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Okavango Delta

Best Time to Visit

180 Okavango Delta Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

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Excellent

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Fair

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A visit to the Okavango Delta is rewarding any time of the year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is from July to October. The wet months, from January to March, are less ideal because some areas become inaccessible. When traveling during that time, you should choose your location within the delta carefully. Due to the time it takes for the water to reach the delta, the flooding is highest in the dry months, which is ideal for mokoro (dugout canoe) trips.

Best Time July to October (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season July to October (High season rates may apply, small exclusive lodges never get busy)

Low Season November to June (Low season rates may apply)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)

Worst Weather October (It gets extremely hot)

April to October –Dry Season

Wildlife viewing is better as the Dry season progresses
Water levels are highest – good for mokoro trips
July to October are high season months, and lodges charge higher rates
September and October are very hot

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (20)

+18 Photos

November to March –Wet Season

A lot of wildlife remains in the heart of the delta, which has permanent water
There are plenty of baby animals, which attract predators
Best bird watching time as migrants are present
There is less wildlife in the delta
Water levels in the delta can drop too low for mokoro trips
It is very hot
Afternoon rainstorms can interfere with delta activities
Parts of the delta become inaccessible
Some lodges close from January to March