Okavango Delta: 5 things to do beyond game drives
Located in the North-West of Botswana, Okavango Delta is a not-to-be-missed destination. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an enchanting oasis, covering a terrain of over 15,000km², dotted with lush wilderness, swamps, permanent marshlands, and seasonal floodplains. Besides, there are hundreds of tiny islands surrounded by a network of water channels. Wondering what to experience in Okavango Delta for an authentic experience? This blog is exactly for you!
The Okavango Delta from above
Take a traditional mokoro ride in Okavango Delta
One of the best ways to experience the delta is on a traditional mokoro. These dugout canoes, about 20 feet long, are shaped like a thin blade, ideal for navigating through the delta’s narrow, reed-lined waterways. There are typically two adult passengers per mokoro, steered by a single “poler,” an experienced guide who stands at the back of the canoe and propels it with a long wooden pole called a “ngashe”.
Tourists enjoy a traditional mokoro ride in Okavango Delta
You will be amazed at how silently the mokoro glides through the water. This quietness allows you to fully immerse in the rich symphony of sounds in the wetlands as you move through the channels, lagoons, and palm-fringed islands: the trilling and warbling of countless birds, the croaking of tiny reed frogs, the buzzing of insects, the bubbling of half-submerged hippos, and the splash of crocodiles slipping from the banks into the water. In the distance, you might hear the roaring of elephants coming to wallow or drink, or the haunting calls of African wild dogs or hyenas.
Enjoy thrilling game drives
Every game drive in Okavango Delta is an adventure, taking you closer to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Keep an eye out for the area’s predators, from pride of lions to cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs. Explore the open woodlands for roan and sable antelopes, elegant giraffes, and lively zebras on the floodplains. At the edges of the Delta, you will be amazed by herds of elephants as they gently wade through the shallow channels.
Explore a world of water and wildlife on an Okavango Delta game drive
Afternoon and evening game drives offer the chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife. Spot the seldom-seen serval and pangolin, or witness the moonlight glinting off the backs of a hippo family as they emerge from the water to graze, turning them into gleaming silver silhouettes.
>>> Read more: Game drives in Africa: 10 things you need to know
Venture through Okavango Delta on a motorized boat
Motorboat excursions are undoubtedly the easiest and most efficient way to explore the swamps and channels of the Okavango Delta. These boat excursions often focus on observing the Delta’s rich and diverse birdlife. However, this doesn’t mean that other wildlife isn’t also a highlight. The waterways are home to numerous large bull elephants and rarer species.
Boasting impressive fish populations, including tigerfish, tilapia, and various catfish species, the Delta is also an excellent spot for fishing trips. All fishing here is on a catch-and-release basis, ensuring the ongoing conservation of the area.
Motorboat excursions in Okavango Delta
Soaring through the air in a helicopter
Helicopter flight is often available in most camps in Okavango Delta, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the area from the air for 30, 45, or 60 minutes. The doors are removed to ensure unobstructed views for photography and video.
Experience a doors-off helicopter flight over the delta
Feast your eyes on the intricate network of crystal-clear water channels when you fly through scenic lagoons. The flight takes you deep into lush green floodplains, where wildlife thrives in this pristine wilderness. Flying over some of the most remote and uninhabited parts of the Okavango Delta offers a unique opportunity to appreciate its untouched natural beauty from above.
Scenic helicopter flights over the delta’s patchwork landscape of islands, plains and lagoons
>>> View more: 45-minute flight over the Okavango Delta
Join a guided bush walk in Okavango Delta
For those seeking a fresh and thrilling experience, walking safaris is an ideal choice. Follow the footsteps of the wildlife, breathe in the scent of crushed wild grasses, and feel your senses come alive. You should definitely go with a seasoned guide. Experience the art of tracking, where every bent blade of grass and mark in the soil is an important sign.
While game drives usually focus on spotting big five or large animals, a walking safari offers a broader perspective. On a bush walk, you’ll gain deeper insights into animal tracks and signs, burrows, nests, and local flora. This fascinating activity is sure to soothe all your senses and leave nothing but a thrilling remembrance.
Tourists join a guided bush walk in the area
In short, the Okavango Delta has more than just game drives! If you are planning a trip to Botswana, don’t forget to include the Delta in your itinerary and experience as many activities as possible in this wonderful part of the African continent.
See our tours to the Okavango Delta:
