Where Is the Okavango Delta & Best Time to Visit for Safaris
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders, a vast inland wetland that transforms Botswana’s Kalahari Desert into a thriving oasis of wildlife. Known as the “Jewel of the Kalahari,” the delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best safari destinations in the world. If you’re planning an African adventure, understanding where the Okavango Delta is located and the best time to visit will help you experience its magic to the fullest.
Where Is the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta lies in northwestern Botswana, in the heart of Southern Africa. Unlike most river systems that drain into the sea, the Okavango River flows from the highlands of Angola, through Namibia, and into Botswana, where it fans out into a massive inland delta. Instead of reaching the ocean, the river disperses into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique ecosystem of lagoons, channels, and floodplains.
Covering an area of up to 15,000 square kilometers during peak floods, the delta sustains an extraordinary variety of wildlife, making it one of Africa’s richest and most diverse safari landscapes.
Why the Okavango Delta Is Special
The delta is a true wilderness where nature thrives largely undisturbed. Seasonal flooding transforms dry grasslands into lush wetlands, attracting vast numbers of animals. The Okavango is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and over 400 species of birds.
One of the unique ways to explore the delta is by mokoro canoe, a traditional dugout that glides through narrow channels, offering a peaceful and intimate safari experience. Game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises also reveal the incredible diversity of this pristine ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta
May to September: Peak Safari Season
The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the dry winter months (May–September) when the delta floods. Ironically, while the rest of Botswana is dry, floodwaters from Angola reach the delta, creating a lush oasis. Animals congregate around the waterways, making wildlife viewing at its best. Clear skies, cooler temperatures, and fewer mosquitoes make this the most popular safari season.
October to December: Warming Up
Temperatures rise and water levels start receding, but wildlife remains abundant. This is also the birthing season for many antelopes, attracting predators and offering dramatic sightings.
January to April: Wet Season
This is the rainy season, and while some lodges may close, it’s a rewarding time for birdwatchers as migratory species arrive. Landscapes are green and beautiful, but wildlife viewing can be more challenging due to the abundance of water and thicker vegetation.
How to Experience the Okavango Delta
The delta offers a variety of safari styles, from luxury lodges on private concessions to mobile camping safaris that follow the wildlife. Activities include:
- Mokoro excursions for tranquil water-based safaris
- Game drives to track big cats and large herds
- Walking safaris with expert guides for a deeper connection to the land
- Scenic flights over the delta for breathtaking aerial views
Plan Your Okavango Delta Safari with African Wild Trekkers
The Okavango Delta is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. At African Wild Trekkers, we design tailor-made safari experiences to ensure you explore this wilderness at the best possible time. Whether you prefer luxury or adventure, water safaris or game drives, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for your Botswana journey.
Book Your Safari Today
Contact us to plan your unforgettable Okavango Delta safari and experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.
