Okavango Delta, Okavango Basin Travel Guide

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Explore the Okavango Delta, Botswana: a unique inland delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a haven for diverse wildlife and serene landscapes.

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana, is a unique inland river delta, a lush oasis in the Kalahari Desert. It offers unparalleled wilderness experiences with diverse wildlife, from elephants and lions to rare birds, in a serene landscape of lagoons, channels, and islands.

A brief summary to Okavango Delta

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Okavango Delta.

The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to October) when animals concentrate along the flooded areas.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
Consider a mokoro excursion for a traditional and peaceful way to explore the delta's channels.
Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and following your guide's instructions.
Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the incredible wildlife and scenic landscapes.

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Explore Okavango Delta on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Okavango Delta, mapped for you.

Getting There

Air Travel

Most travelers access the Okavango Delta by flying into Maun International Airport (MUB), the gateway to the Delta. From Maun, light aircraft flights are the most common way to reach safari camps and lodges within the Delta. Several airstrips are strategically located throughout the Delta. These flights offer stunning aerial views of the landscape. Prices for flights from Maun to various camps within the Okavango Delta vary depending on the distance and the air charter company. Expect to pay between $260 to $330 per person for a 45-60 minute scenic flight.
Ground Transportation

Upon arrival at an airstrip within the Okavango Delta, open-sided safari vehicles typically transport guests to their accommodations. Some camps and lodges may also be accessed by boat, depending on water levels and location. Pony Transport is another option for ground transport, especially in extreme terrain. Transfers by safari vehicle or boat from the airstrip to the camp are usually included in the accommodation package.
Entrance Fees

Getting into the Okavango Delta itself doesn't require any sort of entrance fee. However, the Moremi Game Reserve, located in the eastern region of the Okavango, does require entrance fees. The entrance fees for Moremi Game Reserve are structured to accommodate different categories of visitors, including international tourists, SADC (Southern African Development Community) members, and Botswana residents. For adults (18 years and above), the fee is approximately $17.50 per person per day. For children (8-17 years), it's about $8.75 per child per day. Children under 8 enter free of charge.

Discover more about Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, located in northwestern Botswana, is a natural wonder and one of Africa's most exceptional wilderness destinations. Unlike most river deltas that flow into an ocean, the Okavango River empties onto the sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique inland delta. This has resulted in a vast, vibrant ecosystem of lagoons, pools, flooded grasslands, and islands, teeming with diverse plant and animal life.The delta's geological history is fascinating. Millions of years ago, the Okavango River flowed into a large inland lake, Lake Makgadikgadi (now the Makgadikgadi Pans). Tectonic activity interrupted the river's flow, causing it to back up and form the Okavango Delta. The delta's size fluctuates between 15,000 square kilometers during drier periods and 22,000 square kilometers during the wet season. Fed by floodwaters originating in the Angolan Highlands, the delta experiences peak flooding from June to August, attracting wildlife from far and wide.The Okavango Delta is renowned for its spectacular wildlife. It is home to a diverse range of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 400 species of birds recorded in the area. Visitors can explore the delta through game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides, boat safaris, and guided walking safaris.Tourism in the Okavango Delta plays a significant role in Botswana's economy. The government promotes sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact and maximize benefits for local communities. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and commitment to conservation, the Okavango Delta offers an unforgettable safari experience.