Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. Its headwaters start in Angola’s western highlands, with numerous tributaries joining to form the Cubango River, which then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, where it is then called the Okavango.

What to do:

Self-drive Tours
Hiring your own 4-wheel drive and traveling at your own pace is an exhilarating experience. Travel through towns you want to see and parks or reserves you want to explore. Vehicle hire companies are based in Gaborone , Kasane, Francistown and Maun. There are several operators in the UK that can also arrange this for you so your vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival. Maps should be provided and advice on camping, parks and reserves.

Adventure & Cultural Tours
An adventure tour in Botswana can include a 4-wheel drive tour, hot air ballooning over Chiefs Island, hiring a mokoro and a guide to pole you down the Okavango, and of course a safari. Tours can range from basic camping in the bush to luxury lodges in private reserves.

There are several operators in Botswana that specialize in cultural tours and meeting the people of Botswana. The Serowe, a historic village, is a great place to sample traditional cuisine and visit the Royal Burial Grounds.

Elephant Back Safaris
Stanley's Camp in the Okavango Delta allows you to interact with elephants and accompany them on their daily foraging treks. No riding is offered but it is a great educational experience. Elephant Back Safaris offer 5 day trips and give you the opportunity to ride the elephants and interact with them.

Helicopter Trips
Wildlife Helicopters are based in Maun and offer rides over the Okavango Delta to really appreciate its size and is a great way to get some amazing photographs.

Horse Riding
There are 2 locations for horse riding - the Okavango Delta and the Tuli Block. Riding in the Okavango Delta is a gentler ride whereas the Tuli Block can be a bit difficult. Riding skills are essential, as you will spend several hours in the saddle.

Okavango Delta and also fishing.
An alternative way to see the waterways of Botswana is in a Mokoro - a traditional vessel of the Okavango Delta and is much like a dug out canoe. They can accommodate 2 passengers and the poler. It is a quiet way to enjoy the wildlife around you.

Bird watching
Even if you're not a twitcher the 550 species of birds in Botswana are amazing. They range from hundreds of flamingos breeding in the salt pans to the brilliant malachite kingfisher. Botswana is a great place for bird watchers because the habitats here are so varied.

Fishing
Some of the best sport fishing can be found in Botswana at the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River. Other good fishing spots include the major dams at Shashe, Bokaa and Gaborone. With over 80 species of fish in Botswana waters anglers will be very pleased with the experience.

Mountain Biking & Quad Biking
Mountain biking is popular in the Tuli Block where they have specialized bikes for the terrain. It is said that there is nothing quite like cycling alongside an elephant - something you will never forget!

The best way to experience the Makgadikgadi National Park is on a quad bike, and if you can drive or ride you can manage one of these. This is not something to do if you want to see wildlife - they are not part of the experience but is great way to see the National Park.