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Okavango Delta

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Animal habitat
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Okavango Delta (Botswana)

Weather…

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the world's most spectacular inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage site of immense ecological significance. Unlike most river deltas, the Okavango River does not flow into the sea but instead drains into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a labyrinthine system of channels, lagoons, and islands. Each year, approximately 11 trillion liters of water flow from the Angolan highlands into the delta, reaching its peak between June and August during Botswana's dry season. This phenomenon attracts an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The delta also provides a sanctuary for endangered species such as the white rhino and the African wild dog. For the local Bayei and Hambukushu communities, the delta has been the foundation of their livelihood for generations, with the mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) remaining the primary mode of transport. Preserving this fragile ecosystem is vital for global biodiversity, making the Okavango Delta one of Africa's most important natural wonders.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272626242118172125292928
Rain mm1431098927220111455114

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from May to October is handy as animals concentrate around shrinking waterholes. The flood season (December to March) makes travel difficult but has unique boat safaris.
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Best time of day
Dawn and dusk are the most active periods for wildlife viewing in the delta. Schedule game drives at sunrise and sunset to spot predators and large herds.
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Etiquette
Keep a strict distance from animals, especially elephants and buffalo - at least 50 metres. Avoid loud noises and stay inside the vehicle; exiting the safari car is only allowed at designated spots.
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What to bring
Good binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are essential for the vast plains of the delta. A sun hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are equally important in the intense heat.
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Getting there
The Okavango Delta is usually reached by small aircraft from Maun, with many lodges having private airstrips. Alternatively, you can drive in on gravel roads, which takes longer but provides scenic views.
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What to expect
Wildlife viewing requires patience - sometimes the delta seems empty until you spot a herd or a predator. Take your time, enjoy the silence, and let the wilderness work its magic.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.01000, 22.85000

Facts

  • The Okavango Delta was inscribed as the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.
  • It covers an area ranging from 15,000 to 22,000 square kilometers depending on the floods.
  • Roughly 11 trillion liters of water flow into the delta from Angola every year.
  • The water levels peak in August, which coincides with the peak of the dry season in Botswana.
  • It is home to the world's largest remaining population of the endangered African wild dog.
  • More than 400 distinct bird species have been documented within the delta's borders.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Okavango WetlandsOkavango Wetlands18 km · NWExplore →
Okavango DeltaOkavango Delta30 km · WExplore →
Xudum DeltaXudum Delta53 km · WExplore →
Moremi Game ReserveMoremi Game Reserve83 km · NWExplore →
Selinda SpillwaySelinda Spillway84 km · NEExplore →
Mudumu National ParkMudumu National Park107 km · NEExplore →
Goma Sand RidgeGoma Sand Ridge109 km · SWExplore →
Kwando RiverKwando River110 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
From May to September, when the floods from Angola arrive and animals gather around the water.
What is a Mokoro?
A traditional dugout canoe used for navigating silently through the shallow waters.
What animals can be seen?
Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and a huge variety of birds.
Is the delta a malaria area?
Yes, malaria precautions are highly recommended; consult a doctor before traveling.
How do you get to the delta?
Most commonly by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane to the various camps inside.
Okavango Delta: where is it located?
Okavango Delta is located in Botswana.
Okavango Delta: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Okavango Delta: why is it worth visiting?
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the world's most spectacular inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage site of immense ecological significance.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Nhabe Museum — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Nhabe Museum
The Nhabe Museum is a prominent landmark in Maun, serving as a cultural gateway to the Okavango Delta region.

More places

Okavango Wetlands — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Okavango Wetlands
A complex system of wetlands full of life.
Okavango Delta — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Okavango Delta
One of the largest inland deltas in the world, ending in the Kalahari Desert.
🗺️
Xudum Delta
Xudum Delta is part of the Okavango wetland landscape in northern Botswana.
Moremi Game Reserve — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Moremi Game Reserve
An ecologically diverse reserve on the edge of the Okavango Delta.
Selinda Spillway — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Selinda Spillway
The Selinda Spillway is a unique waterway that can connect the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti River system during high floods.
🗺️
Goma Sand Ridge
A geological ridge in the Kalahari.
Kwando River — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Kwando River
River in northern Botswana, part of the Linyanti system.
Maun Education Center — Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Maun Education Center
A center bringing the delta's wildlife closer to children.