Africa’s greatest oasis spreads across sandsand swamps, creating forested island formations and winding pathways across 22,000km2 of otherwise barren landscape. The Okavango Delta, Africa’s largest waterhole, is home to 122 mammal and plant species. Here, buffalo are chased by lions through the papyrus and antelope rear their calves here. Over 440 bird species also fly to this region to nest, fish and breed.
The Okavango Delta, which was formed in the Angola highlands, is a flood of life that flows into Botswana.
In large parts of the delta, it is permissible to go bushwalking, off-road safaris, or night time game drives. Mokoro-canoe rides offer a rare chance to view the ecosystem at its lowest level, and to interact with herons, hippos, and other wildlife. It is also an excellent way to get to know the BaTawana people who live near the Delta. Your guide will take you through the swamps, and let you talk to him about the life of one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Okavango Delta map & highlights
Traveling off-season
The November-March low season is when water levels fall, so you may not run into the thousands or buffalo that follow it. However, the year-round residents of the Delta are not to be missed. The best time to see lions, black rhino, elephants, hippo and giraffes is during the low season. Red-billed hornbills as well as African fish eagles flying back to the Delta make this a great time to birders. There will be fewer tourists, so there will be more elephants than Jeeps.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in big cat country sound terrible on the surface. The lions could just as easily order takeout. Botswana and the Okavango Delta are safest areas to view wildlife at their level. Botswanan guides possess a wealth of knowledge: mokoro captains have a good idea of where hippos are hiding, and bushwalking guides can decide when to let their breaths take control.
Wild dogs
It can be hard to find wild dogs, but you’ll likely find the rest of your pack, sometimes as many as 50. You can observe their social hierarchy while they hunt and tussle. Wild dogs are always moving, so you should be ready to bump alongside them as if Mad Max.
Botswanan guides
Botswana has some of the most well-known guides in Africa. It can take years before you are able to get the required qualifications and be paired up with a lodge, tour company or guide. However, the best holidays will involve you meeting both guides who have had years of training and those who live in the Okavango Delta. No matter what your level of experience, your guide will be able tell the difference between a red lechwe and a kudu.
Border hopping
The Okavango Delta lies close to the borders of Zimbabwe and Namibia. Although you won’t need too many travel days to make the most of your time, a side trip towards Victoria Falls (Mosioa Tunya – the smoke that thunders”) is worth a few hours. Some itineraries start from Johannesburg in South Africa. Add a few days to explore the Museum of the African Diaspora. Then, pair up with an experienced guide to meet the Joburg residents who are revitalizing their neighborhoods.
Little lodges
Botswana’s luxury lodges are well-known, but it is the small B&Bs and campsites that offer the most luxury. Because there are fewer people on the grounds and the number of guests is smaller, it’s more likely that you will see a jacana with blue eyes walking through the gardens or hear an elephant hooting from your tent. Also, you’re supporting those who depend on the large tour companies for their livelihood. You can ask the lodge owners about their experiences in living in Okavango Delta, without having to read the brochures.
Safaris that are quick
You can explore the Okavango Delta, but it is slow. Your journey’s speed is not up to you, but the animals and floodwaters. Mokoro rides on canoes are an example of this: a guide will lead you along the riverbeds and take the time to look at tiny details like electric-blue Kingfishers and luminous Frogs.
Lists of wildlife hnting
It helps to have an idea about the animals you wish to see. The guides can tailor safaris to avid birders or wild dogs fanatics, but don’t be too attached to a list of animals. An Okavango delta safari has many creatures just as amazing as the Big Five. Lechwe and the sable antelopes both have stunning horns. African fish-eagles are baldeagle doppelgangers. Spotted hyenas holler at night.
Elephant hunting
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Maisi lifted the ban on elephant hunting in 2020. It’s important to consider the various arguments. Botswanan farmers cite their barren fields, while conservationists seek to preserve declining elephant populations. The hunting revival doesn’t seem to be designed to help Botswanans adversely affected by elephants. Permits are mostly auctioned to trophy-hunting tourist who use out of-town guides and stay at chain hotels. Your guide can tell you more about the government’s efforts to manage elephant-human conflict.
