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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Plan a Trip to Okavango DeltaStoriesKeotsepile 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.
TipsThe 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.
StoriesDay 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.
