Okavango Delta

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

The Okavango Delta attracts a huge number of herbivores in the Dry season, which attracts the carnivores as well. Wildlife viewing is superb, especially in Moremi Game Reserve. Four of the Big Five are easily seen. Both black and white rhino have been reintroduced, but sightings are still rare. Elephant and buffalo are often spotted on land and from the water.

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

HippoAbundant

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

White RhinoRare

Black RhinoRare

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

CheetahRare

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogOccasional

Wildlife Highlights

The Okavango has good general wildlife, but the most common swamp-adapted animal is the rare red lechwe that can be seen wading through water in big herds. The semi-aquatic sitatunga is harder to find. Other unusual antelope include tsessebe, sable and roan. The Okavango is a prime area for wild dog, which are most easily observed while denning.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Okavango Delta has seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit is in the dry months, from July to October, as there is an influx of animals gathering at the Delta. During the wet months, from January to March, many areas become inaccessible, and some lodges close down.