- Details
It looks like this year's flood waters in the Okavango Delta will be significantly higher than in recent years, which is great news for the local wildlife. As well as from rainfall in the Delta area itself, the flood waters originate from seasonal rainfall in the highlands of Angola which feed the Okavango River. These waters take several months to flow from Angola, through Namibia and into the Delta in Botswana meaning the water levels are actually at their highest during the Delta's dry season (May to October). This surge in water creates exciting opportunities for wildlife viewing as mokoro routes expand, animals congregate on islands, and the landscape transforms into a breathtaking spectacle. While this natural phenomenon enhances the safari experience, it's important to note that the high water levels may also lead to alterations in access routes for our guests' itineraries.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTSWANA
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Dry Season (April/May to October): Generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. High water levels and good weather.
Cooler temperatures: Pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler early mornings and evenings (especially June-August, pack warm layers).
Less vegetation: Easier to spot animals as they congregate around water sources.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our trucks start in Nairobi, visit Uganda and Rwanda, and then head south through Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls.
We then cross into Botswana and travel through the Delta before entering Namibia and finishing in Cape Town.
Different sections of this route are available from 13 weeks up to 94 days!
We have departures all year round, with several coinciding with the floods in the Delta.
OKAVANGO DELTA
During the Okavango Delta's flood season, especially from July to October, the waterways swell, creating ideal conditions for serene mokoro excursions and exciting boat safaris. This period offers unparalleled access to the Delta's intricate channels and wildlife, showcasing the landscape at its most vibrant and navigable.
ANIMALS YOU’LL SEE
Botswana teems with diverse wildlife, from the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) to numerous antelope, predators like wild dogs and cheetahs, and over 500 bird species. The Okavango Delta and Chobe are prime viewing areas, with the dry season (May-October) generally best for sightings.
2025 SAMPLE TRIPS THAT INCLUDE THE OKAVANGO DELTA DURING FLOOD SEASON
HARARE TO CAPE TOWN (34 DAYS) DELTAS & DUNES
Discover the breathtaking contrasts of Southern Africa, where abundant wildlife thrives in Matobo National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Etosha. Journey through the stunning landscapes of the Eastern Highlands to the dramatic vastness of the Namib Desert coastline and the immense Fish River Canyon.
Dates: 28 July, 8 September
NAIROBI TO CAPE TOWN (76 DAYS) GRAND ADVENTURER
The full route from Nairobi to Cape Town lets you see trek to see mountain gorillas, go on safari in the Serengeti, swim on Zanzibar's beaches, and explore Malawi before getting to Victoria Falls. From there we enter Botswana and the Delta before finishing with Namibia and on to Cape Town. Dates: 16 June, 28 July.
VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN (22 DAYS) DESERTS & GAMEPARKS
If you have less time, then join us in Victoria Falls and focus on just Botswana and Namibia, with a few days in South Africa at the end. Enjoy time in the Delta, as well as Chobe and Etosha National Parks, the Namib Desert & Fish River Canyon in and finish with wine tasting in Stellenbosch. Dates: 9 August, 20 September.