Plizio Visual Lab

Okavango Delta

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana is one of the world's largest and most famous inland deltas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. It is formed where the Okavango River, originating in the Angolan highlands, flows into the flat Kalahari basin and dissipates into a labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and islands instead of reaching the sea. Each year during winter (May to August), the floodwaters from Angola reach the delta, transforming the parched landscape into a thriving wetland of up to 15,000 square kilometers. This unique ecosystem sustains an immense concentration of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and the rare African wild dogs. Vegetation primarily consists of papyrus reed, reeds, and water lilies, while the islands are dotted with fan palms and large trees like the sausage tree. Traditionally, local inhabitants have used the area for fishing and transport via mokoro, a dugout canoe that has become a symbol of sustainable tourism in the delta. Geologically, the delta is an active tectonic basin created by the southern extension of the Great African Rift Valley.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Eastern Pan · Tully Tully Bridge · Little Mombo Rutanda

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	26	26	24	21	18	17	21	25	29	29	28
Rain mm	131	102	77	25	2	3	0	0	2	13	48	108

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reachable primarily by light aircraft from Maun, flying directly into remote lodge airstrips or by organizing guided mokoro trips from nearby entry gates.

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Best season

The best time to visit is during the dry winter months from June to October, when wildlife congregates around the shrinking water channels and floodplains.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape alternates between permanent swamps, seasonal floodplains, and small grassy islands, requiring boat-based navigation rather than walking.

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What to bring

Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, strong sun protection, insect repellent, and good binoculars to observe wildlife from a safe distance on the water.

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Parking

There is no direct vehicle access to the inner delta; vehicles are usually left at secure facilities in Maun while visitors continue their journey by air or boat.

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Safety

Always travel with experienced guides who understand the shifting water levels and the behavior of resident wildlife like hippos and crocodiles.

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Time needed

A typical visit lasts between three and five days, allowing enough time to explore different habitats and experience both water and land-based activities.

Geography

Coordinates

-19.30000, 22.80000

Facts

The Okavango Delta was inscribed as the 1,000th site on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
The Okavango River travels a distance of about 1,600 kilometers before ending in the delta.
The annual flood from Angola takes about six months to travel through the entire delta.
Approximately 95% of the water flowing into the delta evaporates or transpires through plants.
There are estimated to be 150,000 islands in the delta, with Chief's Island being the largest.
The area hosts one of the world's largest populations of the endangered African wild dog.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Okavango Wetlands23 km · NEExplore →

Xudum Delta23 km · SWExplore →

Okavango Delta30 km · EExplore →

Moremi Game Reserve79 km · NExplore →

Goma Sand Ridge84 km · SWExplore →

Maun Education Center97 km · NWExplore →

Maun Logistics Hub98 km · NWExplore →

Selinda Spillway106 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Okavango Delta (5)

Eastern Pan📍 landmark

Eastern Pan is a dried seasonal depression in the Okavango Delta, attracting diverse wildlife when filled with rainwater.

Tully Tully Bridge📍 landmark

The Tully Tully Bridge provides an essential rustic crossing over the shifting floodwaters of the Okavango Delta.

Little Mombo Rutanda📍 landmark

Little Mombo Rutanda is a remote wildlife attraction situated deep within the lush floodplains of the Okavango Delta.

two Baobab Trees🌿 nature

These two massive, ancient baobab trees serve as a striking natural landmark overlooking the flat expanses of the delta.

Okavango Delta🌿 nature

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Okavango Delta is an immense inland river system that floods a vast savanna rather than flowing into the ocean.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does the Okavango Delta flow into the sea?

No, it evaporates in the Kalahari Basin and never reaches the ocean.

When is the best time to visit the delta?

June to August, when the floodwaters from Angola arrive.

Can you book scenic flights over the delta?

Yes, light aircraft take off from Maun for spectacular views.

How deep is the water in the delta?

Mostly very shallow, often less than 2 meters, which is good for mokoros.

Is the Okavango Delta a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, it was inscribed in 2014 as the 1000th site on the list.

Okavango Delta: where is it located?

Okavango Delta is located in Botswana.

Okavango Delta: what is there to see?

Highlights include Eastern Pan, Tully Tully Bridge, Little Mombo Rutanda.

Okavango Delta: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

Okavango Delta: why is it worth visiting?

The Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana is one of the world's largest and most famous inland deltas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →