Okavango Delta Safari
Okavango Delta Safari – It is a recognized World Heritage Site with a remarkable biodiversity ranging from beaches, lagoons, lush grasslands of the savannah and river canals, rendering it one of Africa’s riches desert sanctuaries, with large amounts of animals due to availability of the savannah grass lands that is a home to different animals. The Delta has some of the finest safari camps in Africa with the best sites for animal viewing. It is protected by the Moremi Game Reserve and other grants to private wildlife. The game reserve, is a host to a wide range of animal species such as the Buffalos, Elephants and hippos. The Delta river, offers the best spot for animal viewing where you have an opportunity to view some of the water animals like hippos, buffalos, crocodiles and different bird species varying from the common species to rare ones that have not been seen in any other place. visit the Okavango delta while on a Botswana safari.
When to Visit the Okavango Delta
Planning to visit the Okavango Delta, although it can be visited all year round, knowing the nature of the Delta, the climate changes during the season seasons, and the activities offered at the Delta, will help you plan accordingly so that you will have the best of your safari experience in Okavango Delta.
The dry season starts from September to October this is the best time for animal viewing reason being that the animals due to the shortage of water, tend to converge in places that only have water in the park therefore, it makes it one of the easiest spotting destination for the travelers to view the animals during the game drives.
The short-wet season is from June to August which is the perfect time to do water activities like canoeing, boat safaris where you will an opportunity to some of the water loving animals. The longer rainy season if from November all through to April, this is also the best time for animal viewing since the park is filled with the green vegetation where by the animal movement is limited due to the fact that they can find food within the forest. This is also the best time for bird watching safaris, Okavango is rich in bird life and the wet season is the best time for bird lovers to visit the park since high concentration of birds in the park some of which even are migratory birds.
Things to do /activities in Okavango Delta
Game drives
Okavango is a home to wide animal species roaming in its savannah grassland, the delta has provided some of the most excellent African safari activities such as game drives where you will be driven in the vehicle as you explore the parks beauty and viewing of the different species of animals. You can also do game viewing through the horse ride, or ride on an elephant’s back as you discover the richness of Okavango Delta. In this area there are thousands of mammals and many bird species seen around the Delta river, and also, it’s a host to number of predator animals seen hiding on the thick grassland as the wait to catch the prey. But it should be noted that there are different camps available in the region, depending on different factors; the season and the camp’s location. In dry and wet seasons some people enjoyed those trips and everyone’s experience matters. There are also evening game drives offered to the visitors, this is the best time to catch some of the predator’s animals as they roam about to catch the young animals for food, the common animals seen include the lions, leopard, Aardwolves, Servals, and Aardvarks.
Elephant safaris
In the Okavango Delta, elephant safaris were launched. Over the years, these safaris have come to a standstill reason being that the animal welfare issues have emerged over the few years. The majority of lodges today give elephant schooling and offer visitors interactions with the animals. The experience, is much rewarding since visitors get an opportunity to learn about elephants, communicate with them and feed them during the activity in the Delta region.
Mokoro Excursions
The Mokoro drives are not to be skipped in the Okavango. Boat trips along the tidal lagoons and canals of the Delta is one of the fascinating activities for the visitors visiting the Delta. The boats are traditionally produced and locally referred to as Mokoros, handmade from large delta trees. One of the easiest ways to view the game is to go on a Mokoro ride reason being that they are small vessels, and not motorized therefore, they do not produce sound that may scare the animal away. These boats, travel silently on channels and will enable you to view the different water animals like hippos, buffalos, crocodiles in its waters. During the boat trip, you will also sight some of the animals coming to the Delta river to drink water and to grass around the water body also other birds’ species around the shores of the lake.
Horseback safaris
Horseback safaris, are also offered in Okavango, for the visitors interesting in taking horse ride safaris, this serves as one of the perfect activities to explore the areas around Okavango where it can not be reached during the game drives. The activity is arranged at the Macatoo Camp, you will be assigned a guide who has an experience in horseback riding so you are assured of safety and the best experience as you explore the different animal species around the park such as giraffes, Zebras, elephants buffalos among others.
During the horseback ride safari, you will follow the instructions of the guide so that you are assured of the safety from the predators as much as the animals seen around are less threatened, but its nit guarantee that there are no predators around therefore, you keep keen and follow the trails the guide will instruct you all through the activity.
Boat cruise safaris
When you visit the Okavango delta. You have an opportunity to take part in boat cruise safari on the waters, the boat safari, will expose you to a wide range of attractions. And also, you will get to view Okavango from all the angles and every attraction around the land scape. You will also view water animals, you can also use the boat to cross from one camp to another incase you may not want to use the vehicle, the guide will then meet you at the camp.
Guided Walks
The guided nature walks around the Okavango is one of the unbelievable ways of seeing wonderful countryside and various islands. You will be led by well-experienced tour guide and an armed ranger to keep your security. the guide will direct you through the trails as you explore the depth of the park. Such walks usually start before the hot weather, you will rise up early morning for the start of the activity, this is also the best time to catch the early rises as they retrieve from their previous hunt, you will also sight other animals like the forest elephants, buffalos, zebras among others and different bird species.
Boat cruise safaris
When you visit the Okavango delta. You have an opportunity to take part in boat cruise safari on the waters, the boat safari, will expose you to a wide range of attractions. And also, you will get to view Okavango from all the angles and every attraction around the land scape. You will also view water animals, you can also use the boat to cross from one camp to another incase you may not want to use the vehicle, the guide will then meet you at the camp.
Helicopter Flights
After taking the game drives on land, the visitors can still opt for the helicopter flights where you will have clear views of the several water ways and islands with abundant wildlife seen below you. This sis one of the best game viewing safaris while you are on air. The helicopter flights can be organized by the lodge; therefore, you need to book early so that the activity is secured for you to avoid missing out on any of the safaris of your interest.
Fishing activities
Fishing is one of the best sporting activities for the visitors visiting the Okavango Delta, though not all the camps practice the activity, but some still do therefore, you can visit the Okavango and take part in the fishing activity on the Delta river, some of the fish caught here include; Tilapia, tiger fish. Fishing is an interesting sports activity for the visitors who have interest in taking part in.
Some of the essentials required for the Okavango Delta Safari
In order to experience the best out your safari in Okavango Delta, you will need to know the right items required for your safari trip in Africa. Below are some of the proper equipment required for the Okavango Delta safaris.
Safari jeans or trousers (to be won on cooler days and in the evenings)
- Long sleeved blouses for the ladies
- Comfortable safari walking shoes/ boots
- Binoculars to help in viewing distant birds
- Sunglasses, hats to protect you from the strong rays of the sun
- sunblock creams, insect repellent to prevent you from the insect bites that may cause harm to you.
- Waterproof camera incases of the rain so that it does not get damaged
- Warm jacket or a sweater (cold nights and mornings)
- Shorts and T-shirts
- Raincoat (should be compact and light)
- During wet seasons you could pack a scarf and gloves to keep you warm
- A swimsuit
- Carry/wear a comfortable bra (for the ladies due to the weather changes)
- Waterproof bag back to carry all this essentials, pack all you need, but pack light so that its easy to carry the luggage around.
Adventure in the wild safaris is tour operator specializing in Bwindi Gorilla and Uganda wildlife safaris. We offer a wide range of Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari packages at affordable rates with a focus on delivering high quality services for all travelers who book their trips with us.
