Okavango Delta

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

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

The Okavango Delta attracts a huge number of herbivores in the Dry season, with plenty of predators following in their path. Wildlife viewing is superb, both in Moremi Game Reserve and in the many exclusive concessions that fan out across the Delta. The Delta is known for its big cats, an amazing array of antelope species, and large numbers of giraffe, elephant and buffalo. Both black and white rhino have been reintroduced into Moremi Game Reserve and the concessions run by &Beyond and Great Plains Conservation. Sightings of them are rare but increasing.

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

HippoAbundant

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

White RhinoRare

Black RhinoVery Rare

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

CheetahRare

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogOccasional

Wildlife Highlights

The Okavango has outstanding general wildlife, but Delta specials include the red lechwe, which can be seen wading through water in big herds, and the harder-to-find, semi-aquatic sitatunga. 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 offers different wildlife-viewing experiences depending on the season. The best time to see wildlife is during the dry months, from July to October, when there is an influx of animals gathering at the Delta. Higher water levels at this time also make mokoro trips possible. During the wet months, from November to April, birding is excellent. However, from January to March, many areas become inaccessible and some lodges close down.