The Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Botswana.
The Okavango Delta, previously known as the Okovango, is a vast delta in Botswana brimming with hippos, elephants and crocs.
Its grassy wetlands form when the Okavango River flows through Botswana covering up to 15,000km of the Kalahari Desert.
The swampy oasis is an important wildlife area for Botswana. It is also home to many people who live off the land and navigate through its water channel in traditional boats.
During my visit, we travelled by boat to an island where we camped overnight in the middle of the Delta.
Okavango Delta Trip Highlights
- Riding in a mokoro boat
- Handstands in the Delta
- Island camping off the grid
- Being greeted by giraffes in the morning
My eyes filled with tears as I witnessed the serenity of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
There was something very special about drifting through its narrow water channels, carved by hippos over centuries.
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We travelled in mokoros, or traditional canoes, to the gentle spatter of water as we navigated the Okavango Delta. Our poler steered us through the long reeds using a wooden stick.
First to appear was a hippo, which disappeared under the water. This was shortly followed by a croc on a rock basking in the morning sun.
We stuck to the edge of the flood plains in a line, so as not to threaten the hippos. Never underestimate a hippo.
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During the safety briefing, I was nervous about how vulnerable we might be on the water. But once we set off it was clear the animals were used to the mokoro trail.
Elephants, zebra, warthogs and giraffe hung out in the long grass by the water’s edge. While pelicans circled above us like moving stencils in the African blue sky.
Lions and leopards also roam the flats. But they are a rare sight to be had which I was pleased to hear as I sat balancing in a fibre glass canoe.
How to see the Okavango Delta
There are several ways to experience Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
Maun is a popular base to explore the Eastern Delta where you can go poling for the day or head out on a one or two week expedition into the central plains.
While we opted for an overnight bush camp at one of the Delta’s many islands.
The camp took two hours to reach by water. Our polers helped carry our tents and sleeping bags into the bush where we cooked, played and slept under a canopy of trees.
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Afternoon activities included bush walks, poling lessons and swimming at a nearby watering hole. The guides checked for crocs before we began wading and hand-standing in the water.
Before nightfall, we cooked a two pot meal on hot coals. Then local villagers invited us to join in a traditional song and dance under the stars.
The shrills and harmonies of the Botswana choir rose into the air with the flames of the bonfire.
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The following morning, I woke up to fine three giraffes strolling right past our campsite.
Our lofty visitors were less than ten steps away from the fallen tree which we used as a breakfast counter.
Just after sunrise, we did a second bush walk at no extra cost. The guides tapped on our tents at 6am when we ventured out of the campsite to catch the animals at sunrise.
Tour companies are flexible so we were able to choose what time to return to the mainland.
I will never forget my overnight adventure at the Okavango Delta.
I recommend it wholeheartedly as the best of Botswana.
If you have any questions about the Okavango Delta or about Botswana in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Love always,
