The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems — a vast inland delta where the Okavango River spills into the Kalahari to create a maze of channels, lagoons and palm islands.
A safari here mixes water and land: glide silently by mokoro past elephants, track lion and wild dog on game drives, and stay in some of the most exclusive camps on the continent.
Highlights of Okavango Delta
Mokoro safaris
Glide through the channels in a traditional dugout canoe.
Predator viewing
Exceptional lion, leopard and endangered wild dog.
Water & land game drives
A rare mix of boating and 4x4 wildlife viewing.
Exclusive camps
Intimate, low-density lodges deep in private concessions.
Where to go for the Okavango
The Delta lies in northern Botswana, but it rarely travels alone. These are the countries we pair it with for a complete Southern Africa journey.
Botswana
Home of the Delta itself. Fly straight into the water wilderness for mokoro mornings and predator-rich drives from a handful of exclusive camps.
Explore Botswana → Southern AfricaZimbabwe
Add Victoria Falls and Hwange's elephant herds an easy hop away, the classic bush-and-falls pairing with the Okavango.
Explore Zimbabwe → Southern AfricaZambia
Combine the Delta with walking safaris in South Luangwa and the Zambian side of the falls at Livingstone.
Explore Zambia → Southern AfricaNamibia
Extend into the red dunes of Sossusvlei for a dramatic desert contrast to the Delta's channels and lagoons.
Explore Namibia →
Know before you go
The practical details we handle for you — flights, entry, health and money — summarized here so nothing surprises you. Requirements can change, so we confirm everything when you book.
Getting there from the USA
Fly to Maun via Johannesburg — Newark and Atlanta nonstops take 15–16 hours, then a two-hour connection. Light aircraft hop you between Delta camps in 15–30 minutes.
Visas & entry
Botswana is visa-free for US citizens (up to 90 days). Passport valid six months with blank pages.
Health
The Delta is a malaria area — prophylaxis is advised. Camps carry medical kits and evacuation cover is included in our journeys.
Money & tipping
Camps are fully inclusive; bring modest US dollars in small bills. Tipping is at your discretion — around $20–25 per guest per day for guides is a common guideline.
Best time to visit
Peak flood and dry season — the best wildlife and water levels.
Highest water, ideal for mokoro and boating safaris.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Botswana
A Botswana safari is Africa’s water wilderness — the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari.
Explore → ExperienceVictoria Falls
The largest sheet of falling water on earth — a natural wonder.
Explore → ExperienceBig Five Safari
A Big Five safari — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, Africa’s most sought-after sightings.
Explore → RegionSouthern Africa
The desert, the delta and the falls — Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Explore →Okavango Delta FAQs
Getting to Botswana — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Okavango Delta journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
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