Okavango Delta & Moremi

The Okavango Delta starts life in the highlands of Angola, where the mighty Okavango River begins as just a trickle before gradually becoming the third largest river in southern Africa that flows for over 1,600km to reach inland Botswana. 

Around 60,000 years ago, the river deposited its water into Lake Makgadikgadi, a paleolake believed to have covered over 100,000km² of Botswana’s interior. However, severe earthquakes created a tectonic trough that changed the shape of the earth’s crust and blocked the Okavango’s original path almost entirely. The river water had nowhere to go and poured relentlessly into the Kalahari Desert, creating the endorheic basin of the Okavango Delta – one of the largest inland deltas in the world. 

Today, the Okavango River continues to discharge around 11km³ of water every year into the swamps that spread across an area of 6,000km²-15,000km² (depending on the time of the year). 

This annual influx of floodwater attracts large numbers of wildlife, with elephants and hippos creating the channels that determine the continually changing path of the floodwaters. The other architect of the water channels is termites - their mounds create high ground that diverts the water and provides a haven for huge trees and wildlife. Chief’s Island is the largest such island. The Okavango Delta includes Moremi Game Reserve.

Floodwaters vs rain 

Prime safari season - June to October - floods, no rain

The peak safari season regarding wildlife is during the months of no rainfall, and once the bushveld has dried out, making it easier to see the wildlife 

These dry months are when there is little to eat, and the only available water is the annual floodwaters, deep perennial rivers and permanent waterholes - which act as drawcards for high volumes of animals, including predators. 

Temperatures are moderate from June to August, but increase in September to very hot in October. This is the ‘prime season’ - when full lodges charge higher prices. 

Green safari season - November to May - rain, no floods

Once the early rains arrive (usually mid-November), things change quickly as the grasses grow and deciduous trees start sprouting leaves 

This is when food and water become more widespread and many species such as buffaloes, elephants, wildebeest and zebras spread out over greater distances - followed by the big cats and other predators. Migratory birds arrive with the rains to feast on the sudden deluge of insects, frogs and other delectables. 

Temperatures are very hot from November to February, cooling from March onwards. This is the ‘green season’ when lodges are less crowded and prices are lower. 

Our Okavango Delta safari holidays typically include accommodation, all meals, game drives and other described activities, park fees, experienced guides, airport transfers and 24/7 support from our team. Specific inclusions vary by package – contact us for detailed itineraries.

The Okavango Delta is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), although rhinos are not easy to find. Other species such as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest and zebras are found across diverse ecosystems. You will also find rare and seldom-seen species such as pangolins, aardvarks and servals.

Safaris to the Okavango Delta & Moremi usually cost from US$5,000 per person, depending on duration, accommodation comfort level, and activities. Our packages offer excellent value with transparent pricing.

We have been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest - all the nitty-gritty detail and admin is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.

Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will inherit mistakes and problems that arise.

You only make your first payment when you book your Botswana safari holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.

By booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:

• We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level

• Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it

• Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem

YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!