to four adults or two adults and three children in total privacy. Guests here also benefit from a private guide and boat.
With photography central to a safari on Sitatunga Private Island, every suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars along with a professional camera and lenses for guest use, with photographs downloaded onto a USB flash stick at the end of your stay.
On the fitness front, all the suites are individually kitted out with a yoga mat, light weights and a stationary exercise bike - which, given the high quality of the food, our team certainly felt was required. Rather more hedonistic is the option of an in-room massage, albeit at additional cost.
At Sitatunga Private Island Camp, guests congregate in the lounge and dining area, where tea and coffee are available throughout the day. In the evenings, their floatingfirepit is a welcoming spot and is designed to give the best sunset views, while at dinner time the camp's wine cellar comes into its own.
At the Private Island Camp, meals are usually enjoyed in the main area, with the option of dining on your private veranda on request, whereas for guests at the Private Island Suite, which lies on the other side of the main area, à la carte meals are served in the privacy of the suite.
For retail therapy the camp has its own boutique, open to all guests. In addition to stocking locally made crafts, it features a range of light clothing designed by the Jouberts.
Activities from both Sitatunga Private Island Camp and the Private Island Suite are almost entirely water-based: whether watching wildlife from flat-bottomed motorboats, complete with swivel chairs to aid photography, exploring peaceful channels by mokoro, or catch-and-release fishing.
Guided walks can be arranged on request, usually in combination with other activities, but it's important to note that game drives are not an option.
It's also possible to organise a scenic flight over the northern Okavango, incorporating a 15-minute champagne stop on one of the Delta's palm islands. This excursion comes at extra cost, and it does need to be pre-booked.
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 2 - 3 nights
- Directions
- Guests usually fly by light aircraft from Kasane (1hr 25 mins) or Maun (40 mins) into Duba Plains. From here, the trip to Sitatunga Private Island is usually by helicopter (10 mins), although a boat transfer (2 hrs) may be possible.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The standard of cuisine at Sitatunga Private Island Camp was exceptionally high when we stayed in January 2024, with the kitchen team being passionate about their work. As in most camps, vegetarians and those with other dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice.
Mealtimes at both the camp and the private suite are extremely flexible. With advance notice, most dietary requirements can be catered for.
A light breakfast is served before heading out for the morning’s activity. Ours was made up of a selection of cereals, fruit yoghurt, freshly made muffins, tea, coffee and fruit juices. A hot breakfast was also an option on request.
On our arrival into camp we were treated to a sumptuous Asian-inspired soup for
Before dinner we were treated to an evening aperitif and cocktails on the floating deck, watching the sunset, with reed frogs and a fire crackling in the background. We can recommend the Sitatunga Special G&T!
Dinner started with beef carpaccio, with parmesan and micro salads. Our main course, which was pre ordered, was one of the most tender fillet steaks we have tasted, with butternut squash, glazed carrots, broccoli and potato, decorated with a delicate horseradish dressing. Desert was a passionfruit sorbet. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- In the Private Island Camp, meals can be served on your private veranda on request.
- Drinks included
- All drinks, including imported spirits and champagne, are included. Water is filtered through reverse osmosis.
Special interests
- Luxury
- With a focus on water-based activities and high levels of service and luxury, the team at Sitatunga Private Island Camp can curate a relaxed, romantic and personalised experience for a luxury safari in Botswana.
- See ideas for Luxury in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Sitatunga Private Island accepts children from aged 6 years.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children aged from 6 years may take part in guided walks and boating when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For canoe and mokoro excursions, children must be aged 8 years or above.
- Special activities & services
- Great Plains Young Explorers programme introduces children to the wilderness as Conservation Ambassadors, with activities as diverse as cooking, birding and tracking wildlife.
- Equipment
- On request, bedrooms at the Private Island Camp can be made up for three people so that a child or children aged 6–15 can share with adults. Alternatively, the Sitatunga Private Island Suite, with two en-suite bedrooms, can accommodate up to two adults and three children.
- Generally recommended for children
- With a focus on tranquility and we would not recommend this for younger children. They do however have a Young Explorers programme.
- Notes
- As an island camp, Sitatunga is surrounded by water, and is also raised in the tree canopy. This, along with individual pools and the presence of dangerous wildlife, makes it essential that children are constantly supervised.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Sitatunga Island Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Sitatunga Private Island 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
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0% success
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0% success
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0% success
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0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator. Each suite has universal plug sockets.
- Communications
- WiFi is available in each suite, but cellphone reception is limited.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Hot and cold running water is supplied to the en-suite bathrooms, which also have flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Senior members of staff are trained in first aid. The nearest hospital is in Maun, but in the event of an emergency, patients would be airlifted to Johannesburg.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The camp is raised up in a tree canopy and surrounded by water inhabited by crocodiles and hippos. Managers and guides stay in camp. Guests are provided with air horns in their suites to attract attention in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire extinguisher in every suite.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Mokoro
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included. Items are collected each day and, weather permitting, returned the following day.
- Money
- Each suite has a safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as is cash in US dollars, GB pounds, South African rand and Botswana pula.
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Sitatunga Private Island Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sitatunga Island Camp.
Excursions from Sitatunga Island Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Sitatunga Island Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year-round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
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.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
When to go to Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Sitatunga Island 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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