Cape Town and Okavango Delta Safari

There’s a reason why so many travellers dream of Africa: it’s a continent of breathtaking contrasts, vibrant cultures, and some of the most incredible wildlife on earth. And when you combine the iconic allure of Cape Town with the wild beauty of the Okavango Delta, you’re in for an African adventure unlike any other. Imagine waking up to Table Mountain views, then later exploring serene lagoons and spotting elephants in the Okavango Delta’s vast landscapes!

This guide is your gateway to planning the ultimate luxury safari experience from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller, here’s everything you need to know about the sights, activities, and luxurious touches that make this journey unforgettable.

Your luxury Cape Town safari is characterised by dramatic mountains, verdant wine farms, bright white beaches, world-class Cape Town dining experiences, Table Mountain hikes, city tours and adventure activities on land and water. It’s an upbeat journey that exposes you to candid conversations with locals, colourful Cape Town cultural experiences, indulgent wine and food, history insights and natural splendour, all wrapped up in one vibrant city. 

In contrast, your Botswana safari itinerary embraces the untamed wilderness of the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, where a mosaic of palm-fringed islands, wetlands, floodplains and grasslands beckon a flourish of birds and animals in a wildlife display that’s unlike anything else on Earth. At Atzaró Okavango, you’re enticed to truly slow down, reconnect, and embark on enriching adventures in a setting that’s perfectly remote, far removed from the bustle of city life. Here you’ll be free to laze around your luxury suite, go on scenic game drives at sunrise, prioritise wellbeing and try yoga, dine in the African bush and learn about Botswana’s warm culture and ancient beginnings.

Conquer Table Mountain and Scenic Hikes

Whether you’re chasing sunrise vistas, stretching panoramic views or juicy sunsets, Cape Town boasts almost endless offerings of scenic hikes scattered all over the city. Table Mountain is one of the seven Natural World Wonders, and when you see it, there’s little wondering why. For breathtaking views of Table Mountain, take the five-minute cable car ride to the summit for on-top-of-the-world views in every direction. For those seeking adventure, it’s worth the early start to reach Platteklip Gorge, known for its large flat rocks and sandstone cliffs. The easy-going hike will take you one to two hours, and the reward is staggering views above the clouds. Alternatively, you can start your hike on the Camps Bay side and hike two hours to Kasteelspoort, an otherworldly rock formation that resembles a diving board, jutting out into the abyss on the top of Table Mountain. 

Ask the locals and they’ll agree that Lion’s Head has the most spectacular views in Cape Town. Accessible by a 45 to 60-minute hike, Lion’s Head reveals 360-degree views that stretch from Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, the Cape Town City Bowl, the harbour and waterfront, the Twelve Apostles, endless beaches, and even as far as the iconic Robben Island. With so much to see, Lion’s Head should be the top of your Cape Town to-see list!

For quick tips and to plan your visit to Table Mountain, find out more here.

Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap was originally formed in the 1700s as a settlement for the Cape Malay community, a group of people from Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia who were brought to Cape Town by the Dutch East India Company as slaves and political exiles. Later in the 1950s, during South Africa’s Apartheid regime, Bo-Kaap was known as the Malay Quarter and was designated as a racially segregated area for Cape Muslims, forcing people of other religions and ethnicities to leave.

Today, despite its storied history, Bo-Kaap is a celebration of colour and rich cultural identity of South Africa. Much like the iconically colourful facades—painted as an expression of joy and freedom—the Cape Malay culture is alive, vibrant and wonderfully unique. Visitors to Cape Town can join a Bo-Kaap history tour for an in-depth look into the spirited Cape Malay history, cuisine and warm, hospitable culture. Don’t miss the chance to sample Cape Malay cuisine, known for its aromatic spices and rich flavours. 

126 Cape Kitchen & Café is a sleek restaurant in the heart of Bo-Kaap that boasts a menu bursting with hearty, traditional Malay and Indian meals. For a hyper-local take on traditional cuisine, restaurateurs Yusuf and Nazli of Bokaap Kombuis have created a dining scene that prizes authentic flavours, heritage and inclusivity through food.

Further afield, Jonkershuis Eatery in Groot Constantia serves signature Cape Malay dishes, focusing on sustainable and ethical ingredients in a serene setting. For an intimate affair, book a picnic lunch to enjoy an appetising curation of Jonkerhuis’ finest dishes (including kids’ selection and vegan options) in the stunning grounds of the Groot Constantia homestead for breakfast or dinner.

Explore Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and Historical Robben Island

Local Food and Wine Experiences To Sip & Savour

Cape Town’s culinary scene is notoriously innovative and vibrant. Here, imaginative chefs infuse a tapestry of cultural influences – European, Asian, African – to lure gourmands from far and wide to dine beside the ocean, in quirky city centre boltholes and across breathtakingly beautiful wineries.

From Constantia’s La Colombe to FYN Restaurant at the city’s heart, it’s little wonder why Cape Town was recently named the ‘Best City in the World for Food’ in the Conde Nast Travellers 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. To grasp the variety and taste a bounty of local produce, you can tap into your safari concierge to uncover Cape Town dining experiences or venture out for a day among the vines to sip your way through Cape Town’s celebrated wine routes: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia and Paarl. For an effortless way to meander from cellar door to cellar door, join the hop-on-hop-off wine tram experience for a leisurely journey through the wine regions.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram visits up to nine wine estates in the region, from Le Lude to Babylonstoren and Boschendal to Haute Cabrière Wine Estate. We recommend booking in advance and making use of the hop-on-hop-off service for an effortless day amongst the vines! Alternatively, for special occasions, the wine tram can be booked for a Curated Wine Experience with a wine ambassador, premium tastings and pairings and a three-course lunch at a renowned wine estate in Franschhoek. 

The Journey from Cape Town to Okavango Delta

With direct flight access and a quick flying time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, you can depart Cape Town after a leisurely breakfast and arrive in Botswana for an afternoon game drive.

Cape Town International Airport has daily South Africa to Botswana flights (Airlink and CemAir), landing in Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana. Maun is also the closest access point for travellers venturing into all major safari destinations within Botswana.

When you travel with Atzaró, you’ll be welcomed at Maun Airport personally and escorted to your awaiting helicopter transfer to Atzaró Okavango. Your scenic journey over the fringes of the Okavango Delta will take 20 minutes and serves as a spectacular introduction to Botswana’s untamed wilderness. Keep your cameras close—from the air you’ll spot wading elephants, herds of impalas, and slow-moving crocodiles. You may even come eye-to-eye with soaring bateleurs.

For alternative scenic and luxury travel options, private charters are available from Cape Town to Maun International Airport. From there, you can effortlessly connect to Aztaró Okavango by a 20-minute private helicopter transfer.

Our safari concierge is available to assist you in planning your Cape Town to Okavango Delta safari, ensuring seamless transfers and hassle-free connections.

Uncover Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity

The Okavango Delta is formed as the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert from the annual rainfall high up in the Angolan Highlands. Located in north-western Botswana, the Okavango Delta covers over 2 million hectares in an alluvial fan that’s visible from space. It’s here that you’ll find a tapestry of landscapes from grassland savannah to dense forests, wetlands and a maze of amber-coloured waterways brimming with life.

Home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species, the Okavango Delta is a paradise for curious visitors intent on uncovering untamed Africa. It’s here that you can set off with a passionate, local guide to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, hippos, wild dogs, zebras, cheetahs, and a host of antelope from impala to lechwe, waterbuck and tsessebe.

For birders, the Okavango Delta prevails as one of the most enchanting places to spot colourful resident favourites, striking migratory birds and endangered species like ground hornbills and rare wattled cranes. Our guides are like walking encyclopedias; each adventure into the African bush is an opportunity to learn about Botswana’s unique topography and geography, as well as intriguing facts about animals and plants.

Find a Slower Pace on a Mokoro Canoe Ride

The charm of exploring by a traditional mokoro ride lies in its peaceful pace and closeness to nature. With a guide at the helm, you’ll pole through tranquil waterways and past quiet eddies to take in the sights and sounds of the bush from the water. A welcomed change of pace, a mokoro seats up to two people and is steered from the rear using a long pole. This traditional mode of transport has been used for generations in the Okavango Delta and is sure to give you a fresh new perspective of the wilderness as you spot playful baboons, drinking antelope, perched birds and unexpected photographic moments.

Heart-Quickening Game Drives and Wildlife Encounters

Traditional game drives are a crowd favourite and are designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. The beauty of exploring the wilderness via Land Cruiser is the unique opportunity to get closer to animals and cover vast distances whether you set off at dawn, sunset or after dark. While exploring the Okavango Delta, you’re likely to encounter breeding herds of elephants ambling through wetlands, track lions at sunrise, and even spot elusive leopards languishing in a tangle of trees.

At Atzaró Okavango, a leisurely game drive is enhanced by stopping for a morning coffee or sundowners, a time-honoured safari ritual. Best of all, every game drive can be personalised based on your interests, from birdlife to botany, photography and tracking; our guides are experts.

Intriguing Walking Safaris

There’s something wildly intoxicating about being on foot in the wild. Your senses pique, yet you’ll feel calm and completely at ease thanks to your professional guide and tracker. Suitable for most fitness levels, a walking safari is a slow-paced, guided walk in a particular area of the wilderness with good visibility. It’s imperative that you trust and listen to your guide for a safe and enjoyable experience for all. During your time on foot, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about the Delta’s flora and fauna and intriguing details that can be missed on game drives, like the role termites play in shaping the Okavango Delta and the plants and shrubs used for centuries for medicinal purposes.

Atzaró Cape Town

Atzaró Cape Town is a small luxury hotel nestled on the foothills of Table Mountain in a suburb known as Oranjezicht. With six serene suites, solo travellers, couples, and families alike will feel at home with warm, personalised hospitality, delicious cuisine, and luxury amenities like in-room spa treatments, a fitness centre, and a pool with spellbinding views over the Mother City. From here, you’re on the doorstep of Cape Town’s cultural experiences, history tours, Cape Town hiking tours, world-renown wineries, and an exciting restaurant scene, all awaiting your discovery.

Atzaró Okavango Delta

In a private concession within Botswana’s Okavango Delta, you’ll find Atzaró Okavango, a wildly luxurious safari lodge congregating around a tranquil lagoon. Here, scattered between a mass of acacia trees, are eight private suites and two villas designed to welcome solo travellers, couples and families.

At the main lodge, spaces are designed for leisure and gathering. There’s a 20-metre pool and sundrenched pool deck, a spa and a gym devoted to wellness in the wild. There’s also an extensive wine cellar featuring award-winning South African and international wines and an elevated High Tea and Observation Deck poised to watch over the lagoon below.

At the heart of the lodge is the Ancestral Boma, a place where you can gather around the fire and learn about Botswana’s rich heritage, all the while surrounded by stretches of untamed wilderness and distant animal sounds.

Curated In-Room Amenities & Guest Services

Atzaró Cape Town entices you to retreat, with just six suites with private terraces and magnificent views. In our small luxury hotel, suites are uniquely designed in reverence to beloved South African icons—Nelson Mandela (Madiba), Lion’s Head, Protea, Marula, Rooibos, Mopani and Tamboti. Inside, spaciousness reigns supreme with king-sized beds, zones for lounging in private and generous bathrooms.

Soft furnishings are layered with traditional textiles and art to ground the suites in a sense of place, while thoughtful amenities—Nespresso stations, mini bars with locally sourced goods, bathrobes and slippers—create a deeply comfortable experience for all guests, whether travelling as one, two or as a family. To really slink into holiday mode, yoga can be practiced outdoors, while massages are offered in the privacy of your suite.

Beyond the suites, Atzaró Cape Town boasts a pool with sweeping views and plenty of space to laze around, a gym and sauna for enhanced wellness, several scenic dining areas for nourishing breakfasts, and braai (BBQ) facilities, ready for slow afternoons or evenings under the African sky. Those seeking adventure, culture or nature discoveries can make use of our dedicated safari concierge, ready to assist you in planning and booking thrilling activities, epicurean feasts, wine and distillery tours, hikes and beach trips, day trips, picnics and more.

At Atzaró Okavango, each private guest suite, designed to sleep two, features an enticing king bed and a spacious lounge, a curated bar and espresso station, a sundrenched terrace and a private plunge pool.

Atzaró Okavango has two family villas, accommodating up to four guests each. Designed for families, each villa features two individual suites, each with its own plunge pool. At the centre is a sunken fire pit where families can come together in the wild. While residing in the villa, your family will have an exclusive-use game-viewing vehicle for the duration of your stay.

Set away for tranquility is the peaceful Yoga Shala, where you can salute the sun, move with intention and find a moment of reflection.

For rejuvenation in the wild between activities, the Wellness Sanctuary invites you to slow down and indulge in blissful facials, massages and signature rituals. To enhance wellness, we use Terres d’Afrique products, which draw on the power of African botanicals to nourish and restore body and mind. Don’t miss the Detoxing Pinda Signature Ritual, a detoxifying massage treatment that uses heat and baobab seed pandas for soothing lymphatic drainage and relaxation.

Planning Your Luxury Safari Itinerary

Best Time to Travel to Cape Town

The best time for Cape Town and Okavango safari depends on what experience you’re looking for. Cape Town has a temperate Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The peak tourist season is from December to February, but the southeasterly wind can be strong during this time.

Cape Town is a spectacular destination all year round, and although the Mother City enchants visitors with wine tasting, a delicious food scene and natural wonder every month, there are seasonal highlights worth noting:

In summer (December – February), Cape Town comes alive. With sunny, clear days, turquoise beaches, hiking trails and scenic gardens beckon. Warm days can be spent out in nature, at wineries or delving into Cape Town’s many activities, from surfing, diving, or simply swimming in gin-clear waters. There are music festivals, picnics, outdoor markets and enticing restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the warmth of the African sun.

Winter (June – August) in Cape Town can be just as enjoyable as summer, with a host of unique activities for all. This time of the year is ideal for spotting migrating southern right whales from Hermanus, swimming with sharks or kitesurfing, or enjoying one of the many hiking trails. Closer by, the Oranjezicht Market is filled with seasonal fresh produce and boutique stalls, like Ash & Mill and Nicholas Koursaris Ceramics, which handmakes small-batch clay objects and wares right here in Cape Town.

In late winter to early spring (August – September), you can see endless sprays of wildflowers that bloom in a host of colours. Visit West Coast National Park (1.5 hours drive from Cape Town) to see the epic floral display up close. Here you’ll uncover over 250 species of birds which you can spot from quiet bird hides, explore the rock pools at Tsaarsbank or savour a picnic on the shores of the Langebaan Lagoon at Kraalbaai. There’s a small fee for day visitors entering the park and plenty of guidance on hand for exploring and making the most of your visit.

Best Time to Travel to the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta has two distinct seasons. Summer is known as the green or wet season and is from November through to April. At this time of the year, the bush is lush and green, and although animals tend to disperse in the thicket, it’s a deeply rewarding time to be in the wilderness for all, especially birders and photographers. During summer, temperatures soar, and rain is expected (there is something special about a thunderstorm across the African plains—it’s soul-stirring!); however, with the wet comes fewer visitors and a flourish of migratory birds, like the strikingly beautiful Carmine Bee Eater.

Winter lasts from May until October, and although considered the dry season, this is when the Okavango Delta experiences its seasonal flooding, and animals gather at water sources. At this time of year, sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, hyenae, wild dogs, and antelopes are thrilling, as are sightings of birds and smaller animals. During the flood, make time for a helicopter safari to grasp the unimaginable size of the Okavango Delta and its endless web of waterways and animal crossings. In winter, cooler temperatures can be expected in the morning and evenings; however, days tend to be sunny and clear. Winter is a favoured time for many as visibility in the bush improves by the month as the grass dies back and the vegetation thins.

Packing Tips for Dual Destinations

When packing for your Cape Town and Okavango Delta safari, there are a few key things to keep in mind. No matter the time of year, it’s always a good idea to pack a weather-proof jacket and suitable footwear for hikes, walking safaris and adventures in nature. We suggest packing a capsule-style wardrobe that consists of complimentary neutral tones and styles that you can wear in numerous ways for two different destinations. For example, for ladies, a neutral shirt can be worn for leisurely days at a winery if there’s a breeze and for warm days in the bush for protection from the sun. It is a good idea to pack items that can be layered as well as warm, fleece items for cold mornings and evenings in the wild and for unpredictable weather in Cape Town.

Other essentials for your safari packing list include:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Personal care items
• Medication
• Swimwear for summer in Cape Town. It’s worth noting that, even in winter, Botswana can feel warm during the middle of the day, and once you spot your private plunge pool at Atzaró Okavango, you’ll be glad you came prepared!
• Hiking/walking shoes
• Weather-proof jacket
• Long pants for nature walks and safaris
• Fleece layers for chilly mornings and evenings
• Lightweight shirts or blouses in neutral tones (especially important for walking safaris)
• A camera and binoculars

When travelling via helicopter or light aircraft, soft-sided luggage is required, and certain weight limits may apply, so we suggest packing thoughtfully to travel and transfer with ease. Fortunately, packing light doesn’t mean going without, as at both Atzaró properties, laundry is offered as a complimentary service.

Health & Safety Tips

It is recommended that all travellers have comprehensive travel insurance relevant to their personal situation and requirements. Before travelling to South Africa, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare professional about any vaccinations they recommend.

When travelling, ensure you carry all necessary personal care items and medication, along with any repeat prescriptions, in case of travel delays or misplaced luggage.

There are several things to consider when travelling into wilderness areas:

• Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions for an enjoyable and safe experience.
• Stay in your vehicle and avoid standing in the game-viewing vehicle.
• Don’t attempt to feed or touch wild animals, even the small, seemingly harmless animals like monkeys or Cape Town’s resident dasies.
• Dress in neutral tones and avoid bright colours. Camouflage clothing is illegal in certain countries, so it is best to avoid packing or wearing it.
• Don’t swim in rivers or lakes or drink from water sources.
• Avoid walking at night without a guide.
• Don’t litter or drop cigarettes, as there’s a risk of igniting a wildfire.

An Immersive South Africa to Botswana Safari

A nine-day luxury safari itinerary from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta is a unique journey that captures the essence of two distinct African destinations. In Cape Town, you’ll sample action-packed activities, pristine beaches, countless hiking trails, extraordinary views, cultural experiences, world-class restaurants and award-winning wineries and distilleries, all while staying at Atzaró Cape Town.

Your journey then continues into the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta to experience one of the most untamed wilderness destinations on earth. Here in Botswana, you’ll encounter Africa’s wildlife, from lions and leopards to elephants, wild dogs and even cheetahs, as well as hundreds of birds. To extract every ounce of wonder, our guide-led mokoro rides, game drives, walking safaris, and helicopter flips are woven into your stay, while wellness treatments and fine dining bookend your pursuits in the wild.

Embarking on a Cape Town and Okavango Delta safari balances the thrill of exploration with urban culture and interesting historical discoveries. From the vibrant pulse of Cape Town to the serene untamed landscapes of the Okavango Delta, this African adventure offers something truly unforgettable for those in search of both culture and nature.

To discover the best Cape Town and Okavango Delta safari, view our immersive nine-day South Africa and Botswana itinerary here.