​Best Time To Visit – Okavango Delta

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

A visit to the Okavango Delta is rewarding at any time of year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry months from July to October. The ideal time for birding is during the wet months from November to April. Visiting in the period from January to March is more complicated because many areas become inaccessible and some lodges close after the heavy rains. Because it takes some time for the water to reach the Delta, the flooding is highest during the months of low rainfall, which is ideal for mokoro trips.


202 Okavango Delta Safaris
Best Time July to October (Best wildlife viewing)
High Season July to October (High-season rates may apply; small exclusive lodges never get busy)
Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply)
Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)
Worst Weather October (It gets extremely hot)

April to October –Dry Season

  • Some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa
  • Wildlife viewing gets better as the Dry season progresses
  • Water levels are highest, making it a good time for mokoro trips
  • Most areas of the Delta are rarely crowded, even in high season
  • April, May and June are generally less crowded than later in the season
  • July to October are high-season months and lodges charge higher rates
  • September and October can be very hot

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to March –Wet Season

  • Many animals remain in the heart of the Delta, which has permanent water
  • The high number of baby animals attracts predators
  • This is the best time for bird watching as migrants species are present
  • Wildlife disperses and is more difficult to see
  • Water levels can drop too low for mokoro trips
  • Daytime temperatures can be very hot
  • Afternoon rainstorms can make parts of the Delta inaccessible
  • Some lodges close sometime between January and March

Wildlife Photos
+23 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

Want To Visit Okavango Delta?

202 Okavango Delta Safaris