Okavango Delta Safari Region

A Deeper Understanding of the Okavango Delta Flood

Origin and Journey of the Floodwaters

The Okavango River's source lies in the rain-soaked highlands of Angola. Rains that fall between November and April in Angola feed into the Okavango River, which then travels through Namibia and enters Botswana. Due to the river's gentle gradient and the dense vegetation of the Delta, the water takes time to spread out, leading to the seasonal flooding pattern observed in the region.

Flood Timing and Seasonal Impact

The floodwaters typically begin to arrive in the Okavango Delta around late April. They steadily progress southward, reaching many camps by June or early July, depending on their precise location. The peak of the flood occurs during July and August, during Botswana's dry winter months. As the floodwaters recede, the Delta begins to shrink, usually in September, leaving behind a transformed landscape.

Ecological Significance

This annual flooding is crucial for the Delta's ecosystem. As the floodwaters spread, they create a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, and forests, providing habitats for a diverse array of wildlife. The influx of water supports the growth of vegetation, which in turn sustains herbivores and attracts predators. The seasonal floods also play a vital role in maintaining the Delta's biodiversity and ecological balance.

Human Interaction and Conservation

The seasonal floods are not only a natural phenomenon but also a cultural and economic cornerstone for the communities living in and around the Okavango Delta. Local populations have adapted to the rhythms of the floods, with traditional practices and livelihoods closely tied to the seasonal changes. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this unique ecosystem from threats such as climate change, water diversion projects, and human encroachment.

A Deeper Understanding Of Parks And Reserves In the Okavango Delta Region

The Moremi Game Reserve covers about 40 % of the Okavango Delta and offers reliable government‑run access to floodplains, woodland and savannah ecosystems, but with restricted off-road driving and no night safaris for most visitors.

Surrounding Moremi is a vast network of private concessions leased to safari operators, where off-road game drives, night drives, walking safaris, and even riding or elephant-back safaris may be offered under flexible itineraries.

The Khwai Community Concession (NG19), located along the Khwai River just beyond Moremi’s north gate, combines community-run eco-tourism with access to rich wildlife. It allows walking safaris, cultural visits, boating and mokoro, all managed in partnership with the local Khwai Village.

Highlights of top wildlife areas:

Moremi Game Reserve

Government-managed and home to Chief’s Island, Moremi offers dependable wildlife viewing, structured access, and scenic lagoons, especially during the dry season.

Khwai Community Concession

A unique community-managed concession (NG19) offering both authentic wildlife access and cultural safari experiences, plus permitted night drives and guided walks.

Private concessions surrounding Moremi

These operate under private lease and offer high‑end lodges with flexible safari formats, low guest numbers, and immersive access to floodplain landscapes — ideal for travellers seeking privacy and varied activities.

A Deeper Understanding Of Wildlife In the Okavango Delta Region

The Okavango Delta supports one of Africa’s densest concentrations of megafauna, especially during the dry winter (June–October), when floodwaters gather wildlife along permanent rivers and channels. Elephants and buffalo are plentiful, while predators such as lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena follow the herds for consistent sightings. Less common but present species include sable, roan and sitatunga, which favour swamp fringes. The region’s mosaic of flooded grasslands, islands and woodlands supports both aquatic and savanna-adapted mammals—making it a well‑rounded safari destination year‑round.

Table showing wildlife occurrence in the Okavango Delta Region

🔵 Plentiful 🟢 Common 🟡 Uncommon 🔴 Sporadic ⚫ Non‑occurring

A Deeper Understanding Of Why You Should Visit the Okavango Delta Region

The Okavango Delta is an inland floodplain fed by seasonal rains from Angola, creating a lush mosaic of channels, lagoons and islands in the Kalahari Desert, while the surrounding desert remains arid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site supports abundant wildlife, including Africa’s Big Five and large packs of wild dogs, drawn from surrounding reserves and concessions.

The region’s low‑impact tourism model, with private concessions and exclusive lodges, offers intimate and tranquil safari encounters often without crowds. Float silently in a traditional mokoro, track wildlife on guided walks, or admire birds and landscapes from the air by helicopter or light aircraft.

Highlight: ecological marvel.

The Okavango Delta is a rare inland delta oasis, flooding each year to sustain a rich ecosystem in the heart of the dry Kalahari Desert. That seasonal pulse creates concentrated wildlife gatherings unmatched elsewhere.

Highlight: diverse safari formats.

Enjoy both land‑based game drives and water‑based safaris via mokoro or boat. Guided walking safaris and helicopter overflights add immersive and varied ways to experience the landscape.

Highlight: premier birdwatching destination

With over 400–450 recorded species, including globally threatened water birds like wattled crane and slaty egret, the Delta ranks among Africa’s top birding hotspots.

A Deeper Understanding Of Getting To the Okavango Delta Region

By Air

Most visitors arrive via Maun International Airport (MUB)—the gateway to the Delta—with daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town offered by Airlink and Air Botswana (about a 2-hour journey). From Maun, travellers depart on shared charter flights (e.g., via Mack Air or Wilderness Air), typically 15–45 minutes in small aircraft to lodge airstrips inside the Delta.

By Road

Driving into the Delta is rare and generally not recommended. Self-driving via 4×4 from Maun to some lodges or Moremi Game Reserve is possible, typically taking 30–90 km depending on gate location. However, most wildlife camps are unreachable by road due to seasonal flooding and remote terrain.

Transfers and Accessibility

After landing at Maun Airport, you’ll be met by lodge staff or guides who assist with charter flight boarding and baggage handling. In cases of flooding, transfers may combine boat or road segments. Charter flights are often shared and may stop at multiple airstrips en route (so-called “seat-in-plane” service). Transfers are usually included in safari itineraries and planned around flight schedules to minimise waiting times.

A Deeper Understanding Of The Best Time To Visit the Okavango Delta Region

Visiting between June and October offers excellent game viewing, as animals cluster around the flooded channels arriving from Angola while vegetation thins and visibility improves. Flood levels typically peak between July and August. This is the high season, with premium lodge rates but unmatched wildlife density.

The wet or "green" season (November–March) brings heavy rains, lush vegetation and spectacular bird migration, making it ideal for birders and nature photographers — though wildlife can be more dispersed and some lodges may close during the wettest months.

Shoulder months (April–May, September–October) combine moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, rising floodwaters, and improving game viewing — and often better value.

Table Legend:
Weather: ⛈️ Thunderstorms, 🌧️ Rain, 🌤️ Partly Cloudy, ☀️ Dry
Wildlife Viewing: ✅ Average, ✅✅ Good, ✅✅✅ Great
Birdwatching: 🐦 Average, 🐦🐦 Good, 🐦🐦🐦 Great
Temperature: ❄️ Cold, ☀️ Warm, 🔥 Hot

A Deeper Understanding Of Weather And Climate In the Okavango Delta Region

The summer (wet season from November to March) coincides with summer rainfall in Angola that feeds the Okavango River. Expect daily heavy afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity (up to 80 %), and swollen wetlands supporting lush vegetation and wildlife. Temperatures are hot and humid, especially in December and February.

The dry winter season (April to August) brings clear skies, crisp early mornings, and cool evenings. The delta floods during this period, offering prime wildlife visibility as animals gather around permanent water. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant around mid-20s °C.

Shoulder seasons (March–May, September–October) offer transitional weather — the bush turns green in April/May after rains, and September/October brings rising temperatures before the next rains. These months suit travellers seeking fewer crowds, moderate heat, and excellent game viewing.

Table representing weather and climate in the Okavango Delta Region by month

🟢 Excellent weather | 🟡 Fair weather | 🟠 Hot or rainy conditions | 🔴 Unfavourable travel period

A Deeper Understanding Of Malaria In the Okavango Delta Region

The Okavango Delta Region, including Maun, lies within Botswana’s northern malaria belt. The highest transmission occurs during the rainy season (November to April), with peak risk from September through May, while June–August sees moderate risk when drier conditions suppress mosquito breeding.

All travellers to this region should consider chemoprophylaxis, especially children, pregnant women or long‑stay visitors. Standard advice includes using insect repellent, wearing long, light-coloured clothing, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, and staying in insect-screened or air‑conditioned lodges.

If fever or flu‑like symptoms occur during or up to a month after travel, get tested promptly. Though safari visitors rarely fall ill, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Malaria Risk by Month in Okavango Delta Region

🟢 Malaria Free, 🟡 Low Risk Of Malaria, 🟠 Medium Risk Of Malaria, 🔴 High Risk Of Malaria

A Deeper Understanding Of Safety In the Okavango Delta Region

The Okavango Delta Region and nearby towns like Maun offer a generally safe environment for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, particularly within wildlife areas and private concessions where trained guides oversee game drives and bush walks. Petty theft—such as pickpocketing or vehicle break-ins—is more likely in urban centres such as Gaborone, Francistown or Maun, especially near markets, airports or at traffic lights. It’s wise to keep valuables out of sight, lock vehicles, and avoid walking alone after dark.

Driving risks include smash‑and‑grab thefts at intersections and hazardous road conditions in remote areas. Avoid driving after dark and park in well-lit, attended areas.

Within wildlife areas—including national parks and private reserves—wildlife encounters are managed by professional guides. Never exit vehicles except under direct supervision. Follow lodge rules strictly.

Health-wise, malaria is present in the Delta from approximately November to June. Use insect repellent, sleep under nets, and consult a doctor about prophylaxis. Limited medical facilities exist in rural zones—comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.