The lure of the Okavango Delta and its extraordinary range of habitats provide the perfect environment for African animals to thrive and people to watch them.
An almost immeasurable amount of water flows through into the delta from the hills of Angola creating a unique ecosystem. A patchwork of papyrus swamps and islands to the north, are fed by permanent channels, which spread like the fingers of a hand southwards. As the delta widens and fans out, the landscape changes to a myriad of palm fringed islands dotted in amongst flood plains. The central areas of land including Chiefs Island and the Moremi Game Reserve are larger landmasses that remain dryer than their surroundings during the height of the floods.
It is never an exact science but the flood will generally start pouring through the Delta in March until it reaches its zenith in June or July. This really does depend on where in Delta you are as the floods travel some 250km within Botswana before it reaches its natural boundary and then starts to fill into other regions such as Lake Ngami. Even the term “flood” can perhaps be misleading as you are able to sit and watch the water creep inches at a time through the plains areas.
The Northern region of the Okavango Delta is referred to as the Panhandle and runs by the main town of Shakawe. This area is where you will find the permanent deeper channels lined by papyrus swamps and secret lagoons, the fishing here for bream and Tiger fish is amazing.
These permanent waters have of late run all the way down to the safari town of Maun and then on down the Boteti River and beyond. As the floods “fingers” stretch out, they slowly create an oasis of immense proportions turning surrounding areas from parched land scoured by a million dusty animal tracks to a verdant green and lush environment with game numbers equal to anywhere in Africa.
We believe that any visit to Botswana simply must include a visit to the Okavango Delta, its biodiversity and monthly adaptations provide for an astonishing range of animals, birds and flowers.
The Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Concession are technically part of the Okavango system. Due to their public nature, Safari Lifestyles have treated both these areas as separate regions, being interspersed with a group of Lodges, Mobile Tented Safaris and Self-Drivers occupying the area.
The greater Okavango Delta area, with its unique landmass and water incursions, is mostly comprised of private lodges in private concessions, and as such are allowed to be more flexible with their activities.
8 nights safari Covering the main areas of the Okavango
Apple Leaf Tour
7 nights in upper 4 star lodges incorporating the Okavango and Mababe
Rain Tree Tour
8 nights encompassing three Natural Selections properties in the best regions of the Okavango Delta
Jackalberry TourWe have quite a few tours on offer which showcase Botswana… you can view all of them by clicking the button below…
The Okavango Delta offers accommodation that ranges from intimate bush camps to sophisticated luxury lodges, most accessible only by light aircraft. The region’s camps typically feature between 5 and 18 tented suites, maintaining an exclusive atmosphere while minimizing environmental impact.
Properties here fall into distinct categories. Some occupy permanent islands with year-round water access, offering mokoro excursions and boating alongside game drives. Others sit on seasonal floodplains where activities shift with water levels. A handful of camps in the drier areas focus primarily on walking safaris and land-based wildlife viewing.
Design aesthetics vary considerably—from classic safari canvas with paraffin lamps to contemporary structures with plunge pools and air conditioning. What most share is a commitment to guiding excellence and prime wildlife territories.
Pricing reflects remoteness and exclusivity, with most camps operating on fully inclusive bases. The best properties balance luxury with an authentic bush experience, where you’re genuinely in the wilderness rather than simply staying somewhere expensive that happens to be in Africa.
Luxurious lodge sitting on the edge of a permanent channel
impressive camp from this group in a new stunning area
Sister camp to Machaba, its shares this prolific wildlife area
This camp takes advantage of activities on the Delta waters
Stunning Explorer camp in the heart of the Okavango
With its own private area of this productive wildlife region
Very affordable accommodation in a prime private concession
A fantastic experience for children and adults alike
Beautiful water based lodge at a 5 star level
