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Where to stay in Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is a vast inland delta of channels, lagoons and islands, and one of Africa's great wildlife areas. Most of it is only reachable by light aircraft, so the choice is between remote fly-in camps in the delta or reserves, budget lodges in the gateway town of Maun, and the Moremi Game Reserve on the delta's eastern side.
Fly-in camps in the delta and private concessions
Small luxury camps in private concessions are reached by light aircraft. Depending on the season and water levels, they offer game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips and walking safaris, with very few other visitors. Prices are high but usually include meals and activities.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi, on the eastern side of the delta, can be reached by 4x4 from Maun. It has public campsites and lodges, with land and water areas that support lions, leopards, elephants and wild dogs. Campsites must be booked in advance.
Maun
Maun is the gateway town, with an airport, supermarkets, lodges on the Thamalakane River and campsites. From here you can join day or overnight mokoro trips, take scenic flights over the delta and arrange onward safaris.
One thing to think about
Do not expect to see the delta properly from Maun alone; at least a scenic flight or a mokoro trip is needed. Light aircraft have strict luggage limits, usually soft bags only, so pack accordingly.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Okavango Delta are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
The floodwaters from Angola usually reach the delta between about May and August, and the dry season from about June to October is the best time for wildlife. The wet season from November to March is greener, cheaper and good for birds, but some areas are harder to reach.
What is a mokoro trip?
A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe, now often made of fibreglass, poled through the shallow channels by a local guide. It is a quiet way to see water lilies, birds, frogs and sometimes elephants or hippos at a safe distance. Trips run from a few hours to several days.
Is the Okavango Delta expensive?
The fly-in camps are among the most expensive safari lodges in Africa, as Botswana follows a low-volume, high-value tourism model. More affordable options include budget mokoro trips from Maun, camping in Moremi and lodges on the edge of the delta.
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