Formation and Exploring the Okavango Delta – A UNESCO World Heritage Site:
One of the world’s natural marvels that encompasses a vast area of over 2 million hectares of undisturbed wetlands and seasonally flooded grasslands, the Okavango Delta, which originates from the Angolan Highlands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s no wonder so many travelers have the Delta; with its breathtaking mosaic of waterways, islands and savannas that teem with a diverse array of wildlife; on their bucket list. It is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean and because of its vast size and difficult access the Delta fortuitously remains wild and in almost pristine condition.
Much of this is thanks to Botswana’s political rationale which emphasizes low-impact, high-value tourism practices which prioritize sustainable tourism development over mass tourism. These efforts are to safeguard the Delta’s untampered wilderness and to support local communities who call this place home. Creating sustainable tourism plays a vital role in preserving this natural treasure for future generations for the people of Botswana. This approach focuses on offering exclusive and environmentally conscious safari experiences that minimize negative impacts on the environment and wildlife. Tourism to the inner Delta is limited to small, intimate tented camps with access mainly by air or boat.
Often many safari destinations are limited to a particular season, but the great news is that the Delta has all-year-round touristic benefits. The vibrant green season which runs from December to April, when the landscape transforms into a lush paradise. Its unique annual flooding from the Okavango River which occurs during the dry season from June – September, results in indigenous flora and fauna remarkably synchronizing ecological and biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods.
Wildlife Wonders: The Delta’s Dazzling Residents
Meet the Delta’s charismatic residents, from the shy spotty-necked otters, majestichundreds-strong memories of elephant, packs of endangered wild dog, gangs of buffalo, confusions of wildebeest, dazzles of zebra, prides of lion and the elusive leopard to vibrant bird species and a myriad of breath-taking and ever-changing vegetation and landscapes.
Safari Spectacles: Unforgettable Adventures Await
Embark on thrilling safari experiences, including mokoro rides gliding through the waterways, gin and tonics on a beautiful african-sunset cruise, action packed and highly informative game drives, and fascinating guided nature walks engaging all 5 senses to uncover the Delta’s intricacies. With many lodges in the concessions only accommodating a limited number of guests, there is lots of flexibility when selecting a combination of different activities tailored to your specific preferences. Needless to say, this makes the safari experience in the concessions even more bespoke and special than your average safari.
Luxury Lodges: Your Oasis in the Wilderness
Indulge in luxury at one of our exquisite lodges nestled in the heart of the Delta which have all been personally and carefully-selected for Wild and Isle’s Delta Portfolio. These unforgettable and premium lodges are expertly managed by highly-skilled and well-qualified Botswana community members. With a combination of expertise in their fields, years of rigorous training, first hand experience and a passion for the bush, your safari guides are guaranteed to be unparalleled ensuring any safari stay of yours will be an adventure.
The Lodges have honed their culinary skills catering to a wide array of dietary requirements the clients and making sumptuous dining at the lodges an event in and of itself. The locally-sourced, in season food and careful attention to detail ties the whole safari experience together.
Parks, Reserves and Concession: What’s What?
Government has established a network of national parks, game reserves and concessions therein, in addition to wildlife management areas to protect the country’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Policies and regulations are in place to regulate wildlife management, hunting, and tourism activities to ensure sustainable practices.
The Moremi Game Reserve affords tourists either an opportunity for self-drive safaris or to stay at luxury lodges, with the top being Mombo and Xigera (kee-jerah) Lodges. It is important to note that there are significantly more restrictions such as no off-road driving, night drives are prohibited and there is no limit to the amount of vehicles per sighting (apart from Mombo and Xigera).
In contrast, the rest of The Delta is made up of private game concessions; which are essentially community lands that are long-term leased to the various safari operators; whereby off-road driving is permitted for special sightings, night game drives are allowed and there are restrictions to the amount of vehicles congregating at sightings.
Plan Your Adventure: By Plane
Cape Town International Airport; OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg; Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethopia; Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabe and starting soon in Windhoek Airport in Namibia, currently off direct flights into Maun International Airport in Botswana. Because of the remote locations of these lodges, accessibility from Maun (mah-oon) to the remote lodges is by air either on a helicopter or cessna. There are specific luggage requirements for the smaller flights which we will be exploring in the next newsletter.
Botswana Specials For 2025:
African Bush Camps
- Pay 5, Stay 6 special. January 6 to December 19 2025 (participating camps – Linyanti Expeditions, Ebony and Bush Camp. Khwai Lediba and Leadwood. Atzaro Okavango).
- Honeymoon Special. Partner pays 50% of the accommodation rate. Includes a complimentary 30 minute couple’s massage, private dinner setup, romantic room turn down, and sparkling wine experience. January 6 to December 19 2024 & 2025 (participating camps – Linyanti Expeditions and Bush Camp, Khwai Lediba, Atzaro Okavango).
- Kids Stay Free Special. Children 15 years and younger stay for free. January 6 to December 19 2024 & 2025 (participating camps – Linyanti Ebony. Khwai Leadwood. Atzaro Okavango).
Wilderness Safaris
- Honeymoon Special. Couple receives a 50% discount off the partner accommodation rate. 1 July 2024 to 15 November 2025 (participating camps – all Wilderness Botswana properties).
- For our South African locals (and other SADC clients) we have access to some incredible specials with Wilderness Safaris. Please email us to check on these.
Xigera Safari Lodge
- Free return flight special. Spend 3 nights at Xigera and receive free return flights between Maun and Xigera. 6 January 2025 to 31 May 2025 and 1 October 2025 and 5 January 2026.
- Safari and Sea promotion. Book 4 nights at Xigera Safari Lodge and receive 2 nights complimentary at either the 12 Apostles in Cape Town or The Oysterbox in Umhlanga, Durban. 6 January 2025 to 13 December 2025.
- Pay 3, stay 4 special. 6 January 2025 to 31 May 2025 and 1 October 2025 and 5 January 2026.
Let’s support Botswana’s efforts to create a harmonious balance between environmental protection, economic development, and social well-being and join us on an unforgettable series of Newsletters as we journey through the Okavango Delta, where every moment is a celebration of nature’s beauty and wonder. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of this extraordinary destination!
Until next time,
The Wild and Isle Team
