Travel guide · Botswana
Okavango Delta: what to see and when to go
The Okavango Delta, in northern Botswana, is a vast inland delta where a river spreads out into the Kalahari and never reaches the sea. The floods peak in the dry season, drawing elephants, lions, hippos and hundreds of bird species to its channels and islands. Botswana keeps visitor numbers low, which makes it one of Africa's most exclusive safaris.
What to see and do in the Okavango Delta
Mokoro trips
Gliding through papyrus channels in a dugout canoe poled by a local guide.
Moremi Game Reserve
The wildlife-rich eastern side of the delta, with game drives on land and boat trips on water.
Scenic flight
From the air, the maze of channels, islands and elephant paths finally makes sense.
Chobe National Park
Huge herds of elephants and sunset boat trips on the Chobe River, in the far north of Botswana.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Endless salt pans with meerkats and, in the rainy season, migrating zebras.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr – Aug.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 11 hr, 15 min | ≈ €560 · See flights |
| New York | 16 hr | ≈ €670 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 21 hr | ≈ €790 · See flights |
| Dubai | 8 hr, 30 min | ≈ €490 · See flights |
| Singapore | 12 hr, 15 min | ≈ €580 · See flights |
| Sydney | 15 hr, 45 min | ≈ €670 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €950 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Botswana
- Currency
- Botswanan Pula
- Good for
- nature · wild
- How long to stay
- 4–7 days
- Where to stay
- Maun is the gateway, with the airport and lodges on the river; the classic experience is a camp inside the delta reached by light aircraft, while mobile camping safaris cost far less.Find a place to stay in the Okavango Delta
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Okavango Delta, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €560 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the Okavango Delta (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the Okavango Delta and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr – Aug. Average highs range from 25° in June to 36° in October.
How many days do you need in the Okavango Delta?
4 to 7 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the Okavango Delta cost?
Accommodation runs at around €130 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €950 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 11 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in the Okavango Delta?
Maun is the gateway, with the airport and lodges on the river; the classic experience is a camp inside the delta reached by light aircraft, while mobile camping safaris cost far less.
