Okavango Delta: Africa's Wetland Paradise

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Explore the Okavango Delta: A unique Botswana safari experience in a lush inland oasis, teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.

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Okavango Delta

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 world-renowned destination for safaris, bird watching, and experiencing the tranquility of the African wilderness.

A brief summary to Okavango Delta

Local tips

The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to October) when animals congregate around water sources.
Consider staying in multiple camps to experience different areas of the Delta, as each offers a unique perspective.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing, and essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
A mokoro trip is a must-do for an authentic Okavango Delta experience.
Respect the environment and follow your guide's instructions to minimize your impact on this fragile ecosystem.

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Getting There

Light Aircraft

The most common way to access the Okavango Delta is by flying into Maun Airport (MUB) from Johannesburg or other regional hubs. From Maun, you'll typically take a smaller chartered plane to one of the airstrips located within the Delta, closer to your chosen camp or lodge. Several air charter companies operate from Maun, including Mack Air, Delta Air and Major Blue Air. These flights offer stunning aerial views of the Delta. Prices vary depending on the distance and operator.
Safari Vehicle & Boat

Once you arrive at the airstrip, you'll be transferred to your accommodation by a safari vehicle, often an open-sided 4x4. Depending on the location of your camp, you may also need to take a boat to reach your final destination. This scenic boat ride through the Delta's channels offers a fantastic opportunity to spot wildlife. There are usually no additional costs for these transfers as they are included in the accommodation package.
Park Entrance Fees

When entering Moremi Game Reserve, a major part of the Okavango Delta, international visitors can expect to pay an entrance fee of approximately $10 USD per person per day. SADC residents pay around $5 USD per person per day. It is advisable to have some Botswana Pula (BWP) for smaller expenses.

Discover more about Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a remarkable natural wonder, a vast inland river system in northern Botswana that sprawls across 6,000 to 15,000 square kilometers. Unlike most rivers, the Okavango doesn't flow into the sea; instead, it empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique and dynamic ecosystem of permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. This "Jewel of the Kalahari" is a sanctuary for a stunning array of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as hundreds of bird species.The delta's formation is a result of tectonic activity that occurred millions of years ago, disrupting the flow of the Okavango River and causing it to spread into the basin. The annual floods, originating in the Angolan highlands, arrive during Botswana's dry season, creating a synchronized cycle of life for the native plants and animals.Visitors to the Okavango Delta can explore its waterways by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, or enjoy game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles. Walking safaris offer a more intimate experience, while scenic flights provide a breathtaking aerial perspective of this intricate landscape. The delta is divided into various reserves and concessions, including the Moremi Game Reserve, offering diverse safari experiences.The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder but also a vital resource for local communities, providing livelihoods through tourism and supporting traditional ways of life. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its global significance and the importance of its preservation.