All National Parks
Okavango Delta
The World's Most Exclusive Safari
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena — a vast inland delta where the Okavango River fans out into the Kalahari Desert, creating a 15,000 km² labyrinth of lagoons, papyrus channels, and floodplains teeming with wildlife. Botswana's deliberate high-value, low-volume tourism model means exclusive camps, virtually no crowds, and some of the most pristine wildlife encounters in Africa.
Size
15,000 km²
Est.
1996 (UNESCO designation)
Peak Season
Jun – Oct (peak flood + dry season)
From
$800–$2,500/day
Why Visit Okavango Delta?
Mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris through papyrus channels — Botswana's iconic wildlife experience
One of Africa's last strongholds for African Wild Dog — packs regularly seen on game drives
Helicopter flights over the floodplains reveal the delta's extraordinary scale from above
Wildlife
African Wild DogLionElephantHippoSitatungaRed LechweLeopardGiraffe
Activities
Mokoro Canoe SafariHelicopter FlightGame DriveBush WalkBoat SafariNight DriveFishing
Best Time to Visit & Costs
Peak Season
Jun – Oct (peak flood + dry season)
Best Months
June, July, August
Daily Cost (all-in)
$800–$2,500
Park Entrance Fee
Included in lodge rate
Safari Tours to Botswana
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Browse all safari tours →Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
June–October is the best time. The annual flood from Angola peaks in June–July, filling channels for mokoro safaris. The dry season (Jul–Oct) concentrates animals around water sources — perfect for game drives. November–May brings rains, lush scenery, and newborn animals but some lodges close.
How much does an Okavango Delta safari cost?
The Okavango Delta is the most expensive safari destination in Africa. Typical costs run $800–$2,500 per person per night fully all-inclusive. All flights, game activities, meals, drinks, and park fees are included. Botswana's strategy is deliberately high-cost to limit visitor numbers and maintain pristine wildlife habitat.
Is the Okavango Delta accessible without a luxury budget?
Yes, but options are limited. Maun-based budget mobile camping safaris into the Delta start from $300–$400/night. These involve mokoro trips and bush camping in the Delta. For a true permanent lodge experience, budget $800+/night. The mid-range tier ($400–$700/night) is limited but exists in the outer Delta.
How do I get to the Okavango Delta?
Fly into Maun Airport (main gateway) from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Nairobi. From Maun, most camps are reached by light aircraft charter (15–45 minutes) — all-inclusive rates include this transfer. Some outer Delta camps are accessible by 4x4 road transfer (2–4 hours). There is no public transport into the Delta.
What makes the Okavango different from other safari destinations?
The Okavango is defined by water. Where most African parks offer land-based game drives only, the Delta offers mokoro canoe safaris, boat trips, fishing, and helicopter experiences. The ecosystem (floodplain, islands, mopane forest) creates unusual wildlife — semi-aquatic antelope like sitatunga and red lechwe are unique to the Delta.
Combine with Nearby Parks
Ready to Visit Okavango Delta?
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