Okavango Tours & Trips
Ever wondered what makes the Okavango Delta so special? It’s that special network of waterways with amazing wildlife encounters. Quietly paddle traditional mokoro canoes or walk alongside elephants with guides who really know their stuff. Watch hippos at water level one minute, then elevated views next. There’s no place quite like it in Africa.
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Marilee • traveled in September, 2025
This trip takes you deep into Botswana with Chobe, Saudi and Okavango yielding many up close animal sightings. It does include 5 nights of rough camping and most transportation is in a 12 passenger open sided jeep so be prepared to get windswept and dusty. Our guide, Phenyu, was outstanding in that he was exceptionally knowledgeable about the wildlife and attentive to the needs of his group. The one unresolved issue we had was with Explore and their subcontracted company Wilderness Dawning. We were switched to a different houseboat the day before before we were to arrive there. The new houseboat was promised to be an upgrade but was actually, at best, a 2 star experience with some rooms not having proper bathrooms. The new boat added 2 additional hours to an already 11 hour trip to Victoria Falls in that open sided jeep. Under protest, the company picked up one dinner and provided a hot van for part of the drive and has promised compensation which has yet to materialize.
Botswana Wildlife Safari (Savuti) - D
Dayantha • traveled in August, 2024
We had a wonderful time on the 9 day Okawanda. Delta tour which was locally organized by Lochinivar tours. We had a wonderful and experience tour operator named Mark Hampande who took care of us until the tour ended. He is very knowledgeable in every aspect of the this tour and had a wonderful team under him. We were fortunate to have drivers and tour guides who were experienced in what ever they were assigned to do. The draw backs were, one incident a driver turned up over an hour late and we were deprived of seeing many animals as we planned on going early morning. Should have more vegetarian options and also there was no seafood available although it was in the menu. Finally I would like to thank Mark for being such a wonderful person, who looked after us so well an
8 Days - Okavango Delta Tour, Chobe National Park (Botswana) , Livingstone (Zambia) wildlife-focused safari - M
Michael • traveled in November, 2024
This was a brilliant trip!! Our tourguide Nonki was superb. Her driving was brilliant, her knowledge was great and she was very organised and made our trip a great success!! There was alot of travelling between some accommodation but it meant that we got to see an authentic view of Botswana and what it has to offer! All accommodation was great. Some accommodation was more basic than others but that was what made this holiday feel more like an adventure!! If there was anything that wasn't as desired everybody strived to make any improvements were necessary!!! Wildlife, scenery, food, accommodation and the tour guides and hotel personnell were all impressive. Highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants a little adventure to see the incredible Botswana. Kea leboga!
Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days
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Table of contents
- The best Okavango tour packages
- Travel Okavango your way
- Best tour companies for Okavango tours
- Best places to start your Okavango tour
- Discover Okavango tours for every budget
- Okavango tours for every type of group
- Top Okavango travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Okavango
- Okavango travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Okavango travel experts
- What our customers ask about Okavango Tours & Trips
The best Okavango tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaOkavango travel expert at TourRadar
Glide through Okavango's crystal channels from Shakawe aboard an exclusive 8-room houseboat. Spot hippos and crocodiles in remote panhandle waters. The sacred Tsodilo Hills' ancient rock art awaits while you rest in comfortable floating accommodation.
Duration 14 days Destinations Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai, Okavango Delta, Maun, Shakawe Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- US$5,050
8 Days - Okavango Delta Tour, Chobe National Park (Botswana) , Livingstone (Zambia) wildlife-focused safari
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The intricate waterways of Okavango await via mokoro excursions from Maun. Stay at Kazikini tented camp near Moremi Game Reserve for prime wildlife viewing. Immerse in traditional Botswana culture and diverse ecosystems before continuing to Kasane and Zambia.
Duration 8 days Destinations Maun, Okavango Delta, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Livingstone Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Lochinvar Safaris From $1,780
20% Off- US$1,424+$30 upfront costs+$120 local paymentsYou save $356
Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls - 12 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“There was alot of travelling between some accommodation but it meant that we got to see an authentic view of Botswana and what it has to offer!”
Michael, traveled in November
Mokoro excursions wind through Delta channels, while game walks on secluded islands offer close wildlife encounters in Moremi's private concession. Track elephants, crocodiles, and rare birds while staying at comfortable Delta lodges.
Duration 12 days Destinations Victoria Falls, Nata, Moremi Game Reserve, Maun, Okavango Delta, Kasane, Chobe National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator On The Go Tours From $4,935
10% Off- US$4,442+$300 local paymentsYou save $494
7 Days Of Safari in Chobe ,Vic Falls & Okavango Delta
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Saw a lot wildlife and had good tour guides very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Nomsa, traveled in March
Traditional mokoro excursions and bush walks showcase Okavango's unique ecosystem. Water and land safaris combine for comprehensive wildlife viewing, while comfortable lodges serve as perfect bases for animal encounters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Maun Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Little Roz Tours From
10% Off- US$2,900+$200 local payments
Local Tswana 'polers' guide traditional mokoro canoes through the Okavango Delta's maze-like channels. Walk among giant lily pads, spot prolific birdlife, and camp on delta islands. This UNESCO World Heritage site reveals its secrets through guided nature walks and wildlife encounters.
Duration 12 days Destinations South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From $4,260
10% Off- US$3,834+$770 local paymentsYou save $426
Float through Okavango's pristine waterways by traditional mokoro canoe, viewing wildlife from water level. Full-day Delta adventures with local polers pair with scenic helicopter flights over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Cresta Maun Lodge provides comfortable accommodation.
Duration 10 days Destinations Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Local Safaris From
10% Off- US$3,000
Essential Botswana
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Doc knew stories that only someone with a native sense would have. Doc smiled every day and damaged controlled issues.”
Julie, traveled in March
Traditional mokoro canoes weave through the Okavango's maze of waterways. Elephants, lechwe, and warthogs appear while gliding through papyrus reeds. The adventure includes camping at Guma Lagoon, optional scenic helicopter flights from USD250, expert polers, and wilderness camping.
Duration 9 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$1,385
Botswana Highlights (including Caprivi Game Park)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The locations were great, the accommodations were fantastic, particularly Jumbo Junction.”
Catherine, traveled in April
UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta reveals its secrets as you float through papyrus-lined channels in traditional mokoros. Guma Lagoon lodge provides comfortable accommodation, while guided nature walks on remote islands offer close encounters with elephants, antelope, and warthogs. Aerial views await through optional scenic flights.
Duration 9 days Destinations Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$3,295
Duration 64 days Destinations South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $13,530
10% Off- US$12,177You save $1,353
7-Day Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Savuti
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very nice lodge and very nice safari. Thanks again for the hot water bottles in the beds during the cold nights!”
Sebastian, traveled in July
Traditional mokoro rides traverse Okavango's pristine waterways, while Khwai's 200,000-hectare wilderness and Boteti River camps provide varied perspectives from water, land, and air.
Duration 7 days Destinations Maun, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti National Park Age Range Ages 13+ Operator The Mzansi Experience From
10% Off- US$2,794
Travel Okavango your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Okavango tours
Looking at feedback from our safari travelers, Across Africa Tours and Travel and Sunway Safaris consistently deliver quality experiences. Their guides know their stuff about local wildlife and ecosystems, and the itineraries are thoughtfully mapped out to maximize animal sightings, cultural visits and travel time. Lochinvar Safaris has been more of a mixed bag lately. While some travelers had great wildlife experiences, others ran into problems with last-minute schedule changes that weren't properly communicated. A few customers told us they ended up in different lodges than what was originally booked, and getting refunds for these changes proved difficult. What works well with both Across Africa and Sunway is how their guides adapt to conditions on the ground - if they hear about a lion pride or elephant herd nearby, they'll adjust the route while keeping the overall schedule intact. They're also upfront about any needed changes and quick to communicate options. I should note that even with the issues at Lochinvar, all three companies maintain good safety records and employ experienced guides who know the terrain, wildlife patterns and local customs. The key difference seems to be in how they handle the logistics, communications and customer service when plans need to change.
Best places to start your Okavango tour
Maun is where most people kick off their delta experience, with 52 of our recent tours starting from this perfect jumping-off point. Victoria Falls sees about 14 tour departures, Johannesburg handles 10, while Cape Town and also Livingstone each serve as the starting point for 4 tours. Here's something crucial to know - our booking patterns show you'll want to lock things in about 61 days ahead. The really good camps and guides get snapped up fast, especially when peak wildlife viewing season rolls around. To really get the full delta experience, you'll need 3-4 days minimum to try both water and land activities, though plenty of our guests stay up to a week to properly sink into the delta's rhythm. You've got options from eco-lodges to luxury spots, each offering their own take on wild comfort.
Discover Okavango tours for every budget
Okavango tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Okavango travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers83 tours- Couples68 tours
- Seniors (50+)32 tours
Best time to visit Okavango
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter safari tours really come into their own from June through August, when rising floodwaters bring wildlife in impressive numbers to the Okavango. Our most popular option runs for 12 days and takes you from the delta through to Chobe and also Victoria Falls. You'll stay in permanent tents that offer proper beds and private bathrooms - quite welcome during those cool winter nights. The vehicles are specially fitted for game viewing, though you'll want to pack layers for morning drives when temperatures drop. Our guides know exactly how to maximize wildlife encounters, from early morning walks tracking cape buffalo to afternoon boat rides watching elephants gather by the water. The winter air is exceptionally clear for photos, and the calmer conditions make for smooth mokoro trips through the waterways.
- 69 tours
- popular 78 tours
- 66 tours
- Spring 2026
The Okavango spring safaris range from 7 to 12 days, connecting you with seasonal wildlife transitions across key zones. Our boat cruises catch rising water levels in the delta, where breeding birds gather in impressive numbers, while guides time game drives perfectly around seasonal patterns and temperatures. Travelers connect deeply with the landscape through mokoro trips in the channels, walking safaris with Bayei guides and peaceful moments learning about medicinal plants coming into bloom. Our 12-day Victoria Falls and Chobe routes shine in spring, with guide Nonki spotting elusive wild dogs that become active in cooler weather. The focused 7-day delta circuits blend time at Makgadikgadi salt flats, sunrise meerkat tracking and quiet Zambezi river cruises away from busy sections. Mobile camping puts you close to the wildlife action - our guests often share stories of elephants drinking near their tents as seasonal waters draw animals toward camp areas.
- 87 tours
- popular 91 tours
- 90 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer in the delta brings afternoon storms that create remarkable backdrops for photography. Most travelers opt for our 8-9 day tours, which hit the sweet spot between delta exploration and other key sites. Starting from Maun, you'll head deep into the delta where mobile camps put you right in the middle of the action. Our customers often mention how special it feels waking up to hippos splashing as they head back to water. The guides really know their stuff when it comes to summer conditions - they'll time game drives around the weather and find shaded spots for watching wildlife during the heat of the day. Having both water and land activities proves particularly valuable, from mokoro safaris to walking with local trackers who know every animal sign.
- 92 tours
- popular 93 tours
- 93 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn tours capture the delta during an interesting transition. Our 10-14 day journeys let you watch the landscape shift as water levels drop. These longer trips take in Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and also surrounding regions, where predator viewing gets especially good as animals cluster around remaining water holes. The camps strike a nice balance - you get proper beds and hot showers but stay close enough to hear elephants wandering past at night. Our guides consistently get high marks from travelers for their tracking abilities this season, particularly finding wild dogs and leopards as they become more active in cooler weather. It's an excellent time for birding too, with breeding season in full swing and migrant species arriving.
- popular 90 tours
- 89 tours
- 80 tours
Okavango travel guides - curated by our experts
All You Need to Know About Okavango Delta: Facts & Information
Okavango Delta is one of the greatest natural wonders. Learn more about the river, when is the best time to visit and what attractions are waiting for you.
Okavango Delta Location: How to Get There
Find out the easiest way to reach the Okavango Delta from Maun, Gaborone, Johannesburg or Cape Town via plane and car.
Okavango Delta Wildlife: What Animals Live in Okavango Delta
The rich wildlife of the Okavango Delta includes elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos and over 400 species of birds. Learn when is the best time to see them!
Contact our Okavango travel experts
Claire
Expert in Okavango at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Okavango Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Okavango tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Okavango Tours & Trips
What's So Special About the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango's actually pretty incredible - imagine a massive 16000 square kilometer wetland maze right in the middle of Botswana where this river just spreads out across the Kalahari Desert. It's got UNESCO World Heritage status and it really comes alive between June and August when the flooding peaks creating this amazing network of channels islands and floodplains. You'll find over 500 different birds 150 types of mammals including these fascinating Kalahari elephants with shorter tusks and 70 different fish species. The geography's really interesting too creating different zones from the deep-water channels around Panhandle to seasonal floodplains in Moremi Game Reserve.
What's the Best Way to Get Around and Experience the Delta?
There are some really cool ways to explore actually. The traditional mokoro trips are amazing - local Bayei guides pole you through narrow channels getting you super close to wildlife and sharing their cultural knowledge. If you want to see predators the 4x4 game drives in Moremi Game Reserve are your best bet and they're great for spotting rare sitatunga antelope too. Walking safaris with armed guides around Chief's Island and Khwai are incredible for tracking while helicopter flights give you this mind-blowing view of how the whole Delta fans out. Boat safaris near the Panhandle are perfect for birding especially around Gadikwe Heronry. Timing matters though - do mokoro trips early morning for birds game drives at dawn or dusk for predators and boat safaris at sunset to catch elephant herds.
When's the Best Time to Visit for Different Activities?
The water levels really influence what you can do and when. June to August's great for water activities especially around Xakanaxa and Khwai - the flood comes in waves from Angola hitting Panhandle in March and reaching the southern Delta by June. September through November's fantastic for game viewing because the waters pulling back concentrates wildlife around the permanent channels and lagoons particularly in Moremi's Xakanaxa area. December to March brings these dramatic afternoon storms and loads of birds with over 350 species including the rare Pel's fishing owl. April and May's kind of in-between good for both water and land activities around the permanent lodges.
What's Different About Staying in a Luxury Lodge Versus Mobile Camping?
The luxury lodges like Mombo Camp and Vumbura Plains give you all the comforts - air-conditioned suites amazing food and exclusive access to prime wildlife spots. You get nice extras like plunge pools and spas with professional guides dedicated to each camp. Mobile camping in places like Moremi and Savuti's more of a raw wilderness experience with dome tents or traditional Meru-style setups. These camps move with the wildlife which means you get to explore different areas and actually cover more ground. While lodges definitely win on luxury mobile safaris give you this incredible changing landscape experience and deeper connection with the wilderness though you'll need to be okay with basic facilities and weather changes.
How Do Private Concessions Compare to Public Areas for Safari Experiences?
Private areas like Kwara and Abu give you some real advantages - you can do night drives track predators off-road and you won't find crowds of vehicles. The public Moremi Game Reserve's more accessible and budget-friendly but has stricter rules about vehicle numbers and when you can operate. Private concessions control visitor numbers which means more intimate wildlife encounters especially in places like Duba Plains where you can watch these amazing lion-buffalo interactions. Public areas still offer great game viewing particularly around Third Bridge and Xakanaxa but you'll see more vehicles in peak season. The private areas often throw in special experiences like walking safaris and sleep-outs while public reserves stick to traditional game drives and boat trips.