Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert Travel Guide

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Explore the Okavango Delta: A unique Botswana safari experience in a lush inland river system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a haven for wildlife.

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana, is a unique inland river system that spreads into the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush oasis teeming with wildlife. It's a dynamic landscape of lagoons, islands, and waterways, offering unparalleled safari experiences.

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.

Pack light, neutral-colored clothing, as baggage restrictions apply on light aircraft transfers within the Delta.
The best time to visit for game viewing is during the dry season (May-October) when animals congregate around water sources.
Consider a mokoro trip for a tranquil and intimate experience of the Delta's waterways.
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season, as availability is limited.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

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Bahurutshe Cultural Village

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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Getting There

Air Travel

The most common way to access the Okavango Delta is by flying into Maun Airport (MUB), the gateway to the Delta. From Maun, you can take a light aircraft flight to one of the many airstrips located throughout the Delta. These flights are typically arranged by your safari operator. A seat in plane ticket is between US$ 220 and US$ 260 per person per way. Be aware of the strict baggage restrictions of 20 kg (44 lbs) in a soft duffel-type bag.
Safari Vehicle

Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by a safari vehicle, typically an open-sided 4x4, to transfer to your camp or lodge. This transfer is usually included in your safari package. The drive to your accommodation may also offer opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Boat/Mokoro

Depending on the location of your camp or lodge, you may need to transfer by boat or mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) for the final leg of your journey. This scenic ride through the Delta's waterways provides a unique perspective and the chance to spot aquatic wildlife. This is usually included in your safari package.

Discover more about Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, located in northwestern Botswana, is a natural wonder unlike any other. This vast inland river system, roughly the size of Rhode Island, flows into the Kalahari Desert, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. Unlike most deltas that empty into an ocean, the Okavango's waters fan out across the desert sands, forming a network of waterways, lagoons, and islands.Formed approximately 60,000 years ago by tectonic activity, the Okavango Delta is a geological marvel. The Okavango River originates in the Angolan highlands, traveling over 1,500 km before reaching Botswana. The annual floods, which peak during Botswana's dry season (June to September), transform the landscape and attract wildlife from far and wide.The Okavango Delta is a haven for biodiversity, supporting a vast array of plant and animal life. It is home to over 130 mammal species, including large populations of elephants, as well as over 480 bird species. Visitors can also spot a variety of fish, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, and butterflies.Exploring the Okavango Delta offers a range of unique safari experiences. Glide through the waterways in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), embark on a game drive in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle, or take a walking safari to track animals on foot. Scenic flights by light aircraft or helicopter provide stunning aerial views of the delta's intricate network of channels and islands.The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the dry season (May to October) when water levels are high and wildlife is concentrated along the flooded areas. This is also the peak season for game viewing, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Birdwatching is excellent during the wet season (November to April) when migrant birds arrive and plants are lush and green.