Okavango Delta FAQS

What is the weather like in the Okavango?

There are basically 2 seasons: a hot, wet summer and a mild dry winter. In summer (between November and April) days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to about 38° Celsius/ 100° Fahrenheit and night temperatures drop to around 20- 25° C/ 68° - 77° F. The afternoons can be very humid.

In winter (from May to October) days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20° C/ 68° F and can drop as low as 5° C/ 41° F at night. Note that the temperature climbs steeply at the end of the dry season - October can be very hot.

Click here for more information about the Delta's climate.

When is the best time to travel to the Okavango?

Game viewing is best in the dry season from May to October when the animals move into the Okavango from the dry interior. The Delta's water levels are also at their highest at this time of year.

Birding is best between November and March when intra-African and Palaearctic migrants arrive, while December to May sees the bush at its greenest and thickest.

The peak season (and most expensive time for travel) is from July to October - it's dry, cool and concentrations of game are at their highest.

Click here for more information about when to go to the Okavango Delta.

Can I explore the Okavango Delta by myself or do I need to go on an organised tour?

Good question. As tempting as it is to venture off on your own, the Delta is huge, watery and full of dangerous animals. It's also largely divided up into private concessions and the Moremi Game Reserve. There are very few roads - and they are usually in terrible condition - and a first-time visitor is guaranteed to get lost - badly!

So the answer is that you'll need to book yourself on a safari that either focuses on the Okavango Delta itself or includes it as part of a longer itinerary: have a look at our Okavango Delta Tours and Safaris section for some ideas.

Does the Okavango have the Big Five?

Only just! Rhinos have recently been re-introduced into parts of the Okavango Delta and by all accounts they are doing well and have been spotted in other regions as well.

I heard that it is best to wear natural colours such as beiges, browns and greens while on safari. Can I wear camouflage-patterned clothing in Botswana?

No. It is correct that it is advisable to wear natural colours that blend into the environment on safari; however, camouflage-patterned clothing is not permitted. This mainly applies to any clothing that can be construed as mimicking military-wear. You are urged not to wear, or even carry any military-inspired clothing while travelling in this region.

Is the Okavango Delta a good honeymoon destination?

Absolutely! Stunning scenery coupled with outrageously luxurious lodges in very private locations means that the Delta is a superb destination for a honeymoon - check out our Okavango Delta Honeymoon section for recommendations and information.

Can I bring my children on safari in the Okavango Delta?

There are certain lodges with family facilities and even children's programmes in the Okavango, but often these lodges then require that you hire a private vehicle for your game drives if you have children under 12, which makes things slightly more costly. Most lodges welcome children over the age of 12. Certain lodges only allow children older than 16 to go on guided walks in the parks for safety reasons.

What kind of activities can one do in the Okavango?

Activities at the various lodges differ according to location and season. In the Okavango Delta, the land-based camps offer morning and afternoon daily game drives, while the water-based camps offer seasonal boat and mokoro (the local dug-out canoe) trips, walking, fishing and sometimes game drives as well.

Certain lodges are situated such that they can offer both land and water-based activities at certain times of the year. Lodges in private concessions often do night drives and longer walks.

Click here for more information on activities in the Delta.

Will my guide carry a firearm with him?

Guides are not permitted to carry weapons in Botswana's national parks and reserves. They are highly skilled and very well trained in their knowledge of the wild. They do not require guns to ensure your safety.

Lodges located in private concessions are not bound by park regulations and their guides usually carry firearms. Note that there have been extremely few incidents involving accidents with wild animals in Botswana.

Can I go on night game drives in the Okavango?

Night drives are not allowed in the national parks, and so in these areas you will have morning and evening game drives as opposed to night drives. The lodges in the private reserves and concession areas offer night drives.

What can I expect to pay for accommodation in the Okavango Delta?

Rates for Okavango accommodation change dramatically with the seasons: the winter peak season rates can be up to double those of the summer low season. Depending on the standard of luxury and exclusivity you are looking for, however, accommodation in the Okavango can cost anything from about $300 - $1500 (US) per person per night sharing.

Click here for more information about accommodation in the Okavango Delta.

What does the price I pay for accommodation generally include?

Prices generally include all meals and snacks, all soft drinks, all teas and coffees, all scheduled safari activities and often all local alcoholic beverages as well (excluding premium brands and imported liquor).

How accessible are the safari lodges?

Maun Airport is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. From there, most lodges in the Okavango are best reached by light aircraft. Transfers from lodge to lodge are done either by light aircraft or alternatively by boat for certain lodges depending on their location. There are daily flights from Johannesburg in South Africa into Maun and back.

What is the normal luggage restriction on the charter flights in the Okavango?

The various charter flights differ in the amount of luggage you can take from 12 - 20kg per person. It is imperative that all luggage on the charter planes is in the form of soft bags. Hard shell suitcases are not allowed on these planes under any circumstances.

What is the local currency and how should we manage carrying our money?

The unit of currency is the Pula (P), which is divided into 100 thebe. It is best to carry small denominations of US Dollar cash with you as well as Pula because it is widely accepted and indeed charged at most lodges and hotels.

All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.

What is the standard tipping procedure?

Tipping is entirely at your discretion but we recommend the following guide:

• Transfers - US $2 per person • Restaurants - 10% for good service, up to 15% for exceptional service • Game Lodge Staff - US $25 per stay • Rangers/ trackers - US $10 per person per day

Will there be electricity for me to charge my camera? What kind of plug will I need?

Yes. All lodges and hotels will either have electricity, solar power or a generator so charging your camera will be no trouble. Botswana plugs have a voltage of 231V and a frequency of 50 Hertz. The plugs have 3 round-pins.

Is it safe to drink the water?

Yes. It is fine to drink the tap water, however, remember that water is a scarce resource in Botswana, even in the Delta, so please be respectful and help to conserve water.

Is malaria a risk?

Yes. The Okavango Delta lies in a malarial zone. You will need to consult your doctor about anti-malaria medication.

Click here for more information about health and safety.

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