Why the Okavango Delta Is Safari Heaven

The Okavango Delta is one of the planet’s only inland deltas. Each May–September, rain that fell in Angola floods the Kalahari sands, turning them into a shimmering wetland when the rest of southern Africa is at its driest. The result is a wildlife magnet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like Eden with elephants.

Aerial view of the lush Okavango Delta with a winding waterbody and hippos partially submerged.
Lush, untamed, and teeming with life — the Okavango Delta is nature’s masterpiece.

Best Time to Visit in 2025 for Okavango Delta Safari (Month-by-Month)

• JAN–MAR – Low water. Lush greenery, migrant birds, and dramatic thunderstorms. Great value and photography light.
• APR–MAY – Waters begin rising; cooler evenings. Shoulder-season sweet spot with a mix of land and water activities.
• JUN–JUL – High flood. Peak game viewing: Great Mokoro Routes. Pack layers; pre-dawn temps can hit 7 °C.
• AUG–SEP – Still high. Intense predator action around shrinking pools. Book nine months ahead for the best rooms.
• OCT – Falling water. Hot days (up to 38 °C), elephants crowd permanent channels. Excellent walking safari month.
• NOV–DEC – Build-up rains. Newborn antelope, electric cloudscapes. Pair with the Kalahari zebra migration.

2025 water levels outlook: Early hydrology readings point to above-average inflows—expect the high-water window to last well into September.

See the Best time to visit the Okavango Delta

Aerial view of a landscape over the Okavango Delta
Where land breathes water — the Okavango Delta’s sweeping beauty is unmatched, from ground level to the skies above.

Choose Your Style of Safari

  • Mokoro expeditions – silent dug-out canoe journeys along lily-fringed channels.

  • 4×4 game drives – classic dawn & dusk wildlife viewing.

  • Walking safaris – track big game on foot with our licensed guides.

  • Helicopter Safaris – doors-off panoramas of hippo-dotted waterways.

  • Night Safaris – A Okavango Delta Safari classic, explore the magical nocturnal world of the Okavango Delta.

  • Cultural Community Visits – Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Botswana with a visit to a local village near Atzaro Okavango

  • Wine Tasting – Embark on a wine-tasting journey to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of wines from renowned African and international vineyards while immersed in the untamed beauty of the Okavango Delta.

Our private concession lets you combine several of these in one stay, land and water perspectives, without changing camps.

A couple enjoying a private wine tasting experience at Atzaró Okavango, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Delta.
Curated wines and wild surroundings make for a uniquely refined safari experience.

Wildlife You Can Expect

Picture elephants wading past your veranda, buffalo herds raising dust, red lechwe splashing through knee-deep water, and predators—from lions to endangered wild dogs—shadowing the scene. Over 450 bird species visit, from Pel’s fishing owl to the rainbow-bright lilac-breasted roller.

A lion lying on the edge of a shallow pool in the Okavango Delta
Power and poise — the Okavango’s predators are as captivating as the landscapes they inhabit.

Land vs Water Camps – Making the Choice

• Water-based camps – permanent channels; unbeatable mokoro routes, but limited game drives at peak flood.
• Land-based camps – higher islands & plains; strong predator sightings year-round; fewer low-water boating options.
• Hybrid camps – access to both habitats for ultimate flexibility (the rarest setup).

Atzaró Okavango is a proud hybrid: lion-tracking at dawn, mokoro after lunch, and sunset yoga on the deck.

A couple glides through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, guided by a poler, with a safari vehicle visible in the background.
From serene mokoro journeys to thrilling game drives, each day at Atzaró Okavango brings a new way to explore the wild.

Inside Atzaró Okavango – Sustainable Luxury

  • 12 suites that vanish into the reeds (solar power, wooden walkways, thatch roofs)

  • 25 m horizon pool overlooking a hippo lagoon (in Flood Season)

  • Organic spa treatments & river-stone outdoor showers

  • Fire-lit boma dinners under southern stars

  • Curated African-wine cellar and French Champagne list

  • Outdoor Gym

Every stay funds rhino-monitoring patrols and scholarships for nearby village schools.

The Ancestral Boma at Atzaró Okavango, featuring wooden walkways, natural textures, and a traditional thatch roof inspired by local design.
Rooted in tradition, elevated by design — the Ancestral Boma reflects Botswana’s heritage with refined, sustainable luxury.

Signature Itinerary – 9‑Day Cape Town & Okavango Delta Tour

Days 1–4: Cape Town City & Coast

  • Day 1 – Arrive Cape Town; check in at Atzaró Cape Town, sunset cocktails overlooking Table Mountain.
  • Day 2 – Table Mountain cableway at dawn, V&A Waterfront lunch, optional sunset helicopter flight.
  • Day 3 – Stellenbosch & Franschhoek private wine tasting with fine‑dining lunch.
  • Day 4 – Penguins at Boulders Beach, Chapman’s Peak sundowner drive.

Day 5: Into the Wild

  • Morning flight to Maun; scenic helicopter transfer into the Delta; first game drive and fireside dinner at Atzaró Okavango.

Days 6–8: Delta Immersion

  • Sunrise game drives, siestas by the pool, afternoon boat or mokoro safaris, walking safaris, community visits, and mokoro sunsets, as well as night drives under the Milky Way.

Day 9: Farewell Fly‑Over

  • The final dawn drive, brunch, and helicopter sweep over the labyrinthine channels connect to the onward flight.

Why we love it: City culture + wine country luxe followed by watery wilderness and big‑game drama—the perfect all‑rounder for first‑timers or honeymooners.

Do you prefer something shorter? We can still arrange a 3‑Night Delta Immersion or 6‑Night Delta & Chobe combo—ask our safari concierge.

Luxurious pool and daybed deck at Atzaró Okavango, bathed in sunlight with views of the surrounding wilderness.
From wild adventure to total serenity — unwind under the African sun between unforgettable safari moments.

Why Is a Botswana Safari More Costly?

Botswana follows a high-value, low-volume model: strict bed quotas and higher daily fees keep visitor numbers low and wildlife protection high, ensuring uncrowded sightings and intact ecosystems.

Guests on a sunset game drive in the Okavango Delta, silhouetted against golden skies with open plains in the background.
Unrushed. Unspoiled. Unforgettable — Botswana’s low-impact approach ensures every sighting is yours to truly savour.

Getting Here

  • Fly into Maun International Airport (MUB). Daily scheduled flights take about 2 hours from Cape Town and 1 hour 45 minutes from Johannesburg.
  • Scenic helicopter transfer. From Maun, a 15–20‑minute private helicopter charter whisks you straight to our island helipad in the heart of the Delta—no light‑aircraft hops required.
  • Luggage guidelines. Soft‑sided bags only, 20 kg (44 lb) per person, including hand luggage.

Pro tip for Okavango Delta Safari: Keep your camera handy on the chopper—elephants and hippos are often visible from the air.

Aerial view of a herd of elephants gathered around water in the Okavango Delta, photographed from a helicopter.
Flying into the Delta offers breathtaking views and unexpected wildlife moments, like this herd of elephants below.

Conservation & Community

Climate change, upstream water use, and poaching threaten the Delta’s fragile lifeline. Through our partnership with African Bush Camps and the African Bush Camps Foundation, every guest contributes a USD 85 Community & Conservation Levy per person, per night. These funds support anti-poaching patrols, wildlife corridor research, and education projects across the Kavango-Zambezi landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which month is best for an Okavango Delta safari?
June–August have peak water and game density, but May and September balance superb wildlife with softer rates.

Is the Okavango Delta worth it?
If you value exclusivity, varied activities and pristine wilderness, absolutely—especially from a camp offering land and water experiences.

Why is Botswana safari so expensive?
Low-volume tourism means fewer beds, higher conservation fees and a premium, crowd-free experience.

Is Zambia or Botswana better for safari?
Zambia’s Luangwa excels at walking safaris and dramatic river crossings. Botswana’s Delta delivers year-round water-land diversity and far fewer vehicles at sightings and also includes incredible walking safaris.

A couple on a guided walking safari through the Okavango Delta, surrounded by open wilderness and led by an expert guide.
Step into the wild — walking safaris at Atzaró Okavango offer an intimate and thrilling perspective of the Delta.

Your Journey

Ready to feel the Delta beneath your feet and over your paddle blade?
Enquire now at atzaro-okavango.com/plan-your-trip or email info@atzaro-okavango.com.
We’ll craft your bespoke adventure faster than a fish-eagle snatches breakfast.