Okavango Delta
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season, peak flood, best wildlife); green season (Nov-Mar) has baby animals and birding
Language
English (official), Setswana
Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2)
Airport
Maun Airport (MUB) — main gateway to the Delta
Population
~2.6 million (country); Maun ~75,000; the Delta itself is largely uninhabited
Climate
Semi-arid; hot summers (Oct-Mar, 35°C+), cool dry winters (May-Aug, 5-25°C); flood peak Jun-Aug
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — one of Africa's safest countries; wildlife is the main hazard
UNESCO Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014 — the 1,000th site inscribed on the World Heritage List
Top Highlights
Mokoro Canoe Safari
Glide silently through papyrus-lined channels in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) poled by a local guide. The quintessential Okavango experience — you're at eye level with hippos, crocodiles, and water lilies. Day trips from Maun cost ~1,500-2,500 BWP per person. Multi-day mokoro camping trips go deeper into the Delta.
Moremi Game Reserve
The only formally protected area within the Delta, covering 5,000 km of floodplains, lagoons, and woodland. All Big Five present, plus wild dogs (one of Africa's best populations). Self-drive is possible with a 4x4 but challenging — most visitors use guided safari operators. Park fees: 120 BWP/person/day for foreign adults.
Scenic Helicopter/Light Aircraft Flights
The Delta's fractal beauty is best appreciated from above. Scenic flights from Maun cost ~2,000-4,000 BWP for 30-60 minutes in a helicopter or Cessna. You'll spot elephant herds, hippo pods, and the intricate channel patterns that make the Delta a geological wonder. Book through your lodge or Maun operators.
Chief's Island
The largest island in the Delta and one of Africa's premier wildlife viewing areas. Home to some of the most exclusive (and expensive) safari camps — Mombo and Chief's Camp, often rated the best in Africa ($2,000-4,000/night all-inclusive). The concentration of predators here is extraordinary, especially lions and leopards.
Birdwatching Paradise
Over 500 bird species recorded in the Delta, including Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer, wattled crane, and the elusive slaty egret. The flood season (Jun-Aug) concentrates birds spectacularly. Xakanaxa Lagoon and Gadikwe Pan are prime birding spots. Even non-birders will be awed by the fish eagle calls at dawn.
Bush Camping on Delta Islands
For the adventurous, multi-day mokoro trips include camping on uninhabited islands with nothing between you and the African night sky. Guides set up camp, cook over open fires, and keep watch. Budget operators from Maun run 3-day trips for ~3,000-5,000 BWP all-inclusive. You'll hear hippos grunting feet from your tent.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Okavango Delta Itinerary
Arrival in Maun
Arrive at Maun Airport (MUB), the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun is a dusty frontier town where every second vehicle is a 4x4 heading into the bush.
Arrive at Maun Airport(1 hour)
Daily flights from Johannesburg on Air Botswana and SA Airlink. Visa-free for most Western passports. The airport is small and efficient
Check into Maun lodge(30 minutes)
Thamalakane River Lodge (~$100-150/night) or Island Safari Lodge (~$80). Both on the river with pools. Book your Delta activities here if not pre-arranged
Book Delta activities(1 hour)
Arrange mokoro day trips, scenic flights, and multi-day camping with local operators. Old Bridge Backpackers is a good booking hub. Budget mokoro day trip: ~1,500-2,500 BWP/person
Sunset on the Thamalakane River(1.5 hours)
Many lodges have riverside bars. Sundowner drinks watching hippos grunt in the fading light. St. Louis lager or a gin and tonic — the African safari classic
Scenic Flight & Mokoro Day Trip
Morning flight over the Delta to grasp its scale, then an afternoon mokoro canoe safari through the papyrus channels.
Scenic flight over the Delta(45 minutes)
30-45 minute Cessna or helicopter flight from Maun (~2,000-4,000 BWP). The fractal channel patterns, elephant herds from above, and the sheer scale of the Delta are unforgettable. Morning flights have clearest conditions
Mokoro canoe day trip(5 hours)
Transfer to the Delta edge (1-2 hours by 4x4), then glide through papyrus-lined channels in a traditional dugout canoe. Your poler knows every channel. Eye-level with hippos, water lilies, and African fish eagles. ~1,500-2,500 BWP all-inclusive
Bush walk on a Delta island(1.5 hours)
Your poler guides a walking safari on one of the Delta's islands. Track elephant, giraffe, and antelope on foot. More intimate than a vehicle safari
Return to Maun and dinner(2 hours)
Dinner at Marc's Eatery in Maun — good steaks and pizza. Mains 80-150 BWP. Or the French Connection for something more refined
Enter Moremi Game Reserve
Self-drive or guided entry into Moremi — the only formally protected area in the Delta. All Big Five plus wild dogs.
Drive to Moremi via South Gate(3 hours)
4x4 essential — the road from Maun to South Gate is deep sand in places. Park fees 120 BWP/person/day for foreign adults. Carry extra fuel, water, and food
Set up camp at Third Bridge or Xakanaxa(1 hour)
Third Bridge campsite is famous — a log bridge over a hippo channel. Xakanaxa has better game viewing. Book through BWPN (botswanawildlifetourism.com). ~50-100 BWP/person/night
Afternoon game drive(3 hours)
The floodplains around Xakanaxa are incredible for wildlife. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and one of Africa's best wild dog populations. Drive slowly and check every waterhole
Camp dinner and stargazing(2 hours)
Cook over the campfire (bring your own supplies). The Southern Hemisphere stars above the Delta are extraordinary. Listen for hippos, hyenas, and lions after dark
Full Day Safari in Moremi
Dawn-to-dusk game driving through Moremi's diverse habitats — floodplains, mopane woodland, and lagoons.
Sunrise game drive(3 hours)
Leave camp at first light. The morning chorus of birds and the soft golden light on the floodplains is why people cross oceans to get here. Check Third Bridge channel for hippos
Midday break at camp(2 hours)
The heat forces a break. Animals rest too. Read, nap, or watch the channel from your campsite
Afternoon drive to Paradise Pools or Dead Tree Island(3 hours)
Paradise Pools is a magical waterhole surrounded by dead trees — elephants, buffalo, and hippos congregate here. The birding is spectacular — Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer
Sundowner at a scenic spot(1 hour)
Park at a lagoon overlook. Gin and tonic from the cooler box. Watch elephants silhouetted against the sunset. This is why the Delta is the Delta
Rest Day — Camp Life
A slower day in Moremi. Leisurely morning drive, then camp relaxation. Listen to the Delta.
Late morning drive(2 hours)
No alarm. Drive when you're ready. Check the waterholes near camp
Camp activities(3 hours)
Birdwatch from camp (500+ species in the Delta). Journal, edit photos, or simply sit and listen. The calls of fish eagles, weaverbirds, and hippos form the soundtrack
Afternoon fishing (if permitted)(2 hours)
Some areas allow catch-and-release fishing. Tiger fish and bream. Check regulations at the gate
Final camp dinner(2 hours)
Last night under the Delta stars. Cook your best meal. Bring marshmallows for the fire
Exit Moremi & Return to Maun
Morning game drive on the way out, then return to Maun for a final night of civilization.
Morning game drive exiting Moremi(3 hours)
Take the scenic route out via South Gate. Stop at every waterhole — the morning light on the Delta is always different
Drive to Maun(3 hours)
Sandy roads back to Maun. The relief of tar road after days of deep sand is palpable
Hot shower and hotel check-in(1 hour)
After camping, a hot shower and a real bed feel luxurious. Return to your Maun lodge
Farewell dinner at French Connection(1.5 hours)
Maun's best restaurant. French-Botswana cuisine. Game meat, fresh fish from the Okavango. Mains 120-250 BWP
Departure from Maun
Final morning. Souvenir shopping and departure from MUB airport.
Morning souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Maun has several craft shops. Botswana baskets (traditional Bayei weaving, 200-1,000 BWP), carved wooden animals, and beaded jewelry
Last breakfast(1 hour)
English breakfast at the lodge. Strong coffee. Reflect on the Delta
Airport transfer and departure(1 hour)
MUB airport is close to town. Flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Kasane (for Victoria Falls). Allow 2 hours before your flight
14-Day Okavango Delta Itinerary
Arrival in Maun
Arrive at Maun Airport (MUB). Book Delta activities.
Arrive at Maun(1 hour)
Flights from Johannesburg. Visa-free for most
Check into Thamalakane River Lodge(30 minutes)
~$100-150/night. On the river with pool
Book activities(1 hour)
Mokoro trips, scenic flights at Old Bridge Backpackers
Riverside sundowner(1.5 hours)
Hippos grunting in fading light
Scenic Flight & Mokoro Day
Morning aerial view, afternoon canoe through papyrus channels.
Scenic flight(45 minutes)
2,000-4,000 BWP. Fractal channels, elephant herds from above
Mokoro day trip(5 hours)
1,500-2,500 BWP. Papyrus channels, eye-level with hippos
Bush island walk(1.5 hours)
Track elephants and antelope on foot
Dinner at Marc's Eatery(1.5 hours)
Steaks and pizza. 80-150 BWP
Enter Moremi Game Reserve
Self-drive into Moremi. All Big Five plus wild dogs.
Drive to South Gate(3 hours)
4x4 essential. Park fees 120 BWP/person/day
Set up camp at Xakanaxa(1 hour)
Book at botswanawildlifetourism.com. ~50-100 BWP/person
Afternoon game drive(3 hours)
Floodplains — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, wild dogs
Camp dinner and stargazing(2 hours)
Campfire cooking. Southern Hemisphere stars. Hippos after dark
Full Day Moremi Safari
Dawn-to-dusk game driving through diverse habitats.
Sunrise game drive(3 hours)
Morning chorus, golden light on floodplains
Midday break(2 hours)
Heat forces rest. Animals rest too
Afternoon Paradise Pools drive(3 hours)
Elephants, buffalo, hippos. Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer
Sundowner at a lagoon(1 hour)
Gin and tonic. Elephants silhouetted against sunset
Moremi Rest Day
Slower day. Late drive, camp birding, fishing.
Late morning drive(2 hours)
No alarm. Check nearby waterholes
Camp birding(3 hours)
500+ species. Fish eagles, weaverbirds, kingfishers
Afternoon fishing(2 hours)
Tiger fish, bream. Catch and release where permitted
Final camp dinner(2 hours)
Best campfire meal. Marshmallows
Move to Third Bridge
Drive to Third Bridge campsite — Moremi's most famous camp, on a log bridge over a hippo channel.
Drive Xakanaxa to Third Bridge(3 hours)
Game viewing en route. Sandy tracks require careful driving
Set up camp at Third Bridge(1 hour)
The log bridge crossing is an adventure itself — check for hippos before crossing
Afternoon drive around Third Bridge(3 hours)
Different habitat — more woodland, different species. Leopard country
Night sounds at Third Bridge(2 hours)
Hippos splash under the bridge all night. Lions roar nearby. The closest you'll get to wild Africa from a campsite
Third Bridge Full Day
Full safari day from the legendary campsite.
Sunrise drive(3 hours)
Lions often hunt near Third Bridge. The morning light on the channels is magical
Midday at camp(2 hours)
Watch hippos from the bridge. Journal, rest
Afternoon drive to Mboma Island(3 hours)
Mboma Island's floodplains are excellent for lechwe (semi-aquatic antelope) and tsessebe
Exit Moremi & Multi-Day Mokoro
Leave Moremi. Begin a 3-day mokoro camping trip deeper into the Delta.
Meet mokoro guides(1 hour)
Budget operators from Maun run 3-day trips for 3,000-5,000 BWP all-inclusive. Guides carry supplies in the mokoro
Afternoon mokoro paddle into the Delta(3 hours)
Glide silently through channels. Set up camp on an uninhabited island. The guides choose the best spot
Island camp dinner(2 hours)
Guides cook over open fire. Sleep in a tent with hippos grunting feet away
Mokoro Camping Day 2
Full day in the inner Delta. Mokoro, walking safaris, and island exploration.
Morning bush walk(2 hours)
Guided walk on the island. Track wildlife, learn bush skills. Your guide reads the landscape
Mokoro to new channels(3 hours)
Paddle deeper. Different bird species. The silence is profound
Afternoon on a new island(2 hours)
Move camp or stay put. Fish for bream. Swim in clear channels (check for crocs first — always ask your guide)
Night sky and campfire(2 hours)
No light pollution. The Milky Way reflects in the water. Hyenas call in the distance
Mokoro Day 3 & Return
Final morning in the inner Delta, then mokoro back to the staging area.
Sunrise on the Delta(1 hour)
The mist on the water at dawn. Fish eagles calling. This is the moment you'll remember forever
Mokoro return paddle(3 hours)
Paddle back to the starting point. Tip your poler generously — $10-20 per person per day is standard
Hot shower and real bed(1 hour)
After 3 days of camping, civilization feels surreal
Dinner at French Connection(1.5 hours)
Celebrate with Maun's best restaurant. Game meat, fresh fish. 120-250 BWP
Rest Day in Maun
Full rest day after the mokoro expedition.
Pool and reading(3 hours)
River lodge pool. Edit photos. Process the Delta experience
Maun town walk(1 hour)
Small dusty town. General dealer shops, craft stalls. Buy a Botswana basket
Makgadikgadi Pans Day Trip
Drive east to the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans — flat, white, and infinite.
Drive to Makgadikgadi(3 hours)
Via Nata road. The pans are the remnants of an ancient super-lake
Nata Bird Sanctuary(2 hours)
When flooded (Dec-Apr), thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and storks gather. Entry 50 BWP
Walk on the pans(1.5 hours)
When dry, you can walk across the white salt flats. The horizon is perfectly flat in every direction. Surreal
Free Day — Optional Activities
Choose your own adventure in Maun.
Option A: Horse safari(3 hours)
Ride through the bush on horseback. Several operators from Maun. ~$100-200 per person
Option B: Crocodile Farm(1.5 hours)
Maun's crocodile farm has Nile crocs. Entry ~50 BWP
Souvenir shopping for baskets(1.5 hours)
Botswana baskets are world-famous. Bayei weaving tradition. 200-1,000 BWP
Departure from Maun
Final morning and departure from MUB.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Kasane (Victoria Falls). Allow 2 hours
21-Day Okavango Delta Itinerary
Arrival in Maun
Arrive at MUB. Book Delta activities.
Arrive Maun(1 hour)
From Johannesburg. Visa-free
Check into Thamalakane River Lodge(30 minutes)
~$100-150
Scenic Flight & Mokoro
Aerial view then canoe through papyrus.
Scenic flight(45 minutes)
2,000-4,000 BWP
Mokoro day trip(5 hours)
1,500-2,500 BWP
Enter Moremi — Xakanaxa
Self-drive into Moremi Game Reserve.
Drive to South Gate(3 hours)
4x4 essential. 120 BWP/person/day
Moremi Full Day
Dawn-to-dusk safari.
Moremi Rest Day
Slow camp day. Birding, fishing.
Move to Third Bridge
Famous campsite on a hippo channel.
Night sounds(2 hours)
Hippos under the bridge. Lions roaring
Third Bridge Full Day
Safari from the legendary campsite.
Exit Moremi — Mokoro Camping Start
Begin 3-day mokoro camping in the inner Delta.
Meet mokoro guides(1 hour)
3-day trip 3,000-5,000 BWP all-inclusive
Mokoro Day 2
Full day in inner Delta. Walking, paddling, fishing.
Mokoro Day 3 & Return
Final Delta morning. Paddle back to staging.
Rest Day in Maun
Full recovery.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Salt pans, flamingos, meerkats.
Nata Bird Sanctuary(2 hours)
Flamingos when flooded. 50 BWP
Drive to Chobe — Elephant Capital
Drive northeast to Kasane and Chobe National Park — the highest concentration of elephants in Africa.
Drive Maun to Nata(4 hours)
Tar road. Overnight in Nata at Nata Lodge (~$60-80)
Arrive in Kasane — Chobe NP
Drive to Kasane and afternoon Chobe boat safari.
Drive Nata to Kasane(4 hours)
Via Pandamatenga
Check into Chobe Safari Lodge(30 minutes)
~$100-200. On the river
Afternoon Chobe boat safari(3 hours)
~200-400 BWP. Cruise the Chobe River. Elephants bathing, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo on the floodplain. Often the highest elephant density you've ever seen
Chobe Full Day Safari
Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise.
Sunrise game drive in Chobe(3 hours)
The Serondela area has massive elephant herds. Lions, leopards, wild dogs also present. Park fees ~120 BWP/person/day
Afternoon boat cruise(3 hours)
Different perspective. The elephants swimming across the river at sunset is one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles
Victoria Falls Day Trip
Cross into Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls — only 70 km from Kasane.
Drive to Victoria Falls(1.5 hours)
Cross the Kazungula border. Zimbabwe visa may be required (~$30)
Victoria Falls walk(2 hours)
One of the Seven Natural Wonders. Entry ~$30. Raincoat essential — the spray is massive (especially Feb-Jun). The Danger Point viewpoint is the most dramatic
Lunch at The Lookout Cafe(1.5 hours)
Cantilevered over the Batoka Gorge. Views of the bridge. ~$15-25 per meal
Rest Day in Kasane
Recovery and final Chobe activities.
Afternoon fishing trip(3 hours)
Tiger fishing on the Chobe. Catch and release. ~$80-150 per person. The tiger fish fight like nothing else
Fly Back to Maun
Flight or drive back to Maun for the final days.
Flight Kasane to Maun(1 hour)
Air Botswana. ~$150-200. The aerial view of the Delta from above is a final gift
Final Delta Experience
One last mokoro trip — this time just a half-day to say goodbye.
Half-day mokoro farewell(4 hours)
One more glide through the papyrus. Fish eagle calls, lily pads, the gentle sound of the mokoro pole. You know the Delta now
Farewell dinner(2 hours)
French Connection. Best meal. Raise a glass to the Delta
Free Day — Your Botswana
Last full day. Choose your own adventure.
Option: Horse safari(3 hours)
Ride through the bush. ~$100-200
Souvenir shopping(2 hours)
Botswana baskets. World-famous Bayei weaving. 200-1,000 BWP
Departure from Maun
Final morning. Airport.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
MUB. Flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town. Allow 2 hours
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa-Free for Most Western Passports
US, UK, EU, and Commonwealth citizens get 90-day visa-free entry to Botswana. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for 6 months with at least 3 blank pages. You may be asked to show proof of accommodation and return/onward travel.
transport
Fly In or Drive a 4x4 — No Other Options
Most Delta lodges are reached by light aircraft charter from Maun (~$200-500 per person per transfer). Budget travelers self-drive to the eastern Delta via the South Gate (Moremi) — a 4x4 with high clearance is mandatory. No public transport reaches the Delta. Maun itself has car rental agencies and is connected to Johannesburg by daily flights.
Pack Light — Strict Luggage Limits
Light aircraft transfers to Delta lodges enforce a strict 20 kg luggage limit (including camera gear) in soft bags only — no hard suitcases or wheels. Leave excess luggage at your Maun hotel. Laundry is included at most lodges so you can pack fewer clothes. Binoculars and a good zoom lens are essential.
Budget
Botswana Practices High-Cost, Low-Volume Tourism
Luxury lodges in the Delta cost $800-4,000/person/night (all-inclusive with flights, activities, meals, and drinks). Budget alternative: mokoro day trips or 3-day camping excursions from Maun for $150-350 total. Self-drive camping in Moremi costs ~$50-80/day (park fees + camping). There is no mid-range option in the inner Delta.
Safety
Respect the Wildlife — This Is Not a Zoo
Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other large animal. Never approach the water's edge at dawn/dusk without a guide. Elephants in the Delta can be aggressive — keep 100 m distance. At bush camps, never leave your tent at night without alerting your guide. Listen to your guide's instructions without question.
Malaria Precautions Are Essential
The Okavango Delta is in a malaria zone year-round, with highest risk during the wet season (Nov-Mar). Take prophylaxis (consult your doctor), use DEET repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under treated nets. Most luxury lodges provide nets and repellent but bring your own supply as backup.
Local Customs
Tipping Is Expected at Safari Camps
Standard tipping for safari guides: $10-20 per person per activity. Camp staff tip box: $10-20 per person per day. Mokoro polers: $5-10 per person per trip. Tips should be in US Dollars, South African Rand, or Botswana Pula. Many lodges provide tipping guidelines at checkout.
Ready to explore Okavango Delta?
Get AI-powered recommendations for your trip
Plan a Trip to Okavango DeltaRelated Articles
StoriesWhat My Mokoro Guide Taught Me About the Okavango Delta: An Interview with Keotsepile
Keotsepile has poled mokoro canoes through the Okavango Delta for 18 years. He knows where the hippos sleep, when the floods arrive, and why tourists always pack wrong.
Tips17 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My Okavango Delta Safari
The luggage limits are real, the night sounds are terrifying, and nobody told me I'd need a fleece in July. Everything the brochures leave out about the world's greatest wetland safari.
StoriesMy 5 Days on a Budget Mokoro Safari in the Okavango Delta
Day 1: I stepped into a canoe. Day 3: I swam in a crocodile channel. Day 5: I understood why people sell their houses to come back here.