Okavango Delta Safaris

This is an immersive and silent way to explore the water-world of the Delta. Many smaller creatures can become frightened by boat engine noise and may be missed. But in this traditional dugout canoe, you get a chance to meet the Delta’s smaller residents. A ‘poler’ will steer you through the water, accessing the narrower channels, and pointing out insects, frogs, flora, and birdlife.

While mokoros used to be made from hardwood trees such as the sausage tree, today they are crafted from synthetic materials for conservation reasons. It’s truly memorable to experience the wildlife at water level, enjoying the wonderful sounds and calls – an often undervalued element to a safari! This is a tranquil and absorbing way to experience the Delta.

Getting out on the water in the Okavango Delta is unlike any other water activity in Africa. The immaculate conditions that are created when the floods take place are unique to the region. The Okavango is one of the planet’s few inland deltas, and it boasts genuinely impressive biodiversity. The waterways created by the annual floods draw in wildlife from afar. Crystal-clear waters are home to the aquatic antelopes (red lechwe and sitatunga), elephant herds wade past, and lots of hippos and crocodiles lurk in lily-covered lagoons.

Land predators usually do not venture into the water, but lions are an exception to this and have adapted to swim between land masses. Many of the Delta’s tiny islands are in fact huge termite mounds.

Boating usually takes place in the morning or the late afternoon, with sundowners for the perfect sunset experience.

Most of the Okavango Delta is made up of private concessions where walking is permitted, so you’ll have exciting opportunities to set out on foot. Expertly trained guides will explain basic tracking while teaching you about the smaller creatures that get missed when you’re in a 4×4 vehicle. Flora, insects, birds, and dung can be fascinating, and sometimes you may come across larger animals. These can be thrilling encounters. All guides are armed for your protection and trained to safely approach, or not approach, the wildlife. Walking safaris can cater for all levels, including if you’d just like to see what’s happening very close to camp. There are also some exceptional companies that operate multi-day walking adventures – these truly get you back to nature!

This is a popular way to explore the Delta and marvel at the entirety of the annual flooding event. The aerial view is very impressive. You can see how things play out on a larger scale and watch the movement of herds below you. Flights need to be booked in advance and come at an extra cost.

The benefits of helicopter flights are that you can travel great distances, and see land formations you wouldn’t be able to see from the ground – the exact location where desert meets flood, for instance. You’ll visit inaccessible places, marvel at some ancient rock art, and touch down for a picnic in a beautiful spot. Most camps can arrange these flights, but do chat to your Botswana specialist as they can advise the best place for this activity.

The Delta’s birdlife is magnificent and made up of more than 400 species, including the Pel’s fishing owl and the African fish eagle.

This is not an activity for everyone, although those who love to put a line in the water will be thrilled. Big catfish, bream, tigerfish, and African pike are commonplace, and all camps that offer fishing operate a catch-and-release policy.