Where is the Okavango Delta and when is the best time to visit?

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is an unparalleled African safari destination. This stunning location is renowned for its incredible wildlife, as well as its natural beauty and unique landscape. But, where is the Okavango Delta, and how do you get there? If you're tempted - when is the best time to visit the Delta?

Adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts flock to Botswana's Okavango Delta from all over the globe for water-based wildlife-spotting, walking safaris, game drives, birdwatching, Mokoro safaris and much more.

Read on and discover everything you need to know to start planning an incredible trip there...

Okavango Delta safari elephant

Where is the Okavango Delta? 

Situated in the Kalahari Basin, in north-western Botswana, the Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, covering an area of about 15,000 square kilometres. The intricate web of Delta waterways and islands supports a massive diversity of flora and fauna, with many species of mammals, birds and aquatic animals thriving in this remarkable environment.

It is formed by the Okavango River, which originates in Angola to the northwest of Botswana.

Instead of flowing into the sea, this river empties into the lowland area of the Kalahari Desert, creating a verdant green oasis teeming with life.

Okavango Delta elephants aerial

The unique geography of the Okavango Delta is characterised by a labyrinth of winding water channels, crystal-clear lagoons and remote islands adorned with reeds and towering palm trees.

The Delta is made up of large permanent swamps, along with vast areas of seasonally flooded grasslands, which dry out when the waters are low and are submerged when the Delta’s waters rise, forming large lagoons and reed-lined canals.

There are also some areas of higher land within the Delta that remain dry even as waters rise - this is where the local villages are situated.

The mix of aquatic and land-based ecosystems of the Okavango Delta has given rise to a rich biodiversity, earning this unique Botswana landscape a rich reputation as a wildlife paradise that draws safari enthusiasts from across the world.

Getting There: An African Adventure Unfolds

Accessing the Okavango Delta in Botswana is an adventure in itself!

The town of Maun serves as the gateway to the Delta.

The easiest way to get to Maun is to fly into Maun International Airport, which is served by daily flights from major cities such as Johannesburg in South Africa and Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.

As you can imagine, much of the Delta is not accessible by road!

Okavango Delta safari, Mokoro

To access these areas from Maun, your options are to either take a light aircraft flight across the Delta to a spot near your accommodation or to go by water in a mokoro (which is a traditional dugout canoe).

Taking a mokoro is a peaceful way to get up close with the Delta’s wildlife and birds, while crossing the Delta by air, in a light aircraft, allows you to witness the geographic formations of this huge floodplain from above, providing a breathtaking aerial perspective of its intricate waterways and wildlife.

There are also various lodges and camps located in the permanently dry areas of the Delta, and from here you can enjoy many land-based safari activities such as safari game drives.

Best Time to Visit Okavango Delta?

A few essential things to consider when timing your visit to the Okavango Delta in Botswana...

Firstly, you need to understand the seasons and weather patterns in this region of Southern Africa.

Botswana has two main seasons - the rainy season, which runs from November to March, and the dry season, which extends from April to October.

The dry season, which is also Botswana's winter, is favoured by many travellers thanks to its clear, blue sky and sunny days, which make for more pleasant safari conditions.

Additionally, the cooler temperatures during this period (particularly from May to August, when daytime averages average 25 to 30 degrees Celsius) are more comfortable and agreeable for those who don’t like the scorching heat.

Do be warned though, nights can be cold at this time, even dropping down to close to freezing, so pack those thermals!

On top of this, and perhaps most importantly, the dry season coincides with the Delta’s highest water levels.

This might seem confusing, but when you understand how the Okavango Delta in Botswana is created, it makes more sense.

The Delta is fed by floodwaters from the Angolan highlands. Here, two rivers in Angola flow into the Okavango River, which in turn fills the Delta.

So each year, the Delta’s waters rise towards the end of Angola’s wet season, as the waters reach and flood the Okavango River.

Mokoro safari in Botswana

This natural phenomenon typically occurs through May and June, peaking in July, when the resulting spectacle of flooded grasslands and winding water channels is perfect for exploring by mokoro.

By September, the waters are receding (though still high enough to explore much of the Delta by boat), as they pass through the Okavango and drain into the sands of the Kalahari Desert.

Since many activities in the Okavango Delta are water-based, water levels will affect what you can do and see here.

Some camps, for example, are only able to offer mokoro excursions when water levels are high enough - during just a few months of the year.

This means that, for most people, the best time to visit Okavango Delta is between June and August.

However this is peak season, meaning prices are higher, there are more tourists and things are booked up earlier.

Alternatively, visiting the Okavango Delta in Botswana during May or September - also known as the shoulder season months - offers a compromise.

At these times, the water levels still allow for water-based activities, but without the peak season prices.

That said, temperatures can soar to around 35 degrees Celsius during the day in the shoulder season months, so be prepared!

It's also worth noting that the region's permanent wetlands offer awe-inspiring sights and abundant wildlife-spotting opportunities year-round, so if, for some reason, you can’t visit in May or September, you’ll still be awestruck!

Some of our team visited in January and had an amazing time, as the Okavango Delta was quiet and uncrowded.

Where is the Okavango Delta?

Do bear in mind the heat and humidity at this time however if you bat for this low-season option.

Visiting the Delta in Botswana’s low season summer months (which corresponds with the northern hemisphere’s winter months) means dealing with scorching temperatures, often into the 40 degrees Celsius territory - not good for those who struggle in the heat!

In conclusion, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a natural marvel that captivates visitors year-round with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Much of the exquisite uniqueness of this place is the endless reed-lined waterways, which can be peacefully explored by mokoro, that allow you to reach isolated islands and beautiful, untouched habitats.

Whether you choose to explore it during the peak season or opt for a quieter adventure during the shoulder or off-peak months, a journey to this African wilderness promises unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Okavango Delta leopards

See our Okavango Delta tours - easily filtered by safari length, price and departure point, they’re a great starting point for your research.

Otherwise, you can also speak to one of our African Travel Experts who can answer any of your questions about the Okavango Delta in Botswana, as well as other awesome destinations to visit in this incredible African country.