Chief’s Island

Located in the Moremi Game Reserve, Chief’s Island is the largest island in Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta, offering travellers a truly unique safari experience in southern Africa. This landmass measures 70 km/43 mi long and 15 km/9 mi wide and is renowned for its dense wildlife populations, which include the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes).

If you’re looking for an exclusive and immersive safari holiday filled with thrilling game drives and memorable activities, make sure to add Chief’s Island to your Botswana safari travel list.

Must-Visit Areas in Chief’s Island

For exceptional game-viewing opportunities and diverse habitats, these are the top destinations we recommend to Botswana safari-goers:

Mombo Concession: Big Five Destination

The Mombo Concession is an area within Moremi Game Reserve and one of the best places for big game spotting in the whole of southern Africa!

Consisting of large wetland spaces, channels lined with papyrus, as well as grasslands, the concession supports the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, and hyenas. Cheetahs and wild dogs have been seen here, but they’re harder to find. This area offers the rare opportunity to see both the black and white rhinos.

Floodplains and Waterways: Excellent Water Safaris

As Chief’s Island is part of the Okavango Delta, a safari here needs to include navigating the intricate network of channels and floodplains (best done in the dry season). Aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife thrive in these waterways.

Glide silently through papyrus-lined channels during a mokoro safari (an excursion in a traditional dugout canoe) for a birdwatching adventure. This is also a fantastic way to spot the smaller and rarer creatures that call this region home.

Mopane Woodlands and Acacia Forests: Dry Wildlife Environment

While the floodplains and waterways of the island are incredible to explore for the opportunity to spot birdlife (like the slaty egret and Pel’s fishing owl), the drier habitats of Chief’s interior shouldn’t be missed.

Another wildlife hotspot, you have the chance to see buffaloes and elephants, as well as a healthy population of predator species.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Chief’s Island?

Generally, the best time to go on an African safari is during the dry season, as this is when many water sources dry up, forcing animals to congregate around the remaining lakes, rivers, and waterholes.

Along with the less lush landscapes, this makes spotting animals easy. The dry season in Chief’s Island runs from May to October, with temperatures ranging from 26 °C/79 °F to 35 °C/95 °F.

Animals Found on Chief’s Island

Chief’s Island is home to the Big Five and one of the best places in Botswana to see the black and white rhino. During a safari here, you could also spot blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebras, and spotted hyenas, with cheetahs and wild dogs being a bit more elusive.

When it comes to birds, twitchers will be kept busy with the large variety of birdlife found here, with iconic species including the Pel’s fishing owl, slaty egret, white-backed night heron, African fish eagle, and malachite kingfisher.

How to Get to Chief’s Island

To reach the remote wilderness of Chief’s Island, travellers first arrive at Botswana’s Maun International Airport. From there, you’ll catch a light aircraft flight to Xakanaxa Airstrip or a private airstrip near your chosen camp.