Eagle Island Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Eagle Island Lodge: An Okavango Delta Oasis
Okavango Delta: Africa's Wetland Paradise
Explore the Okavango Delta: A unique Botswana safari experience in a lush inland river delta, teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana, is a unique inland river system that doesn't flow into an ocean. Instead, it spreads into the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush, wildlife-rich oasis of waterways, islands, and floodplains, teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Okavango Delta
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Air Travel
The most common way to reach the Okavango Delta is by flying into Maun International Airport (MUB), the gateway to the Delta. From Maun, you can take a light aircraft flight to one of the airstrips located within the Delta. Several air charter companies operate from Maun, offering camp and inter-camp transfers, as well as scenic flights over the Delta. Prices for flights from Maun to the Delta vary depending on the distance and operator, but typically range from $200 to $500 per person.
Safari Vehicle
Once you arrive at an airstrip within the Okavango Delta, you will be met by a safari vehicle from your chosen lodge or camp. These open-sided 4x4 vehicles are designed to navigate the diverse terrain of the Delta, including floodplains and sandy tracks. The drive to your accommodation will likely be a game drive in itself, offering opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Transfers from the airstrip to your camp are typically included in the cost of your accommodation.
Mokoro
Many lodges and camps offer mokoro excursions, a traditional way to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta. These dugout canoes are propelled by a local poler, allowing you to glide silently through the channels and get close to the wildlife. Mokoro trips are often included in the cost of your stay, but it's best to confirm with your accommodation provider. A typical mokoro excursion lasts for a few hours and provides a unique perspective on the Delta's ecosystem.
Local tips
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The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) when the delta is flooded, and wildlife is concentrated along the waterways.
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Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
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Consider a mokoro trip for a traditional and peaceful way to explore the delta's waterways.
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Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and following your guide's instructions.
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Bring a camera and binoculars to capture the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
Discover more about Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a geological marvel and one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas. Formed by the Okavango River emptying into the Kalahari Desert, it's a vast inland delta, a rarity in the world. This creates a unique ecosystem of permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains, supporting a remarkable concentration of wildlife.The delta's formation began millions of years ago due to tectonic activity that formed the Okavango Rift Valley. The Okavango River, originating in the Angolan highlands, carries water that spreads across the flat landscape, creating a network of channels, lagoons, and islands. The annual flood, peaking during Botswana's dry season (June to September), transforms the delta, attracting wildlife from far and wide.The Okavango Delta is renowned for its biodiversity. It's home to a large variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The delta is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 400 species recorded, including the African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl, and lilac-breasted roller.Visitors can explore the Okavango Delta through various activities. Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) trips offer a peaceful way to navigate the waterways. Game drives in 4x4 vehicles allow access to the drier areas, while boat safaris provide opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife. Walking safaris, guided by experienced trackers, offer a more intimate experience of the delta's flora and fauna.The Okavango Delta offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to mobile tented camps. Many camps are located in private concessions or within the Moremi Game Reserve, offering diverse experiences and activities.
A brief summary to Okavango Delta
Use Okavango Delta as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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