Question 1

How much does it cost to visit the Okavango Delta?

Accepted Answer

There's no single entrance ticket — Moremi Game Reserve charges BWP 270 per international visitor per day (BWP 205 for SADC residents) under the 2025 Category A schedule, plus roughly BWP 60/day for camping. At the top end, luxury fly-in camps reach $3,000+ per person per night in peak season, though mid-range lodges start around $525 pp/night in low season. A mokoro day trip from Maun is the cheapest taste of the water, at US$150–260 per person.

Question 2

When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?

Accepted Answer

June to October is the dry season with the best game viewing, as animals concentrate around permanent water. The Angolan floodwater arrives May to August and peaks in July, when mokoro, motorboat and game-drive activities are all running. May is the value pick before peak rates kick in; avoid January to March, when heavy rains close roads and some lodges shut entirely.

Question 3

How do I get to the Okavango Delta?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Maun Airport (MUB): Airlink and CemAir connect from Johannesburg in about 1h30–2h, Air Botswana flies from Gaborone (~1h20), and Ethiopian Airlines is the only long-haul carrier into Maun. From Maun, nearly all delta camps are reached by 10–45-minute light-aircraft hops costing US$220–260 per person one-way. Self-drivers take the road to Moremi's South Gate, 92–100 km and 2–3.5 hours away, in a proper high-clearance 4WD.

Question 4

How many days do you need in the Okavango Delta?

Accepted Answer

Three nights is the accepted minimum, but 5–7 nights is what the delta really deserves if you want both water camps and Moremi/Khwai. First-timers typically spend 3–4 days inside the delta as part of a longer Botswana circuit. A single mokoro or boat excursion averages about 3 hours, running 2–4 hours in practice.

Question 5

What should I pack for an Okavango Delta safari?

Accepted Answer

Stick to the 20 kg (44 lb) soft-bag limit for light-aircraft transfers, in neutral khaki and olive tones — bright colours disturb animals, and camouflage is illegal for civilians in Botswana. Bring warm layers for open-vehicle winter mornings in June and July, plus long sleeves and trousers for mosquitoes. Skip the drone: flying over parks and reserves is prohibited outright, and drones have been confiscated at Botswana airports.

Question 6

Is the Okavango Delta safe from malaria?

Accepted Answer

No — the delta is classified as a higher-risk malaria area, especially in the north and during the November–April rains. Take prophylaxis year-round, use DEET repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk, and drink bottled water rather than tap water.

Question 7

Can kids and older travelers do an Okavango safari?

Accepted Answer

Most camps accept children from 6 or 7 years old and have two-bedroom family tents, though families with under-12s usually must book a private vehicle at extra cost, and walking safaris require age 16+. Older travelers generally do fine: light-aircraft hops of 10–45 minutes replace long drives, and game drives involve no walking. Wheelchair infrastructure is very limited — contact specific camps well in advance to arrange private vehicles and ground assistance.

Question 8

How far in advance should I book the Okavango Delta?

Accepted Answer

Book every night before you travel — delta lodges fill up a year ahead for June–October, and Moremi campsites can't be booked at the gate; entry is by valid permits and confirmed bookings only. Pay fees at the DWNP office in Maun (behind the police station) or at the gates and keep every receipt, since they're checked at each gate. The most sought-after campsites are Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, South Gate and Khwai.

Okavango Delta Guides

Okavango Delta Accommodation: How to Choose Where to Stay

Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta: Seasons, Months and the Flood Explained

Okavango Delta Safari: The Complete Planning Guide

Okavango Delta Wildlife: What to See, and Where and When to See It

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