The Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth, a vast inland delta where the Okavango River spills into the Kalahari Desert and simply vanishes, never reaching the sea. Covering roughly 20,000 square kilometers at peak flood, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms from dry savanna into a shimmering labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and palm-fringed islands each year as floodwaters from the Angolan highlands arrive between June and August. The result is a paradise for wildlife and one of Africa's most exclusive safari destinations, where you safari by mokoro (dugout canoe), on foot across delta islands, and by boat through channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles. The delta supports all of the Big Five, along with large populations of African wild dog, red lechwe antelope, sitatunga, and over 400 bird species. Most visitors experience the delta through fly-in lodges in private concessions, where the combination of water, wilderness, and wildlife creates safari moments found nowhere else on the continent.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Okavango Delta
Big Five Status
lion
High
leopard
Moderate
elephant
Very High
buffalo
High
rhino
Low
Wildlife Highlights
African Wild Dog
One of the best places in Africa to see wild dogs. The delta's islands create natural den sites.
Red Lechwe
Semi-aquatic antelope unique to flooded habitats. Thousands splash through the shallows.
Sitatunga
Shy, semi-aquatic antelope with splayed hooves adapted for swamp living
Hippo
Abundant in delta channels and lagoons
Crocodile
Present throughout the waterways
400+ bird species including African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl, Wattled crane, Slaty egret, African skimmer, Malachite kingfisher.
Best Time to Visit Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta offers different but rewarding experiences year-round. The flood season (June to August) and dry season (September to October) are the most popular periods.
flood_peak Season
June, July, AugustCool and dry, cold mornings (5-10C)
High (peak season)
Peak
Excellent, especially water-based sightings
late_dry Season
September, OctoberHot and dry (35C+)
High
Peak
Excellent land-based viewing
green_season_early Season
November, December, JanuaryHot with afternoon storms
Low
Low (green season rates)
Good, with migratory birds and baby animals
green_season_late Season
February, March, AprilWarm and humid
Very low
Lowest
Good birding, some areas inaccessible
early_dry Season
MayCool and dry
Moderate
Shoulder
Good and improving
Getting to Okavango Delta
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
South Gate (Moremi)
Main entrance to Moremi Game Reserve from Maun
North Gate/Khwai (Moremi)
Northern entrance via Khwai community area
Third Bridge (Moremi)
Interior campsite, accessible only by 4x4
Okavango Delta Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $13/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $7/day |
| Vehicle | $7 |
- • Fees quoted are for Moremi Game Reserve (BWP 120 adult, ~$13)
- • Private concession fees are included in lodge rates
- • Fees are per 24 hours
- • Children 8-17 get discounted rate
- • Under 8 free in Moremi
- • Most fly-in lodges include all fees in their all-inclusive rates
Activities in Okavango Delta
Included Activities
Mokoro Safari
Glide through delta channels in a traditional dugout canoe poled by a local guide. The quintessential Okavango experience.
Game Drives
Explore island and floodplain habitats by 4x4, spotting big cats, elephants, and wild dogs
Boat Safari
Explore deeper channels and lagoons by motorboat, encountering hippos, crocs, and waterbirds
Walking Safari
Guided walks on delta islands with armed guides, tracking wildlife on foot
Bird Watching
Over 400 species including Pel's fishing owl and African skimmer
Optional Extras
Scenic Helicopter Flight
$250-$500See the delta's vast waterways from above
Night Drives
$0-$0Spotlight drives for nocturnal wildlife in private concessions
Catch and Release Fishing
$0-$50Fish for tigerfish and bream in delta channels
Where to Stay
The Okavango Delta is dominated by luxury fly-in lodges and camps, many located in private concessions with exclusive traversing rights. Budget options are limited to self-drive camping in Moremi Game Reserve or mokoro trips from the Maun area.
luxury
$1000-$3000/nightIncludes: All meals, drinks, activities (game drives, mokoro, walking, boating), laundry, charter flights from Maun
Examples: Mombo Camp (Wilderness), Jao Camp, Xigera Safari Lodge, Duba Plains
mid range
$500-$1000/nightIncludes: Full board, scheduled activities
Examples: Oddballs Camp, Xakanaxa Camp, Gunn's Camp
budget
$30-$100/nightIncludes: Campsite only; bring all equipment, food, and water. Self-drive with own 4x4 vehicle.
Examples: Third Bridge Campsite (Moremi), South Gate Campsite (Moremi), Mokoro trips from Maun
Practical Tips
- 1Book fly-in lodges 6-12 months in advance for peak season (June to October)
- 2Pack light for charter flights; most operators allow 20 kg in soft bags only
- 3Bring warm layers for winter mornings (June to August can drop below 5C)
- 4Binoculars are essential for birding and spotting distant wildlife
- 5Self-drivers must be experienced in deep sand driving and carry recovery equipment
- 6Mosquito precautions are critical, especially November to April
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Okavango Delta safari cost?
Luxury fly-in lodges range from $1,000 to $3,000 per person per night, all-inclusive with activities, meals, drinks, and charter flights. Budget alternatives exist: self-drive camping in Moremi costs $30 to $50 per night for a campsite, or mokoro day trips from Maun start at $50 per person.
When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
June to August for the peak flood experience, when water levels are highest and mokoro safaris are at their best. September to October for dry land game viewing as animals concentrate around shrinking water. The green season (November to March) offers lower prices and fewer crowds but some camps close.
How do you get to the Okavango Delta?
Most visitors fly into Maun, then take a 20 to 40 minute charter flight to their lodge or camp. Budget travelers can drive from Maun to Moremi Game Reserve (4-5 hours, 4x4 essential) or arrange mokoro trips from communities near Maun.
Is the Okavango Delta safe?
Yes, the delta is very safe for tourists when following guide instructions. Lodges are well-run with experienced staff. Wildlife encounters are managed by professional guides. The main risks are hippos and crocodiles in the water, which is why you travel with trained polers and guides at all times.
What is a mokoro and is it safe?
A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe (or modern fiberglass version) propelled by a skilled poler using a long wooden pole. It is very safe when operated by an experienced local poler, which is always the case for tourists. The canoes are stable, and polers know the waterways and wildlife behavior intimately.
Can I visit the Okavango Delta on a budget?
Yes, though it requires more planning. Self-drive to Moremi Game Reserve and camp at designated sites (Third Bridge, Xakanaxa). Alternatively, arrange mokoro excursions from the Maun area for $50 to $150 per person per day. These options give you authentic delta experiences without the luxury lodge price tag.
Official Resources
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Approximately 20,000 sq km at peak flood: Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks
- Over 400 bird species recorded: BirdLife Botswana