In the northwest of Botswana lies the Okavango Delta, a vast wetland area. In 2014, the Okavango Delta became the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its diverse flora and fauna attract many nature lovers and has become one of the most visited places in southern Africa. If you are ever in Botswana, be sure to visit this nature reserve. You may be wondering what you can do there. Read on to find out!

The Best Time to Visit Botswana’s Okavango Delta

During the rainy season in the high mountains of Angola, large amounts of water are brought to the Okavango Delta via the Okavango River. The water flows very slowly, only about 8 kilometers per hour, so it takes about six months for the water to reach the Okavango Delta. The water level in the Okavango Delta is highest in June and August during the dry season. The best season is from May to September. At this time of the year, Botswana is in winter, so the temperature is comfortable. Wildlife is easy to spot as there is little vegetation and animals migrate to the water sources.

Watching Wildlife in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is home to various animals, making it an excellent place for animal lovers. Commonly seen animals include elephants, rhinos, lions, hippos, hyenas, wild dogs, leopards, crocodiles, antelopes, and zebras. It is also a mecca for bird watchers. More than 400 species of birds live there, so don’t forget to pack your binoculars!

Sailing, Walking, Flying

You can explore the area from the water in a mokoro; a small wooden boat hollowed out of a tree trunk. While sailing through the tall reeds, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants searching for freshwater a few meters away. Don’t want to go out on the water? If so, a walking safari is perfect for you. Set off with an experienced guide and come face to face with elephants and buffaloes. Thrills and chills guaranteed!

Want to experience the Okavango Delta at its best? Then a scenic flight is a must! Flying over this area in a small airplane, you can watch from above as families of elephants and herds of buffalo roam the wilderness. The plane rises to about 100 meters, so you can still see plenty on the ground; an hour later, the plane lands in Maun. The flight costs about $120-160. It’s not cheap, but it’s an unforgettable experience! Make sure you book your flight well in advance.

Combining the Okavango With Other Unique Places in Botswana

You can combine your trip to Botswana with a visit to the Okavango and Moremi Animal Sanctuary. The Moremi Game Reserve is located adjacent to the Okavango Delta and is an excellent safari off the beaten track. Chobe National Park is also a beautiful park for game drives, with over 100,000 elephants roaming in large herds. Leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and jackals can also be seen. The Okavango can easily be combined with a trip to Makgadikgadi National Park. This is where the great zebra migration occurs twice a year, and thousands of zebras can be seen. Visit one of the largest salt pans in the world, take a meerkat tour to see Timon the Lion King in the wild, and see a large number of beautiful and giant baobab trees.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is also possible in Botswana, although it is not (yet) very popular. It is possible in many of the known safari areas. The unique feature of a horse riding safari is that many animals are not afraid of horses and can get much closer to them than on foot. Please note that these horse safaris are only suitable for experienced travelers.

Have you ever been to the Okavango Delta? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!