The Okavango Delta still feels like a closely guarded secret. It's clear to see why this miracle of nature should be on top of your safari bucket list.

Botswana is famous for its continued success in protecting its endless areas of wilderness, as well as its focus on high-end, low-volume tourism - and the Okavango Delta is evidence of this.

Visible from outer space, this unique geographical jewel is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, with its flood waters spanning onto the surrounding Kalahari desert rather than flowing into the sea. 

This miracle of nature stretches over 15,000km², composing a mosaic of landscapes and a sanctuary for biodiversity, making it perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

So, if you’re contemplating where to travel in 2024 and beyond, we’ve rounded up the top 5 reasons why the Okavango Delta should be top of your safari list:

1. A Beautiful Oasis

A juxtaposition of wetland in an otherwise arid landscape, this dynamic ecosystem offers a visual feast of continuously transforming scenery. 

Seasonal flooding between May and August creates a water-rich green paradise, where lush floodplains and front-dusted islands. 

Whereas, between September and November, the Delta begins to dry up, creating a contrast of fading greens and dominant browns. High temperatures during these months mean equally high concentrations of game congregating around disappearing watering holes.

2. Wildlife Haven

The Okavango’s remoteness pays dividends with its rich tapestry of wildlife species - every nature and safari lover’s dream. 

From rare glimpses of the African wild dog or the elusive cheetah and leopard to almost guaranteed sightings of buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, lions (and plenty more). 

Hosting almost 600 different bird species, including the world’s only fish-eating owl, the Delta also beckons every avid bird-watcher to its doors.

3. Unique Types of Safari

The diversity of wildlife is matched with the diversity of safari experiences. 

Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy:

• Game Drives: The ‘bread and butter’ of any safari trip, game drives in the Delta deliver throughout the year with mesmerising processions of animals each morning and evening. 

• Bushwalks: Get your heart pumping as you step out of the comfort of your land cruiser to walk in the footsteps of all manner of prey and predators, learning about the unique flora from the knowledgeable local guides.

• Mokoro: Annual floods offer the opportunity for a Mokoro safari, traversing waterways in a traditional dugout canoe that can only be experienced in the Delta. Guided by skilled local polers, it’s impossible not to feel an innate connection with the nature surrounding you.

• Flying Safari: Nothing can beat a birds-eye view of the Delta - a doorless helicopter safari allows you to soar over the patchwork of grasslands, floodplains and almost crystal clear channels, spotting all manner of species with unrestricted views.

• Horse Riding: Adventure and luxury converge with an exhilarating horse riding safari, allowing you to get closer than ever to the unforgettable wildlife.

4. Exclusivity and Intimacy

In the fast-paced world we live in today, the intimacy offered by exclusive camps in the Delta forces you into a world of tranquillity, embracing a slower pace of life and a deeper connection with nature. 

Safari camps are strategically located in private concessions, creating a secluded and personalised experience. 

Due to the Delta’s limited access, fewer visitors means you won’t find many other safari vehicles around, unlike other popular safari destinations in Africa.

5. Conservation, Sustainability and Equity

With the equilibrium of nature under pressure in Africa, choosing the Okavango Delta for a safari aligns with a commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. 

Camps such as (but not limited to) those operated by Kwando Safaris deliver on sustainability without compromising on luxury. 

Completely solar-powered and designed with the most eco-friendly materials, these camps are not only more symbiotic with the environment but also support local communities and initiatives. 

The magic of Botswana should be shown by the people of Botswana, which is why these camps employ almost 100% local citizens. They are also committed to gender equity, with 50% of camp managers being female, and whilst the industry is still largely male-dominated, more opportunities are now opening up for women to train in new careers such as safari guides.

The camps are also committed to working with the government to implement conservation policies, demonstrating how responsible practices can preserve fragile ecosystems. Allowing a maximum of 3 jeeps around an animal at any one time is just one small example of how visitors can have a more intimate experience, but also ensure animals can exist in natural balance with the ecosystem.   

The Delta still feels like a closely guarded secret, and with a plethora of the highest quality camps to choose from, let us help you plan what will quite possibly be your favourite and most ecologically responsible safari experience yet - get in touch here.