Okavango Delta - The oasis of the Kalahari

Welcome to one of Africa’s most extraordinary places. There is something elemental about the Unesco World Heritage–listed Okavango Delta: the rising and falling of its waters; the daily drama of its wildlife encounters; its soundtrack of lion roars, saw-throated leopard barks and the crazy whoop of a running hyena; and the mysteries concealed by its papyrus reeds swaying gently in the evening breeze.

Viewed from above on a flight from Maun, the Okavango is a watery paradise of islands and oxbow waterways. At ground level, the silhouettes of dead trees in the dry season give the delta a hint of the apocalypse.

The stirring counterpoint to Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, the Okavango is one of the world’s largest inland deltas. The up-to-18,000-sq-km expansion and expiration of the Okavango River means that this mother of waters sustains vast quantities of wildlife that shift with the seasons.

Our preferred safari lodges

Collection of properties in Okavango Delta

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

In the heart of the Delta, on the edge of a waterway, you’ll find Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. Situated on a diverse, wildlife-rich, private concession, Sandibe has exclusive traversing rights over a vast 22 500 hectares (55 600 acres) of wildlife land bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.

Jao Camp

Jao Camp

In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast, floodplains with prolific wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019) comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas and five twins all with private plunge pools.

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

This award-winning camp comprises of 10 bush pavilions and luxury suite are some of the largest in the area (141 – 620 m2) and each feature a private dining area, a tranquil seating area and a terrace pool – all perfect for absorbing the surrounding plains and majestic African skies.

Mombo Camp

Mombo Camp

The eight spacious tents afford sweeping views over a floodplain teeming with wildlife. The sitting room, separate bedroom and bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and bathtub with copper and brass fittings all contribute to Wilderness Safaris’ ideal of responsible luxury.

Nxabega Tented Camp

Nxabega Tented Camp

The camp is known for its elegant tented accommodation, which boasts breathtaking views of both mature mopane woodlands and seasonally flooded grasslands. You have the priceless opportunity to discover the myriad wildlife wonders of this diverse land-water Okavango location.

Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Lagoon is widely recognised as the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta, which itself is Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring oasis. Xugana Island Lodge is situated on a private concession and takes full advantage of this magnificent site.

Vumbura Plains Camp

Vumbura Plains Camp

Luxurious Vumbura Plains lies in an area that is a mix of water and dry land. The wildlife is diverse, so that both land and water activities on vehicles, mokoro and boats deliver an all-round African safari experience. The lodge consists of a total of 14 raised spacious and luxurious rooms.

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp offers 5 bespoke tents designed to blend into the landscape and evoke the classic African safari style of the 1920’s. All the rooms are raised on recycled railway-sleeper decking and with stunning views of the surrounding floodplain. Each tent has a lounge area.

Abu Camp

Abu Camp

See the African bush and its wildlife through the eyes of elephants as you immerse yourself in the mesmerising world of these gentle pachyderms. You will likely form an emotional bond with the famous Abu Herd and gain a deeper understanding of elephant conservation.