The Okavango Delta is arguably Botswana’s most well-known tourist destination and ranks among the most pristine wildlife regions in the world. Once part of the ancient Lake Makgadigadi, the Okavango Delta was formed when the Okavango River reached a tectonic trough in the Kalahari basin and settled there. The delta floods annually when seasonal rains from Angola swell the Okavango River and transform the Okavango Delta into a rich source of plant life, which in turn attracts an abundance of animal and birdlife.

Boasting all of the Big Five – as well as the Brown and Spotted Hyenas and Black and White Rhinoceroses – the Okavango Delta also has one of the richest pack densities of the African Wild Dog in Africa. These rare canines have become increasingly elusive, so it is extremely encouraging to see how they thrive in this food-rich environment.

For the bird lovers, there are over 400 species of birds that call the Delta home and the resultant symphony of birdcalls is quite remarkable. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles join over 70 species of fish in the Okavango’s mighty waters, while a myriad of smaller species of amphibians and reptiles jostle for their place in this aquatic paradise. Plantlife is equally rich, with in excess of 1300 species of flowering plants having been recorded.

The traditional method of transport in the Okavango Delta is the Mokoro – a wooden canoe that has been in use by the locals of the region for many years. An expert guide will wind you through the lagoons and channels of the Delta while you experience nature unfolding all around you. There are few better means of observing wildlife in its natural habitat anywhere in the world. If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, there are twice-daily game drives or walking safaris with expert guides and rangers that will ensure you see some terrific game.

When it comes to staying in the Okavango Delta, there are accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets. Wilderness Safaris’ Vumbura Plains and Kings Pool camps offer the perfect mix of hospitality and game experience, while Mombo’s Camp boasts luxurious exclusivity. Chief’s Camp is on Chiefs Island – the largest island in the Delta – and is particularly renowned for its exceptional game viewing. Wherever you choose to stay, you can rest assured that all the camps in the Okavango Delta retain an authentic bush aesthetic and have been built using sustainable building practices, with as little environmental impact as possible.

Whether you’re a solo traveller in search of adventure, a couple of newlyweds or a multi-generational family on your annual vacation, the Okavango Delta makes for a truly inspirational destination. One of the last great wildlife regions of the world, the Delta refreshes and rejuvenates with terrific scenery, incredible wildlife and the scents and sounds of Africa untouched.

The Okavango Delta is unlike any other safari destination…discover it!

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Our Favourite Okavango Delta Accommodations

Okavango Delta Tours to Inspire You