Okavango Delta Safari Botswana, Cruises, Game Drives & Cost.
With its unique ecosystem of islands, lagoons, rich savannah grasslands, papyrus waterways, and water channels, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a recognized World Heritage Site that spans approximately 15,000 square kilometers.
As such, it is one of Africa’s richest wilderness sanctuaries, home to a high concentration of wildlife, ranging from common mammals and bird species to rare species that are rarely seen elsewhere, such as wattled cranes, wild dogs, and Sitatungas.
Some of Africa’s top safari camps and best places to see wildlife may be found in the Delta. The Moremi Game Reserve and other privately held wildlife concessions are in charge of overseeing it. Numerous buffaloes, elephants, hippos, lions, giraffes, and zebras can be found in this area. It is actually a magnificent predator paradise, which is why leopards and wild dogs call it home.
When should I go to the Okavango?
Knowing more about the Okavango Delta’s seasonality and the kind of activities to partake in during specific seasons can help you decide when to visit Botswana. Visitors love wildlife viewing since the wet season, which runs from June to August, is an excellent period for boating safaris and canoeing.
Since most animals migrate and concentrate on the Delta’s borders due to thirst, visitors can also enjoy game viewing during the dry season, which runs from September to October. In fact, it is worthwhile to visit Moremi Game Reserve during this period.
The Okavango Delta is accessible to birdwatchers during the wet summer months of November through April, which not only makes the Okavango a rich location for birdwatchers, but also an exceptional one.
Activities in Okavango Game Drive Safaris
Some of Africa’s top safari game drives may be found in the Okavango. This holds true whether you’re driving a car, riding a horse, or riding an elephant. This area is a natural predator’s paradise, home to thousands of mammals and several bird species.
However, you should be aware that the availability of game drives in the area and the various camps vary depending on a number of circumstances, including the time of year and the camp’s location. Everybody has different experiences, and some individuals have liked these drives in both the dry and wet seasons.
You may also take advantage of night game drives, when you can view nocturnal creatures like lions while hunting at night, as well as aardwolves, leopards, and aardvarks.
Mokoro Adventures
The Mokoro rides are a must-see when visiting Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Boat cruises along the Delta’s small waterways and lagoons make up the excursions. The boats are traditionally constructed from the big delta trees and are referred to locals as Mokoros. The greatest way to watch game is on a Mokoro excursion.
Since these are traditional boats without motors, you get the opportunity to travel through channels in silence and get up close and personal with animals like elephants, hippos, Sitatungas, crocodiles, and Lechwe, among others.
Safaris on Horseback
This is the ideal method of seeing wildlife and getting to parts of the Okavango that are inaccessible by car. They are led by knowledgeable guides and are set up at the Macatoo Camp. You have the opportunity to interact with zebras, giraffes, and lechwes while on a horseback safari.
As you travel through the amazing channels of the delta, these safaris are truly unforgettable. Even though some of the species listed above are less likely to be attacked by a four-legged animal than others, predators can still strike, so stay vigilant and heed the advice of the guide. These safaris are often conducted in the Okavango Delta’s southwest on seasonal floodplains.
Walks with a Guide
One of the most spectacular ways to view breathtaking scenery and many islands is to take a walk across the Okavango. An armed, knowledgeable tour guide leads you out. Usually, these treks start early in the morning before it becomes too hot. You may see elephants and loins along the way, as well as a variety of stunning bird species.
Safaris by boat
In the Okavango, the majority of “water camps” offer motorboat game viewing chances. You can see the Okavango in nearly every angle while on the boat safari. However, the sound of the motorboat usually frightens some animals. If you need to connect from one camp to another, these boats are also utilized.
Safaris with elephants
Elephant-back safaris were first offered in the Abu region’s Okavango Delta in the 1980s. Due to worries about animal care, these safaris where participants rode elephants were gradually discontinued. The majority of lodges now provide services for elephant contact and education. Visitors can learn about the elephants, play with them, and feed them to gain an appreciation of their natural habits. This is a fantastic experience.
Flights in Helicopters
Having breathtaking aerial views of the Okavango delta is still worthwhile after seeing it on foot. You can see the different islands and rivers while on the helicopter safari. Additionally, you can arrange for a helicopter ride to and from your lodging. But it’s great to take a helicopter ride as well if you want the best views of the entire game.
Fishing
The sport of fishing is practiced on a “catch and release basis.” Some camps have fishing activities, although not all do. Therefore, you have a chance of catching a large tilapia or tiger fish when on a safari in the Okavango Delta region.
Things to Bring on an Okavango Safari
Generally speaking, casual-comfortable attire is the ideal option throughout the year. Some of the necessary items to bring on the safari are listed below:
T-shirts and shorts
Safari pants or jeans (to be won in the evenings and on chilly days)
Blouses with long sleeves
Safari walking shoes that are comfortable
Binoculars
Hats, lip balm, insect repellant, sunscreen creams, and sunglasses
A camera that is waterproof
Warm sweater or jacket (for chilly mornings and evenings)
Raincoat (it should be lightweight and small)
You might bring gloves and a scarf for the rainy seasons.
A bathing suit
Because the temperature is usually hot, women should carry or wear a comfortable bra to avoid discomfort.
Please be aware that you can still arrange a honeymoon safari in the Okavango Delta and still experience pure romance in the breathtaking settings of the Delta.
The price of Botswana’s Okavango Delta Safari
Many visitors to this Delta sometimes wonder, “How much will it cost to enjoy a safari on the Okavango Delta?” However, there is no simple answer to this question because there are several elements that determine the cost of this safari, which are briefly discussed below.
Cost of the Safari Hotel
Thankfully, there are several options available to tourists visiting the delta and the Okavango Delta Lodges hotels. These range from more affordable options like camping, where you won’t have access to amenities like a flush toilet or hot running water for your shower. This often provides lodging in simple dome-tents, so you’ll need to bring the necessities.
Semi-participation camping may cost between $200 and $300, while full participation camping (which includes cooking and cleaning) costs between $150 and $200.
Basic camping, on the other hand, ranges from $350 to $450 and provides vacationers with a raw African bush experience while also providing excellent comfort with hot water in the restrooms and other amenities like a personal chef. Tented camps or permanent lodges, which are more comfortable and opulent options, are available to those with more disposable income; prices range from $400 to $3,850.
The lodging style of accommodation can be divided into 4 main categories and these include:
| category | Cost per person in US Dollars ($)
|
| 2 Star Lodging | $350 – $450
|
| 3 Star Lodging | $450 – $650
|
| 4 Star Lodging | $500 – $950
|
| 5 Star Lodging | $1,500 – $3,850
|
Self guide or guided safari Cost?
Both guided and self-guided safaris are available for exploring the Okavango Delta, but the most economical option is to embark on a self-guided adventure, which will require you to rent a decent 4WD vehicle. The Okavango Safari costs between $250 and $350 a day, but you also need to pay for park fees, conservation taxes, and petrol. Although guided safaris are more expensive, they are more convenient and pleasurable because you will only need to sit in the car while being driven about by local experts.
Transportation Options in the Okavango Delta
Kasane in the north and Maun in the south are the two main entry sites into the Delta. Most tour companies offer land transfers from Maun as an inexpensive mode of transportation, and 4WD cars can access the majority of the Delta. However, based on your safari budget, you may choose to fly in. Prices for Maun Okavango Delta flights vary based on the distance traveled, ranging from $150 to $400 USD. It’s a more convenient and time-consuming option, despite the cost.
Activities to partake in The Okavongo offers a wide variety of safari activities, and as each one has a distinct price tag, this will ultimately impact the overall cost of your safari, as indicated below.
| Activity | Cost per Day in US Dollars |
| Okavango Makoro Safari Costs | $150 to $180 |
| Okavango Motorized boat Safari Costs | $150 to $180 |
| Okavango Scenic flight Safari Costs | From $120 |
| Okavango Game viewing drive Safaris Costs | $150 to $200 |
| Bird watching Safaris in Okavango Costs | $430 to $450 |
| Photographic Safaris | $430 to $450 |
| Fishing tours | $400 to $700 |
| Horse riding tours | $600 to $1,000 |
Area of the Delta to visit
You will notice that some parts of the delta, like the south, are dry during the dry season while others are still flooded because the delta is often a large area. This will help you decide which areas to explore based on your goals.
Nearly 70% of the delta’s eastern side is made up of the Moremi Game Reserve/National Park, which is located on the eastern side and spans 500 square feet. Both self-directed and guided safaris, as well as more affordable lodging options like camping areas, are perfect for this reserve.
The remainder of the Delta, however, is made up of private concessions that are only reachable by boat or small airplane. Because of this, lodging in these places is more expensive and can range from $1,500 to $3,850, depending on the season and the kind of lodging you choose.
When you go
When going on a safari in the Okavango Delta, it is crucial to comprehend the weather conditions there. The northern region of Botswana has the wet season from November to April, with a lot of water in the delta due to afternoon thunder followed by sunshine. The Delta typically floods from mid-May to mid-September, when the dry season begins.
However, there are four main seasons for tourism, which are as follows: Since the delta is flooded and makoro activities are at their height, the busiest safari season runs from July to the end of October, when many visitors visit (safaris are highly expensive).
The shoulder season, which lasts from the beginning of April to the end of June and from the beginning of November to the end of the month, is when the crowds are smaller, the temperatures are tolerable, and the costs are roughly 75% lower than during the peak season.
The low/off-peak tourist season, which runs from early December to the end of March, sees safari rates drop by almost half compared to the peak season. There aren’t many tourists in the delta, and it’s usually pouring and hot.
