| vango Delta is the perfect destination for a luxury | | | | night drives to view the nocturnal wildlife in the |
| safari with a difference. While African safari travel | | | | light of the moon. |
| usually conjures up images of the dry and dusty | | | | The Okavango offers safaris and is full of wildlife |
| African plains, the amazing Okavango Delta is a | | | | all year round, but pick a season according to |
| vast inland area of unspoilt wetlands in Botswana, | | | | your main interests and preferences. If you want |
| home to a huge variety of wildlife, with many | | | | to view big game such as lion, leopard, elephant, |
| species unique to the area. | | | | buffalo, kudu, giraffe, crocodile in mild weather |
| Most luxury safaris here feature a mixture of | | | | conditions then May-October, the dry, cool winter |
| 4x4 game drives on the main islands and fringes | | | | season is the best time. The vegetation will |
| of the delta, and tranquil water safaris in the | | | | become dry and brown in the surrounding areas, |
| traditional mokoro, a dug out canoe which is poled | | | | but the game congregates around the flooded |
| through the shallow waterways by your guide. | | | | areas of the delta and is easier to view. Days are |
| Fishing excursions are also available on power | | | | sunny and warm at about 25 C/75 F followed by |
| boats with a huge variety of fish species to | | | | cold, clear starry nights around 6 C/43 F. |
| tempt the enthusiast. | | | | For birding, landscape photography and flowers |
| The Botswana government has sought to protect | | | | the hot, rainy summer season Nov-March is best |
| the fragile eco-system of the Okavango Delta by | | | | as the migrant bird populations return, the whole |
| restricting tourism to the area. The only way to | | | | delta becomes verdant green and the varied |
| reach it is by air and flights are expensive. Lodges | | | | flowers come into bloom. Spectacular afternoon |
| are also charged high concession fees, which | | | | thunderstorms from Dec- Feb produce wonderful |
| means that most of them are aimed at the | | | | cloudscapes and, as they pass, create the most |
| luxury market, hosting small groups in comfort in | | | | stunning light for wildlife photography. Average |
| this most beautiful wilderness. If you really want | | | | summer temperatures are around 35 C/95 F |
| to get away from it all and escape the crowds | | | | Many of the luxury camps accept children and |
| the Okavango is the place to go. | | | | offer babysitting services, but children under the |
| Luxury lodges might be sophisticated tented | | | | age of six are not usually allowed on the game |
| camps, with ensuite bathrooms or thatch and | | | | drives, so if you are looking for a family safari, |
| wood constructed suites on platforms with | | | | search out a camp with special activities for |
| amazing views stretching over the wetlands and | | | | children, or consider booking a private safari which |
| staggeringly beautiful skyscapes. Expect friendly | | | | can be adapted to your requirements. Children |
| service, knowledgeable guides and excellent | | | | under 12 are usually not permitted on the mokoro |
| pan-african cuisine, evenings sitting around a fire | | | | boat trips and walking safaris for safety reasons. |
| under the brightest of stars, sometimes even | | | | |