Okavango Delta Best Time To Visit
Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.
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.
April to October Dry Season
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Some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa
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Wildlife viewing gets better as the Dry season progresses
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Water levels are highest, making it a good time for mokoro trips
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Most areas of the Delta are rarely crowded, even in high season
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April, May and June are generally less crowded than later in the season
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July to October are high-season months and lodges charge higher rates
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September and October can be very hot
November to March Wet Season
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Many animals remain in the heart of the Delta, which has permanent water
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The high number of baby animals attracts predators
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This is the best time for bird watching as migrants species are present
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Wildlife disperses and is more difficult to see
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Water levels can drop too low for mokoro trips
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Daytime temperatures can be very hot
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Afternoon rainstorms can make parts of the Delta inaccessible
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Some lodges close sometime between January and March
Best Time To Go by Major Park
- Central Kalahari GR
- Chobe National Park
- Makgadikgadi Pans NP
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Nxai Pan National Park
- Okavango Delta