The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of Africa’s most wonderful and exclusive safari destinations and an absolute ‘must visit’ for any safari connoisseur. Not only is the mixed landscape of rivers, lagoons, forested islands, woodland, grassland, flood plains and permanent swamps one of the most beautiful environments in Africa, but it is also teeming with wildlife. From Africa’s iconic big five to the rarest of birds and nocturnal creatures, the Okavango is home to an incredibly rich wildlife diversity.
A large portion of the Okavango Delta is divided into private concessions which guarantees a very exclusive wilderness experience far from any tourist crowds – this is a real highlight of a Botswana safari and something that is increasingly hard to find elsewhere. But in addition to offering some of the most exclusive safaris in Africa, these private concessions also have the advantage of being able to offer very diverse activities and experiences, without the rules and constraints of government-run national parks or reserves. This creates a richness to your safari experience and allows you to spend longer on safari without any two days ever being the same!
Night drives to see the nocturnal species of Botswana
In addition to normal day time game drives (which are available throughout the delta except where permanent swamps and lagoons make driving impossible), night drives are a wonderful experience for visitors who are keen to seek out some of the smaller and rarer species that become active at night. Keep a lookout for aardvark, serval, civet, genet, porcupine, white-tailed mongoose, caracal, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wild cat, pangolin, honey badger and spring hare. In addition, lion, hyena and leopard are regularly seen on night drives, and are often more active at night than during the day.
Mokoro silently through Okavango paradise
Originating with the BaYei people centuries ago, a ‘mokoro’ is a dug out canoe designed for moving about the wetland habitats of the Okavango Delta. It is a peaceful and relaxing way to explore the shallow floodplains of the Okavango, and the experience is particularly rewarding during the Okavango flood season, which usually peaks between May and August. You are typically less likely to encounter predators in these watery habitats, but the birdlife is spectacular, and it is common to encounter species such as elephant, giraffe, red lechwe and impala. Special sightings can include the rare sitatunga antelope, spotted-necked otters, beautiful kingfishers and rarer birds such as Pel’s fishing owl and African skimmer.
Boat Safaris and Fishing on the waterways of the Okavango Delta
Heading out on deeper water by boat allows you to cover more ground and approach species like hippo and crocodile more closely. In certain areas, you can also access vast heronries which are usually active between August and December. Sunsets on the water are especially soothing and beautiful, often with wildlife grazing in the background, hippos snorting nearby and flocks of storks flying overhead. It is a stunning experience, far removed from our busy and noisy lives back home. Fishing is widely available (in season, between March and December) with chances to catch catfish, bream, tilapia and if you are lucky, Africa’s beautiful ‘tiger’ fish.
Okavango Delta Walking Safaris
Getting out to explore on foot has always provided a different and exciting perspective on safari. Without the sound of an engine, your senses come alive, and from ground level you appreciate the wilderness and wildlife with genuine respect. Whether you are interested in learning about the medicinal qualities of the plants and trees, or would prefer to track Africa’s iconic big game species for unique up close encounters, walking in the Okavango Delta can be a very rewarding experience.
Scenic helicopter flights over the Okavango
Moving between camps in the Okavango Delta is almost always undertaken by air, either in light aircraft or by helicopter. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy aerial views of the stunning landscape, and it also gives you an idea of just how much space and wilderness there is. In addition to these standard air transfers, it is now easily possible to include a ‘doors off’ helicopter scenic flight within your safari. The best time to do this is early in the morning, when the light is sharp and the animals are still active – highlights can include elephants drinking at waterholes, wild dogs hunting across the plains or lions basking in the morning sun. Longer excursions can cover the breadth of the delta including Champagne stops on remote islands!
Some of the best horse riding safaris in Africa
Botswana has always been home to some of the best riding safaris in Africa, and three separate riding companies offer superb experiences where you can ride through the shallow waters of the Okavango Delta, canter alongside herds of wildlife, and enjoy some of the most exclusive riding experiences available in Africa. Non-riders in the party can also be catered for with other activities such as game drives, water activities and walks, especially at the excellent Macatoo Camp. For anyone seeking a riding safari in the heart of the African wilderness, the Okavango Delta is the place to go!
Conservation Initiatives bordering the Okavango
Whilst the Okavango Delta is a vast wilderness area with very little evidence of human activity, around the outer edges of the delta villages do exist and there are naturally conflicts between humans and wildlife, particularly involving elephants (which like to roam wide areas and may feed on crops) and lions (which occasionally get drawn into killing livestock). Reached from safari camps by helicopter, there are opportunities to visit and learn about key conservation initiatives, from Elephant Havens which rehabilitates orphaned elephants for release back into the wild, to the excellent CLAWS initiative working to alleviate human-wildlife conflict across northern Botswana.
Sleep Out Under Okavango Stars
A few camps in the Okavango Delta offer fantastic sleep out platforms where you can sleep under the stars and really feel close to nature; falling asleep to the sounds of the African night and waking with the sunrise to look for the tracks of interesting creatures that have wandered past while you slept. These platforms will typically include a proper bed, mosquito net and toilet, and often a guide (with a vehicle) will sleep not too far away, as offered at the superb Kanana Camp. This is a fun experience that feels adventurous and connects you even more closely to your wild surroundings.
Sunset Drinks overlooking the waterways of the Okavango Delta
The sunsets in the Okavango Delta are simply incredible and certainly some of the best you will find in Africa – and that is saying something! The colours are magnificent, from reds, oranges and yellows to pinks and purples, made all the more vibrant by a few puffy clouds and reflections over the water. The energy of the bush is a key ingredient too, as the sunsets are made all the more special by the presence of wildlife, whether it’s an elephant silhouetted against the dropping sun, a lion roaring in the distance, a hyena emerging for its nightly forage or flocks of birds flying home to roost. Stopping to appreciate the scene and the moment in time, with a relaxing, cold drink, is one of the Okavango Delta’s most important activities!
Summary
Beyond these core experiences, and of course some incredible game viewing, the Okavango Delta can offer even more. Depending on where you stay, you might find yourself swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Okavango Delta flood, sitting in a hide watching wildlife at eye level, or looking up at the incredible night sky listening to an experienced astronomer. You may also have the pleasure of being served a meal out in the bush, complete with chairs and tables, lovely food and cold drinks – potentially the most unique and memorable meal you have ever been served!
The Okavango Delta in Video
Our managing director, Rob Slater, recently visited the Okavango Delta for a whirlwind tour of some new camps and some specialist safari options. It was a fantastic trip, re-affirming the beauty and exclusivity of this watery paradise. His trip experiences are summarised in his short and action-packed film – One week in the Okavango Delta.
