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.

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.

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.

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.

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.