Email us 
Where Botswana’s Kalahari sands meet seasonal floodwaters, the Okavango Delta creates one of the planet’s most extraordinary wilderness sanctuaries. Here, life moves to a gentler rhythm – where mornings begin with the low call of distant lions and afternoons unfold as your mokoro glides silently through lily-covered channels.
Every traveller experiences the Delta differently. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of tracking wild dogs across private concessions, seeking quiet sanctuary in an exclusive water camp, or planning a multi-generational journey of shared discovery, the Okavango rewards those who travel with intention.
At Discover Africa, we don’t fit you into a pre-packaged itinerary. Living and working in Africa, our safari experts draw on first-hand destination knowledge to curate every detail of your journey – from seamless light-aircraft transfers to lodges selected specifically for your travel style.
Where to Stay
You’ll stay in some of Africa’s most exclusive Okavango Delta safari lodges. Botswana safari camps in the Okavango Delta include canvas-tented elegance and private plunge pools overlooking floodplains.
Each luxury Okavango Delta safari lodge blends comfort with authenticity. Evenings bring lantern-lit dinners, fine wines, and the unmistakable call of the nightjar.
Must-Visit Areas in the Okavango Delta
This region is made up of wildlife-rich reserves and concessions that are the perfect backdrops for a memorable safari in Botswana:
Moremi Game Reserve: Incredible Wildlife Sightings
Moremi Game Reserve is the oldest protected reserve in the Okavango Delta, encompassing an incredible diversity of habitats, from permanent waterways and lily-covered lagoons to dry acacia woodlands. Because it protects both land and delta ecosystems, the variety of wildlife here is unmatched.
It’s considered one of the best places in Africa to see the highly endangered African wild dog; you may spot resident packs denning and hunting within its boundaries. Healthy populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs can be seen following massive herds of impala, kudu, tsessebe, and lechwe.
Elephants and buffaloes frequently cross the tracks, while pods of hippos dominate the deep pans.
Khwai Community Concession: River Game Viewing
The Khwai Community Concession (NG19) is located in the northeast of the Okavango Delta and runs along the Khwai River. The river acts as a vital life source and is a magnet for game passing between Moremi and Chobe National Park to the north, making it an ideal stop during a luxury Botswana safari.
This small concession is owned and run by the community in nearby Khwai Village; tourism revenue is used to fund conservation and community projects.
Chief’s Island: Unique Safari Experience
An exclusive safari destination in Botswana, Chief’s Island is the largest island in the Okavango Delta and is only accessible by boat or light aircraft. This island is renowned for its dense wildlife populations, which include large herds of elephants and buffaloes and thriving predator populations, while hippos rule the surrounding deep channels.
Okavango Delta Safari Packages
Our curated Okavango Delta safari tours are designed to match your pace and passion. Whether you’re after an intimate Okavango Delta photo safari, a family-friendly exploration, or a romantic retreat deep in the wetlands, every journey is fully customisable.
- Classic Delta Discovery: Combine a safari in the Okavango Delta with an experience in Moremi Game Reserve for diverse game viewing.
- Ultimate Water Wilderness: Focus on the Delta’s waterways with guided mokoro trips and sunset cruises.
- Photographer’s Safari: Timed for peak light and animal activity, a photo safari is ideal for capturing that perfect shot.
- Delta and Desert: Pair the Delta’s lush landscapes with the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans for contrast and variety.
- The Delta on Horseback: Explore the heart of the Okavango while in the saddle, reaching untouched corners of this enchanting wilderness.
Animals Found in the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta offers unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most iconic species. Large herds of elephants and Cape buffaloes traverse the floodplains, while powerful predators like lions and leopards rule the dryer islands and riverbanks. Thriving packs of endangered African wild dogs and spotted hyenas also roam the wilderness, and if you keep a watchful eye on the deeper reeds, you might even spot the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope.
With over 400 recorded bird species, the Delta is an absolute paradise for birdwatching safaris. The pristine wetlands serve as critical habitats for a mesmerising array of waders and waterbirds. Keep your binoculars ready for highly sought-after sightings like the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, the majestic wattled crane, the greater swamp warbler, and the rare slaty egret.
For anglers, the permanent, deep waters of the northern Okavango Delta Panhandle offer the opportunity to hook the legendary tigerfish during the fishing season.
When to Go
To really experience the Okavango Delta at its best, time your trip during the dry season, between April (a transitional month when rains diminish) and October, with peak water levels occurring in July and August. Higher water levels mean opportunities for mokoro safaris, a must-do activity to explore the channels and get closer to the smaller residents of the Okavango.
Planning Your Okavango Delta Safari
Inspired by this place? Let’s start designing your African chapter.
Every traveller’s dream is unique. Browse our tours, or let our team build an itinerary that sounds like you, balancing adventure with relaxation, from choosing the best Okavango Delta safari lodge to understanding Okavango Delta safari costs.
We’ll ensure every detail flows seamlessly.
