The Okavango River flows down from Angola into Botswana's Kalahari Desert, where it creates an oasis in the desert, a paradise of islands and lagoons. Trapped between fault lines and dammed by rising land to the east, this extraordinary landlocked delta is one of Africa’s finest safari wildlife destinations. This vast expanse of interlocking streams, lagoons, papyrus beds and palm-fringed islands is uniquely captivating. The delta air is pure, the water crystal-clear and it teems with wildlife.
Many of the channels are permanent, allowing year-round exploration by mokoro or motorboat, but when the floodwaters arrive in May, dry channels fill up, and the number of camps that can offer you the fun of water-based game viewing increases. As the water level across the delta rise, this decreases the size of the islands, and intensifies the concentration of the wildlife on dry land, making land-based game viewing exceptionally rewarding.
Water-based camps in the Okavango Delta give you the opportunity to explore the tranquil waterways and lily fields by boat all year-round. Mokoros make no noise as they glide through the water channels. There is no better way to see the delta's water birds, as well as beautiful tiny speckled frogs and other amphibians that live among the papyrus. In the past mokoros were made from tree trunks, today they are fiberglass, but the activity is timeless.
You'll see larger mammals in the Okavango Delta too - elephants, water buffalos, hippos and also the occasional crocodile. Motorboats are used on the wider channels, and these often have an upper deck as a viewing platform. They are ideal both for fishing and for watching fish eagles as you sip sundowners at sunset. You can alight at any of the islands to explore on foot, or search for the elusive Pel's fishing owl.
If you have the time, it is best to combine a stay at an area of permanent water with a stay in a camp where land-based safari activities are strong. But otherwise, choose a camp where both activities are possible.
Northern Botswana Highlights Safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve
- Diverse mammals and birdlife galore in Chobe National Park
- Mokoro in the clear waters of the Okavango Delta, one of the world's natural wonders
- Savour the experience with a small group of like- minded travellers
Botswana's Moremi and Okavango Delta small group tour
Itinerary Highlights
- small intimate groups of like minded people
- Mokoro on the Okavango Delta
- walks in the khwai community area
- Big five game viewing
Botswana and Mozambique Escape
Itinerary Highlights
- See the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta
- Watch the wildlife from your mokoro
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mozambique
- Spacious exclusive accommodation
Botswana Conservation and Community
Itinerary Highlights
- Witness the Zebra Migration (Jan - Mar) in the Makgadigadi.
- Amazing game viewing in Moremi
- Exclusive experience on the Chobe River
Best of Botswana wildlife and Victoria Falls
Itinerary Highlights
- Luxurious accommodation in unique areas
- Incredible game viewing at Duba plains
- Some well deserved down time in Livingstone
Belmond Khwai River Lodge
Belmond Khwai River Lodge, is a luxurious lodge overlooking the Khwai River floodplains in the Moremi Game Reserve, often playing host to elephant, buffalo, lions, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs, as well as a plethora of birdlife including wildfowl and raptors.This is widely regarded as the only place in Botswana to see the Big Five and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife fr...
Abu Camp & Villa Okavango
Abu Camp & Villa Okavango ,situated on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, provides the original elephant riding safari experience.Here you are able to interact with a herd of ‘saved’ elephants, rescued from zoos around the world. Riding with the imduna (elephant carer) allows you an even closer engagement with other animals, and walking with them in the bush offers insights into t...
Sanctuary Baines Camp
Sanctuary Baines Camp, named after the famous nineteenth-century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines, is built on raised platforms above the Boro River in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. This tranquil, romantic camp is shaded by trees and has wonderful views over the watery channels of the Okavango Delta. The five luxurious suites are each built on a raised platform in the t...
Camp Moremi
Camp Moremi is a sister camp to Camp Okavango. Situated on the beautiful Xakanaxa Lagoon on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, within the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, it offers land and water activities.The camp has 11 modern thatched safari tents, each situated on a raised teak platform with a private viewing deck.The central lodge is an elevated structure, shaded by giant ebony trees, and consi...
Camp Okavango
Camp Okavango stands on the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the Delta, assuring a year-round water wilderness experience. The camp has 11 East African-style safari tents, each situated on a raised teak platform with a private viewing deck. There is also an exclusive timber honeymoon suite. The elegant main lodge has a bar, lounge and library. The dining room leads onto an open-air pat...
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Top 5 First Time Safari Destinations
Salar De Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat
10 Strange Animals and Where to Go to See them
Top five South Africa Safari lodges
Sustainable Tourism In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}