Days 2 - 5: Okavango Delta

The Okavango in northwest Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world, nearly the size of New Jersey. Surrounding this oasis is the Kalahari Desert, which covers 70% of the country. The Moremi Game Reserve is the heart of the Delta and one of the most undiscovered game regions in Africa.

Papyrus-edged riverbanks and gleaming lagoons surround lush islands teeming with palm trees and wildlife. During the dry season, animals flock to the delta’s channels. Lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and the elusive African wild dog may be spotted here, and giraffe and an extraordinary array of exotic birds in the floodplains, while crocodile and hippo live in the deeper lagoons. This region protects the largest concentration of African elephant and buffalo on the continent.

I recommend four nights in the Delta, which gives three full days of game viewing. Break it up by staying in two different lodges, each with its own charms. If pressed for time, your stay can be cut by a day, but you need at least three nights to fully enjoy this magical region.

Getting There

Fly from Johannesburg to Maun, approx. 2 hours 20 minutes. Transfer via small charter flight to your lodge’s airstrip; most are 30-45 minutes away and there may be multiple stops

Where to Stay

There are a number of distinctive lodges in Botswana, which usually consist of private cottages or tents, a main lounge, pool and dining area, and range from extremely luxurious to basic yet comfortable.

• Jao Camp – Situated on a private, remote island dotted with palm trees, this deluxe lodge has only nine thatched-roof and canvas-sided chalets

• Chief’s Camp – Located on game-rich Chief’s Island, twelve handsomely -appointed tented pavilions overlook an immense lagoon

• Sandibe Safari Lodge – Slightly less expensive than Jao & Chief’s Camps, this lodge is positioned on a permanent delta channel and comprises eight intimate African-inspired cottages with viewing decks

A Day on Safari

• With a stay at any lodge, two game drives are normally included in the rate

• Typically you are woken up around 6 am with coffee, tea and cookies to get ready for your morning game drive

• Pile into your 4x4 vehicle (some have canvas tops, others are open) with your experienced guide and head to the channels (or vice-versa if you are staying on the water)

• A unique element to safari in the Delta is much of your game viewing is done by mokoro,or traditional dugout canoe (nowadays in comfortable and eco-friendly fiberglass) propelled gently through the maze of waterways by skilled polers

• Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax at the lodge’s pool or sit on your verandah reading or searching for animals (binoculars usually provided)

• Many lodges prepare bush breakfasts for a special treat

• Depart for the afternoon game drive around 4 pm when it is cooler

• End the drive with sundowners (gin & tonics are a favorite to keep the mosquitoes away) at a picturesque vista before heading back to the camp for a lavish dinner

• Night game drives are also offered at some lodges for an exceptional and different type of animal spotting

• Guided safari walks are also available at many lodges and offer a unique opportunity to learn of the flora and fauna of the region with a trained naturalist