This is the first of my Top Ten African safari destinations, in no particular order, but the Delta is just so different to anywhere else!
Where: Located in northern Botswana, accessed fron the town of Maun.
Why: Stunning scenery: rivers, lilly covered lagoons, termite mound ‘islands’, fantastic birdlife, good numbers of wildlife including predators and many elephant and giraffe and a great range of activities. Small, high quality camps and particularly concession areas can give a very pristine, exclusive safari experience.
When: The Delta lets water through its reedbed channels very slowly, so the high water is almost at the height of the dry season. This anomoly means that the game viewing is at its best in the dry season from July to October so this is peak season and peak prices in Botswana. Access for mokoros, the local dug-out canoes, is better before the water level starts to drop usually in September. Birding is particularly good in the northern winter, December to March, when the migrants are present and the air is clear making for great photographic light. Some rain should be expected at this time of the year but this is offset by some great off-peak deals at some excellent camps.
Where: Visiting any area around Maun or in some of the more crowded areas of Moremi Game Reserve can be busier particularly during the peak season in July and August, but anywhere more remote and certainly in one of the larger concession areas, you can expect great game viewing and a genuine safari experience. The larger islands and land areas on the edge of the Delta are home to more large wildlife than the permanent water, and Moremi Game Reserve is one of the top predator and elephant viewing destinations on the continent.
How long: You need at least a three night stay to get a feel for the Delta and preferably spend 2 to 3 nights in a water-based camp and 3 nights in a more land-based camp.
What to do: Game drives, including night drives if in a concession area, guided walking safaris, boat trips from some camps and you should spend at least some time in the local dug-out canoe – the mokoro, to get a real feel of the Delta experience. Mokoro expeditions with camp outs on islands are possible for the more adventurous.
For more information on the Okavango and Botswana’s other safari destinations visit: www.journeyintoafrica.com Or contact us on : info@journeyintoafrica.com
Next on the Top Ten – Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater!
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