A traveller’s guide to the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the most incredible wilderness sanctuaries in Africa – with 15,000 square kilometres of water channels, lagoons and islands. Each year, floodwaters flow from the central African highlands over 1,000 kilometres away from the Delta to create this wondrous wetland within a desert.

Okavango Delta is home to a large number of wildlife from common mammals and birdlife to those that are not often seen elsewhere – such as sitatunga, wild dog and wattled crane. However, mokoro excursions offer an authentic and unobtrusive insight into this incredible wetland paradise.

What to see

 

This was the second #leopard we saw in a single day. Her round belly indicates that she is pregnant ���� #OkavangoDelta #Botswana #natgeo#cntradar#wildlife

A photo posted by Duygu Haker (@duyguhaker) on Jan 19, 2017 at 12:35am PST

Big game viewing is in the heart of the Okavango – with many species on offer including hundreds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodiles and not to forget the big cats such as lion, leopards and cheetah.

Here, you’ll find yourself exploring a lush paradise home to Africa’s most beautiful wildlife and bird species while submersing yourself in pure tranquillity and an African landscape unlike any other.

Where to stay

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

 

Embark on the ultimate adventure, Helicopter and Horseback Safari at #BelmondEagleIslandLodge. Spot big game from the sky on a sunrise helicopter ride. Then, a guide will lead you through the bush on horseback, with the chance to ride beside buffalo, elephants and wild dogs at hunt. #DiscoverBelmond #BelmondSafaris

A photo posted by Belmond (@belmond) on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:43am PDT

The Eagle Island Camp lies within Botswana's magnificent Okavango Delta. Beautifully located on the island of Xaxaba and surrounded by exotic Illala Palms, the luxurious and remote Camp overlooks a surrounding lagoon which is fed by the tranquil waterways of the Delta.

Being shaded by indigenous trees, this Camp provides a calm retreat from the warm African sun. This camp's natural beauty and serene tranquility make it a memorable getaway from where Africa's untamed wildlife can be observed. To read more, visit this website.

Machaba Camp

 

When the African sun reaches its peak in the sky, it's time to take a dip in the pool. Enjoy a refreshing swim with cocktails and snacks, while the animals continue to graze around the camp. #MachabaSafaris #okavangodelta #africansafaris #botswana #instatravel #skiesoverafrica #MachabaCamp #LittleMachaba #pool #swimming #luxurydestinations #luxurytravel #cocktails

A photo posted by Machaba Camp – Botswana (@machabacamp) on Oct 10, 2016 at 10:34pm PDT

The Machaba Camp nestles in the Khwai area of Botswana's great Okavango Delta in Southern Africa. The name Machaba comes from the local Setswana name for the Sycamore Fig Tree, which is known in Africa as the tree of life. Machaba trees feature a copious amount of fleshy fruit which a vast array of animals feed on including elephant, baboons, bushbuck, green pigeons and others.

The Camp is aimed at the affordable luxury travel markets across the world and offers a unique and adventurous safari experience; it appeals to the novice safari guest as well as to the seasoned traveller.

This Camp has also won the (Best Value Safari Property in Botswana – 2014), received a highly commended award for (Best Value Safari Property in Africa – 2014), and named (Best New Safari Property in Botswana – 2015).

Shinde Camp

 

Early morning tranquility #shindecamp #lookingforhippos #safari #africa #sunrise #beautiful #reflection #boat

A photo posted by Momma Salamat (@dianasalamat) on Aug 27, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT

Shinde Camp offers a diverse range of activities, courtesy of its location which affords both water and land activities year round. Motorboats or Mekoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a professional guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. For the more adventurous at Shinde Camp, guided walks are also available while fly fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.

What to do

 

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A photo posted by Katarina Gospic (@katarinagospic) on Jan 15, 2017 at 4:10am PST

Exploring the Okavango is a must for any tourist visiting Botswana. Here, you’ll have an endless list of activities to participate in. Game drives will allow you to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. However, in some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits. Through mokoro you will glide silently through the channels – however, you will also see animals that feed on the grass and reeds on the palm islands such as lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Encounter boat safaris that will allow you cover more ground and see more of the landscape, fish at the Panhandle region and fly over rivers as well as pool dotted with lily pads – as well as a variety of wild animals that inhabit this unique habitat. Okavango horseback safari will provide you with the opportunity to venture up close to the Delta’s spectacular wildlife and bird species. However, enjoy interpretive bushman experience – where you will be introduced to their various hunting and survival techniques. Planning a holiday in Botswana – than Okavango Delta should be on top of your bucket list.