Okavango Delta Holidays

Wide waterways fringed with stripes of sturdy reeds, lagoons dotted with lily pads and wetlands that positively shimmer in the beaming African sun, the Okavango Delta is the continent’s unrivalled king of safari.

In the heart of the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, this area of mirage-like beauty is anything but dry. The Okavango River, starting in the sandy highlands of Angola, fans out into Botswana drawing an exciting array of creatures to its emerald swamps and crystal-clear lagoons. On a game drive, you’ll have the chance spot hippos in great numbers wallowing in the shallows or crocodiles peeping out of the watery surface as well as ear-flapping elephants, galloping giraffe and the glossy sable antelope.

In a land where nature flourishes, the safaris are as diverse as the animals you’re likely to encounter. One moment you’ll be scouring the wildlife-rich rivers from a mokoro canoe. Next you’ll be galloping on horseback alongside waterhogs on the river’s edge or treading softly through the mopane forests alive with the chatter of exotic birds.

Navigate one of the greatest wildlife destinations on the planet with first-hand knowledge from our experienced experts who’ll help you reap the rewards of the Okavango’s vast wildlife riches.

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Okavango Delta Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Okavango Delta

Eagle Island Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana

This luxurious, tented safari camp is set on a private island in the heart of Botswana’s World-He...

Camp Okavango

Providing year-round access to the Okavango Delta, hear hippos graze beneath your suite at Camp O...

Xugana Island Lodge

Discover a remarkable water camp of thatched roofs and reed set amongst a wild world of eagle owl...

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

A secluded lodge perched on a private island surrounded by the winding waterways of the Okavango...

Okavango Delta Safari By Foot and Mokoro

Among the lagoons, channels, woodlands and islands of the Okavango Delta, you will be blessed with some of the most incredible wildlife-spotting in Botswana. Among the most popular activities are the walking safaris. Motorboats take guests to one of the islands to embark on a hike. Being on foot gives you a completely different perspective. The highlight of the delta for many is heading out on a mokoro trip – you’re ‘poled’ through the shallow waterways in a traditional wooden canoe, gliding through reeds and waterlilies as you pass elephants, hippos, crocodiles, fish eagle birds and other wildlife.

Among the lagoons, channels, woodlands and islands of the Okavango Delta, you will be blessed with some of the most incredible wildlife-spotting in Botswana. There are several different ways to experience the region.

Among the most popular activities are the walking safaris. Motorboats take guests to one of the islands to embark on a hike with an armed ranger. As you cruise along the river you might spot hippos, crocodiles or occasionally the rare sitatunga antelope. The morning light on the papyrus plants and water lilies is always beautiful.

Once on the island, you follow the guide in single-file, stopping to see wildlife while learning about the medicinal properties of the plants. It's a good opportunity to see the smaller things that might have been overlooked on a game drive, like the foam nest frog, which produces a fascinating nest in the tree. You can learn so much from even a pile of dung; you can see what the baboons have been scratching at and what the dung beetles have been busy at.

Seeing big game on foot is always special too – it might be an elephant, a buffalo, a giraffe or even a lion. Occasionally you might be lucky enough to see a full pride. Being on foot gives you a completely different perspective of the size of these animals.

The highlight of the delta for many is heading out on a mokoro trip – you’re ‘poled’ through the shallow waterways in a traditional wooden canoe, gliding through reeds and waterlilies as you pass elephants, hippos, crocodiles, fish eagle birds and other wildlife. It’s a really peaceful way to see the channels. Watching the sun set over the water is one of the favourite sights in the delta.

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