No. The Okavango Delta is not flooded year-round. 

The annual flood arrives between May and July, when water from Angola’s highlands flows into Botswana, transforming the landscape into a network of waterways, lagoons, and islands.

The flood peaks around July to September, creating incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around the water. 

During the drier months, the channels begin to recede, but the Delta remains a spectacular safari destination with excellent game viewing throughout the year.

Botswana is considered one of Africa’s premier safari destinations because of its exclusive, low-impact approach to tourism. The country limits visitor numbers in many wilderness areas, which helps protect its pristine landscapes and incredible wildlife.

Many Botswana safaris take place in private concessions with small, intimate camps, expert guides, and unique experiences such as walking safaris, mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions and off-road game drives. The remote locations also mean that logistics, supplies and transfers can be more complex and costly.

While Botswana safaris are an investment, the combination of untouched wilderness, exceptional wildlife viewing and exclusive experiences makes it one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations - so don't let the price put you off! Rather save a bit longer and experience it later (it's so worth it)!

The Okavango Delta has distinct seasons that create different safari experiences throughout the year. The annual flood arrives between May and July, transforming the Delta into a spectacular network of waterways and attracting abundant wildlife. The peak flood period is usually from July to September.

The dry season (May to October) is considered excellent for game viewing, as animals gather around permanent water sources. The green season (November to April) brings rain, lush landscapes, newborn animals and excellent birding opportunities. 

If you are into photography this is when we’d recommend you go because of the vibrancy of the colours and dramatic landscapes with afternoon thunderstorms and juxtapositioning of greenery against dark grey skies. Read this blog for more inspiration on photographic safaris. 

Yes! Oh so much more! 

Head north to Chobe National Park, home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants on Earth, where unforgettable boat safaris along the Chobe River offer a completely different perspective on wildlife. Journey south to the Makgadikgadi Pans, where vast salt flats create some of Africa's most dramatic landscapes. Depending on the season, you can witness zebra migrations, spend time with habituated meerkats or sleep beneath some of the clearest night skies imaginable.

For a deeper cultural experience, venture into the Kalahari Desert, where you can learn from the San (Bushmen), one of the world's oldest cultures, and gain fascinating insights into their traditional way of life and remarkable survival skills.

Just outside Maun, you'll also find Elephant Havens, Africa's first elephant orphanage dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of orphaned elephants back into the wild - we're proud to be one of their partners in conservation.

You can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wild dogs, cheetahs and a variety of antelope species. The Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and other wilderness areas are also home to incredible birdlife, reptiles and unique species adapted to Botswana’s diverse landscapes. There are obviously, so many more animals to see, but we've listed the most "popular" ones above.