Where Is the Okavango Delta & Best Time to Visit for Safaris

May 6, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Planning a trip to Botswana’s Okavango Delta? Discover where the Okavango Delta is located, how to get there, and the best time to visit for wildlife, mokoro safaris, birdwatching, and scenic flood season views.

Where Is the Okavango Delta and When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders—a sprawling oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, where floodwaters breathe life into an otherwise arid landscape. Home to some of the richest concentrations of wildlife in Southern Africa, the delta is a must-visit destination for safari lovers, photographers, and conservation enthusiasts alike.

But where exactly is this magical wetland, and what’s the best time to visit to see it at its most vibrant? In this guide, we explore the location of the Okavango Delta, how to get there, and what time of year delivers the most extraordinary experiences.

Where Is the Okavango Delta Located?

The Okavango Delta is located in the northwestern part of Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Spanning more than 15,000 square kilometers during peak flood season, it forms where the Okavango River fans out into a maze of lagoons, channels, islands, and seasonal floodplains—without ever reaching the sea.

This inland delta is a geological anomaly. Instead of draining into the ocean, the Okavango River empties into the sands of the Kalahari Basin, creating a rich, alluvial ecosystem that supports over 160 species of mammals, 400+ bird species, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Geographical coordinates:

Latitude: Approximately 19.3° S
Longitude: Approximately 23.3° E

The delta lies just south of the Angola border, east of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and west of Chobe National Park. Key protected areas within the delta include Moremi Game Reserve and numerous private concessions offering exclusive safari experiences.

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How to Get to the Okavango Delta

Despite its remote wilderness, getting to the Okavango Delta is relatively straightforward with some planning. The primary gateway is the town of Maun, often referred to as the “safari capital” of Botswana.

1. By Air

International flights: Most visitors fly into Maun International Airport via Johannesburg (South Africa), Cape Town, or Windhoek.
Charter flights: From Maun or Kasane, small aircraft connect travelers to safari lodges within the delta. These scenic flights offer aerial views of winding channels, elephant herds, and flooded plains.

2. By Road (Self-Drive or Transfer)

From Maun: A 4×4 vehicle is essential if accessing areas like Moremi Game Reserve or Khwai on a self-drive itinerary.
From Kasane: It’s possible to drive or arrange a transfer to Maun via Nata, with overnight stops recommended for comfort.

Most luxury camps are accessible only by plane due to seasonal floods and the delta’s expansive wet terrain.

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The Unique Flood Cycle of the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta’s most fascinating feature is its reverse flood cycle. Rain falls in Angola between January and March, but it takes several months for the water to travel 1,200 kilometers south into Botswana. As a result, the delta begins to flood just as the local dry season starts in May.

This makes the Okavango an extraordinary destination: while surrounding regions grow parched, the delta becomes a lush oasis—attracting massive concentrations of wildlife.

Seasonal Flood Timeline:

January–March: Rainfall occurs in Angola and northern Botswana; delta remains relatively dry
April–May: Inflow begins; water starts entering the northern delta
June–August: Peak flood season; central and southern areas fill with water
September–October: Waters begin to recede; excellent wildlife concentrations remain
November–December: Pre-flood rains begin locally; some roads become muddy or inaccessible

The seasonal nature of the flood determines not only wildlife movements but also which safari activities are possible—especially for mokoro rides or boating safaris.

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Now that you know where the Okavango Delta is and understand its flood-driven life cycle, let’s explore when to visit based on safari styles, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and budget-friendly travel months.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta?

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta largely depends on what you want to experience—whether it’s peak wildlife sightings, lush birdlife, or affordable off-season deals. Each season offers something unique, and understanding these differences helps you plan the perfect safari.

June to October – Peak Safari Season (Dry Season)

This is the most popular time to visit the delta, when floodwaters are high and wildlife is most concentrated. As animals congregate around water sources, game viewing becomes exceptional—particularly for big cats, elephants, and rare species like wild dogs.

Advantages: Best wildlife viewing, mokoro and boat safaris at their peak, cool and dry weather
Disadvantages: Higher prices and lodge occupancy, colder mornings (especially in June/July)

Ideal for:

First-time safari-goers seeking classic big game encounters
Photographers wanting crisp, clear skies and concentrated animal activity
Mokoro safaris through deep flood channels and reed beds

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November to April – Green Season (Rainy Season)

The wet season brings afternoon thunderstorms, lush greenery, and vibrant birdlife. While animal concentrations are lower due to water dispersal, this period sees fewer visitors and offers more affordable safari packages. Roads in some areas may be challenging, but this is a magical time for birdwatchers and those seeking solitude.

Advantages: Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer crowds, lower rates
Disadvantages: Some areas inaccessible, reduced big game visibility, hot and humid conditions

Ideal for:

Birdwatchers eager to see migratory species and breeding plumage
Budget-conscious travelers seeking off-season rates
Seasoned safari-goers looking for a different perspective

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Seasonal Summary: Month-by-Month Guide

Month	Highlights	Best For
January – March	Rainy season, breeding birds, calving antelope	Birding, off-peak travel
April – May	Transition period, first floodwaters arrive	Photography, shoulder season savings
June – August	Peak flood, dry bush, excellent wildlife	Classic safari experiences
September – October	Hot, dry, concentrated animals at waterholes	Big cat sightings, elephant herds
November – December	First rains, dramatic skies, greenery returns	Birdwatching, landscapes, fewer crowds

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Final Tips for Planning Your Trip

Book early for peak season: June to October fills up fast—secure your lodge or tented camp 6–12 months in advance
Choose your safari style: Water-based, land-based, or a combination (most camps offer both)
Consult local experts: Use a tour operator familiar with flood timings and remote logistics
Pack smart: Neutral clothes, insect repellent, waterproof bags, and binoculars are must-haves

Whether you dream of drifting silently in a mokoro through papyrus-lined channels or witnessing elephants silhouetted against golden floodplains, the Okavango Delta offers an experience unlike any other. Knowing when to go and how to plan makes all the difference.

Start planning your Okavango Delta safari with expert insights, tailor-made itineraries, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—whenever you decide to go.