Trips and Tours to Okavango DeltaExplore the stunning wildlife that called the Okavango Delta home

Visit the Okavango Delta

Starting in Angola and never quite making its way to the ocean, the Okavango River snakes its way through the vast flat plains of Botswana, making the Okavango Delta an oasis of life. The landscape there is made up of vivid green foliage that flourish in the abundance of water that periodically overflows from the river on to the surrounding land. During the dry season, the area becomes a sanctuary for the indigenous creatures of the country as they migrate to the delta in search of water. All kinds of animals such as hippos, elephants, big cats and buffaloes seek solace in this vast watery haven.

For those interested in catching a glimpse of the incredibly rare and endangered black rhino or cheetah, the Okavanago Delta is a great place to begin your search. Visitors to the area might also get the chance to witness some of the thousands of rock paintings, which date back centuries. One of the best ways to see this wonderful region is to take a tour along the water in a mokoro, a narrow, wooden boat that is pushed by a long pole, similar to a Venetian gondola. The lack of motor means that it glides silently through the water, allowing passengers to get up close and personal with the wildlife that dwells near the water. Game drives are also available, particularly in remote and secluded areas, so travellers are sure to have a premier experience.

Tours to the Okavango Delta

We offer a range of tours traveling through Africa and Botswana, including trips to the Okavango Delta, were sure to have the perfect itinerary for you. Take a 4x4 ride through sandy paths and ride along the river in a traditional mokoro canoe. View the stunning wildlife from local birds to herds of elephants all on our tour to the Okavango Delta.

Explore our full range of Okavango Delta tours here

What to expect on a tour to Okavango Delta

A tour to the Okavango Delta is an immersive journey into one of Africa’s most pristine and diverse ecosystems. Expect breathtaking landscapes that shift between lush floodplains, dense woodlands, and winding waterways teeming with life. The experience varies depending on the season, with the dry months offering peak wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, while the wetter months transform the delta into a green paradise filled with birdlife and vibrant vegetation.

Take a game drive in 4x4 vehicles, where you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo roaming freely across the terrain. A mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion is a highlight, allowing you to glide silently through the waterways, passing hippos, crocodiles, and dazzling water lilies, while expert polers navigate the channels.

The remoteness of the Okavango Delta ensures an intimate and unspoiled safari experience, where every moment feels like a step into the heart of Africa’s untouched beauty.

What to do in the Okavango Delta

a man riding in a mokoro along the Okavango Delta
Mokoro ride

Take a mokoro ride along the Okavango River

Gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, offers an intimate glimpse into this unique ecosystem. As an expert poler navigates through narrow channels lined with reeds and water lilies, the quiet movement allows close encounters with wildlife—tiny frogs on papyrus stalks, elephants playing in the water, and antelope at the water’s edge. Unlike a game drive, a mokoro ride highlights the Delta’s delicate details, immersing you in its serene beauty for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.

a 4x4 driving thought the Okavango Delta
4x4 ride

Look out for wildlife on a 4x4

Driving through the Okavango Delta in a 4x4 is a thrilling adventure, navigating sandy tracks, seasonal wetlands, and wildlife-rich plains. Lush waterways, open savannas, and dense woodlands unfold as elephants cross your path, hippos surface, and leopards slip through the grass. The mix of off-road excitement and untouched wilderness makes every moment unforgettable.

Elephant at Okavango Delta
Elephant at Okavango Delta

Join us for a guided walk

Trek through the lush floodplains and winding channels, guided by expert trackers, you’ll witness an incredible array of wildlife. See elephants wading through the water, antelope grazing on the open plains, and perhaps even a stealthy predator lurking in the tall grass. The Delta’s ever-changing landscapes, from palm-fringed islands to dense woodlands, provide a breath-taking backdrop for your journey. With each step, you’ll experience the raw beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the dry season from May to October, when the floodwaters from Angola have fully arrived, creating a vast network of waterways and attracting abundant wildlife. This is the peak safari season, offering excellent game viewing as animals gather around the water sources. The weather is cooler from May to August, while September and October bring hotter temperatures and increased predator activity.

If you prefer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, the green season, November to April, offers dramatic thunderstorms, vibrant scenery, and excellent birdwatching, though wildlife is more dispersed.

Frequently asked questions

What wildlife can I see in the Delta?

The Delta is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and a variety of antelope. You’ll also see over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles and malachite kingfishers.

What activities can I do in the Okavango Delta?

Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?

Is the Okavango Delta safe for visitors?

What should I pack for a trip to the Okavango Delta?

Is malaria a risk in the Delta?

Conclusion

A tour of the Okavango Delta is an immersion into one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses. Whether gliding silently through its waterways in a mokoro, tracking wildlife on foot, or exploring vast floodplains by 4x4, every moment is a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. The Delta’s breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and sense of adventure make it a destination like no other. As you leave, the echoes of birdsong and the unforgettable encounters with wildlife will stay with you, calling you back to this magical oasis in the heart of Africa.

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals
Get exclusive deals, travel tips and more.
4.4 out of 5 based on 293 reviews