The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the ultimate magical African safari experience! The unspoiled wilderness of this world’s largest inland delta is famous for its abundant wildlife as well as for indigenous San people (Bushmen) with their ancient culture. Okavango region offers unsurpassed opportunities for big game viewing, boat safaris, scenic flights and birdwatching in one of the safest countries in Africa.
The vast Okavango Delta, also known as Okavango Swamp, is located in central Botswana in southern Africa. It is the world's largest inland delta, where the waters of Okavango River are emptied in the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique tropical lush wetland area as large as 15,000 km². The local inhabitants, who are of Bantu and San (Bushman) origin, traditionally live on agriculture, hunting, fishing and cattle grazing. Tourism in Okavango area has also been developed into a major income earner.
More attractions. The World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills offers some 4500 ancient rock paintings done by the Bushmen, and their ancient lifestyle can be experienced for example in Khwai village close to Moremi. The main town in Okavango, Maun is the gateway to the Delta, and has its fair share of lodges, safari shops and tour operator offices. Scenic flights in Okavango Delta start from Maun airport. There is also an educational safari park in Maun. Nhabe Museum in the northeast of Okavango Delta hosts exhibits about the natural history and culture of the region.
The vast Okavango Delta, also known as Okavango Swamp, is located in central Botswana in southern Africa. It is the world's largest inland delta, where the waters of Okavango River are emptied in the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique tropical lush wetland area as large as 15,000 km². The local inhabitants, who are of Bantu and San (Bushman) origin, traditionally live on agriculture, hunting, fishing and cattle grazing. Tourism in Okavango area has also been developed into a major income earner.
Okavango Delta sights and activities: safaris, wildlife and scenic flights
The Okavango Delta is home to a great amount of African wildlife, attracting visitors who want to experience a true African wilderness safari. The meandering Okavango River is best seen by boat trip or by taking a scenic flight. Safaris in Okavango Delta area take you to a multitude of destinations from the popular Moremi Game Reserve in the western part of the Okavango Delta to the Makgadikgadi Reserve, Nxai Pan and Aha Hills, all great for wildlife viewing in Okavango region.More attractions. The World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills offers some 4500 ancient rock paintings done by the Bushmen, and their ancient lifestyle can be experienced for example in Khwai village close to Moremi. The main town in Okavango, Maun is the gateway to the Delta, and has its fair share of lodges, safari shops and tour operator offices. Scenic flights in Okavango Delta start from Maun airport. There is also an educational safari park in Maun. Nhabe Museum in the northeast of Okavango Delta hosts exhibits about the natural history and culture of the region.
Okavango Delta travel information and practical tips
Okavango Delta has a tropical semiarid climate, with warm winters from May to September and hot summers from October to April, when extreme temperatures are not rare during the day. On the other hand, nights during the winter can be very chilly. There is a hot and humid rainy season from November to March, during which there are seasonal floods and roads often transform into mud pools. Floods may also occur on May and June. The wildlife in Okavango is best seen on the pleasant and less rainy autumn and winter months from April to September.
Photo: Sara&Joachim, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
How to get there. The best way to travel to Okavango Delta is to take a flight or bus to Maun, the main town in the area, and to join a safari group there. Flights to Maun in Okavango are available from Gaborone in Botswana, as well as Johannesburg in South Africa and Windhoek in Namibia. There are regular buses and minibuses to Maun from Johannesburg and Windhoek, and you can also travel to Okavango with your own car.
Local transport within Okavango region is handled by buses and river taxis. Car rental in Okavango is available in Maun, or you can rent a car elsewhere in Southern Africa and then drive to the area. Charter airplanes are also available in Maun. However, getting around in Okavango is easiest within an organized safari.
Lodges & wildlife camps. There are few actual hotels in Okavango, but the many lodges in Okavango area offer comfortable stays in scenic natural settings. You can also stay in tented camps surrounded by wildlife. Restaurants in Okavango are concentrated into the lodges where meals are usually inclusive, although the town of Maun also has some other restaurants. Nightlife options are scarce, but listening to the sounds of wild nature in Okavango is just as exciting. Much of the Okavango area is protected and divided into concessions run by different safari companies. English is spoken widely in Maun, and even in the remote villages in Okavango area, most young people can speak English.
Safety. Okavango Delta is a safe area with little crime. Wildlife such as Nile crocodiles, lions, leopards, hyenas, hippos and snakes can all be lethally dangerous, and caution needs to be taken while on a safari. Never wander out into the wild by yourself.
