Top things to see and do in the Okavango Delta
Every year, thousands of animals migrate to a watery oasis in northern Botswana to feed, rest and give birth to new life. Welcome to the Okavango Delta - a vast landscape dissected by glittering waterways fringed with papyrus reeds and crisscrossed by animal tracks. Arguably, this is one of Africa’s most impressive wildlife-viewing destinations.
Created as the Okavango River spills out of the Angolan highlands into the Kalahari Basin, the delta is a lifeline for the region's wildlife. As the dry season takes hold across southern Africa, the search for water sees huge herds of elephants, prides of lions and multitudes of zebras make the epic journey north from the arid plains of the Kalahari. The water-filled channels of the Okavango Delta explode with mammals and birds flocking in their thousands, creating a wildlife gathering like no other.
Due to its seasonal flooding and unique geography, visiting the Okavango Delta is a little different from other African wildlife reserves. While classic game drive safaris are possible here during part of the year, other modes of transport take precedence. In this article, discover some of the best ways to explore this watery wonderland and the top things to see and do in the Okavango Delta.
A trip through the Okavango Delta’s narrow waterways aboard a flat-bottomed dugout mokoro canoe is a truly magical experience and a highlight of any visit. Once the main form of transport for the area’s native peoples, these traditional vessels allow you to access hidden islands that can’t be reached by other modes of transport.
Gliding silently through the serene waterways is a magical experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this unique wetland environment. The mokoro, made by skilled craftsmen from the trunks of ebony and sausage trees, is poled along the narrow channels by an experienced local guide, who will navigate past dense stands of papyrus reeds and through flooded forests of skeletal trees.
Along the way, you may spot shy sitatungas picking their way delicately through the shallows or glimpse the iridescent flash of a kingfisher bursting from its perch. The relaxing pace of a canoe ride allows you to appreciate the smaller details of the landscape while the absence of a motor ensures wildlife isn’t scared away before you get a chance to see it.
If the leisurely pace of gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro isn’t adventurous enough for you, a motorboat safari may do the trick. A powerful boat allows you to cover more ground and see more wildlife than is possible in a dugout canoe, as well as follow larger herds of animals traversing the flooded wetlands.
Observe herds of hungry hippos wallowing in the cool delta waters and African elephants frolicking playfully as they swim between islands. The diversity of wildlife visible from these high-speed boats is astonishing, with something new around every bend. In addition to Nile crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, keep an eye out for elegant fish eagles surveying the waters from above.
The only drawback of a motorboat safari is the engine’s powerful roar, which can scare off more timid species before you even spot them. On the flip side, you’ll get to see a lot more of the delta than in a mokoro canoe and gain perspective on just how monumental the Okavango is.
Game drives in the Okavango Delta offer an intimate safari experience that feels a world away from the busy Serengeti or Maasai Mara. Far from the crowded trails of mainstream African wildlife viewing destinations, the winding waterways and grassy floodplains here feel largely untouched. While game drives are only seasonally available in the Okavango (depending on water levels), they offer a different perspective from mokoro and motorboat safaris.
On game drive safaris in the Okavango, professionally trained guides expertly navigate open-top vehicles through this untamed landscape, tailoring each drive to satisfy the interests of guests. With sensitive off-road driving practices, you're able to get up close and personal with the delta's diverse wildlife in a way that is both ethical and exciting.
One of the best places for game drive safaris in the Okavango is the Duba Plains concession where you can witness dramatic clashes between huge buffalo herds and prides of lions. To maximise wildlife sightings, embark on game drives at dawn or dusk when predators are actively hunting and prey gather at the water's edge to drink.
A walking safari in the Okavango Delta is an unparalleled way to experience the wild beauty of Botswana up close. With the help of an expert local guide who knows the delta intimately, you’ll follow hidden trails and access areas that are off-limits to other forms of transport. Added to that is the thrilling vulnerability of being on foot amongst majestic African wildlife.
As you tread quietly along the trails, listen closely for the calls of native birds and keep an eye out for glimpses of zebras and impalas grazing nearby. You may also spot herds of elephants gathered at a watering hole or giraffes gracefully feeding in the high branches of trees. Armed with a set of binoculars and with all of your senses on high alert, a walking safari can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the Okavango Delta.
Dotted with palm islands and home to African wild dogs, the remote Shinde Concession in the delta’s north is an ideal spot for walking safaris. Sightings of red lechwe, kudu and tsessebe are common here and there are thriving colonies of egrets, spoonbills and herons. With each step you take into the bush, you'll make new and exciting discoveries.
With its winding waterways and expansive wetlands, the Okavango Delta offers a landscape unlike any other - one that’s best seen from the air. Helicopters provide the ideal transportation between the camps and lodges that are scattered throughout the region, allowing travellers to maximise their time exploring the delta’s varied ecosystems.
Even if you’re not travelling between accommodations, a heli-flight is one of the best things to do in the Okavango Delta. These exhilarating 30-60 minute flights provide a breathtaking perspective of the shimmering waters and abundant wildlife below - there really is nothing like it!
Gliding just above the delta's channels, you can watch herds lumbering between islands and truly appreciate the majesty of this unique environment. Some helicopter journeys venture farther beyond the delta to landmarks like the ancient Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects millennia-old rock paintings.
For the true adventurer, some safari camps in the Okavango Delta offer the ultimate wilderness experience - the chance to sleep out under the stars. This unique accommodation option allows guests to spend a night alone in the wilderness, immersed in the sights and sounds of the African bush.
Most “sleepouts” take place on a raised platform, situated a short distance from the main camp yet secluded enough to feel completely isolated. Depending on the luxury level of the camp or lodge, this rustic sleeping area will feature a bed, plush linens and mosquito netting to protect you from bites, with some also boasting a private bathroom below.
Some camps also offer intrepid guests the opportunity to embark on a multi-day expedition by mokoro, camping out on small islands in the heart of the delta. This is truly one of the best things to do in the Okavango if you’re willing to forego a few creature comforts and offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with African wildlife.
The Okavango Delta is a wetland oasis teeming with wildlife both above and below the water’s surface. The deeper channels that wind between the papyrus reeds and islands are home to a remarkable diversity of fish species, including tilapia, catfish and bream.
Many safari camps in the Okavango offer guests the unique opportunity to embark on catch-and-release fishing trips in traditional mokoro canoes. Gliding silently across the glassy channels, anglers of all skill levels can try their hand at hooking native fish, whether they are experienced fisherfolk or learning how to cast a line for the first time.
A highlight for experienced anglers is seeking out the ultimate freshwater prize - the aggressive tigerfish - which is renowned for its razor-sharp teeth. A tigerfish battle is said to be one of the most intense and exciting fishing experiences in the world. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to provide coaching and take anglers to the top spots for each target species, with the peak fishing months being in September and October at the height of the dry season.
Ready To Start Planning Your Okavango Delta Safari?
For more Okavango Delta travel inspiration, check out our customised Botswana safari packages, including lodge/camp accommodation, guides and all transport.
Enquire now and a Vencha Travel's Expert will be in touch within 24 hours!
Let's start planning
1-321-766-6821
