Botswana Safari Guide: Okavango & Chobe - World Holiday Vibes Blog

Forget the road for a moment. In the Okavango, the water can be your path into the wild.

Contents

Think of gliding softly through the tall grass, towards the Okavango Delta, and the dawn. No motor noise, no busy road and no people waiting for the ideal shot. The slowness of a mokoro, the calls of the birds nesting in the papyrus and the sense that you have intruded upon a wonderfully untouched place.

Now imagine a completely different scene.

It’s late afternoon and you’re by the Chobe River. A family of elephants strolls towards the water. There are more elephants standing behind them. A crocodile is sitting on a bank. The sky is gold overhead, the river reflects the last light of the day, above you.

This is Botswana. But if you’re not sure where to start, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are an excellent place to begin.

So, fellow travellers to our Botswana safari guide, a meander down waterways, through wildlife, across wide open spaces and into some of the most memorable wilderness experiences to be found in the south of Africa.

Why choose Botswana for a safari?

There is something about Botswana that can’t be put into words until you go there.

Space.

The views are vast. There are lots of areas for wildlife, lots of places where there are no fences, and it’s often secluded. The country of Botswana has approximately 38% of its land area protected as national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas, which aids in the creation of large areas in which animals are free to roam.

However, Botswana is not all about sightseeing many animals. It’s just a matter of perspective.

A quiet morning may be a mokoro ride along a flood-filled channel. Later, you may be sitting inside an open sided 4×4, watching lions. On the following afternoon you could be sitting next to the Chobe River with hundreds of elephants gathering at the water.

This diversity is one of the best assets of the country.

The Southern Africa safari guide helps travellers compare destinations throughout the continent, and provides a good introduction to the comparison of Botswana with its neighbouring safari destinations.

Botswana can also be an excellent component to a broader African trip. Depending on time, interest and budget, you can include other southern African destinations in your trip, either combined with the Okavango and Chobe.

Okavango Delta: where water meets wilderness

Most of the safari destinations do not have an Okavango Delta.

The Okavango is an “inland delta” not a “coastal delta. The Okavango River originates in the highlands of Angola and after its original river course stretches into the Kalahari Basin and terminates in Botswana. The seasonal flooding generates a fascinating topography of streams, lagoons, islands and wetlands which influence the animals and people that rely on this special place.

That’s where the interesting part comes in.

The Delta’s big flood occurs in the dry season in Botswana.

Other parts of the country may be getting drier, but the Okavango may be getting wet. Channels become brighter, islands become surrounded by lagoons and animals are drawn towards this extraordinary network of wetlands.

The result is an ever-changing safari landscape.

While you’re sleeping, you could be surrounded by a wooded area, and in a matter of minutes you’ll be next to a canal lined with water-lilies and papyrus.

This is the essence of Okavango.

What can you see in the Okavango Delta?

The Delta is home to a wonderful diversity of wildlife, such as elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodiles, lions, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Wildlife encounters are subject to seasonal variation, water levels and location.

However, the magic is not always to be found in the largest animal.

Observe a kingfisher perched undisturbed before plunging into the water.

See fine tracks in the sand.

Listen to hippos calling after sunset.

Follow a herd of red lechwe in the shallows.

These little things can be the things that travellers remember.

The famous Mokoro Experience

Mokoro is an experience that is particularly associated with the Okavango.

A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe used for shallow water navigation in the Delta. Riding in one is an ideal way to travel. Rather than driving through the wilderness, you glide through it.

You are poled by your poler and the canoe glides between reeds and islands.

Here is another rhythm.

You’re at a lower elevation than the water. The terrain appears to be nearer. Birds are within metres of you. Hippos can be spotted in the distance and elephants can be seen travelling along the edge of a channel.

The Mokoro excursions are dependent on local water conditions and will also vary with the region of the Delta in which you are located and are not a guaranteed experience at all camps. Botswana Tourism also mentions that the activities vary from camp to camp.

To find more specific information, visitors can check out our Okavango Delta Safari Guide before determining which part of the Delta is ideal for their safari.

Chobe National Park: elephants, river and big-game drama

While the Okavango is like a safari painted with water, Chobe is like a safari painted with wildlife.

Chobe National Park is situated in the northern part of Botswana and is an area of about 11,700 km², with a variety of floodplains, woodland, swamps and river landscapes. The park is bounded by the Chobe River in the north, which is another reason for wildlife to congregate here.

And then there are the elephants. The huge elephant population at Chobe is especially noteworthy. In the dry season, many people flock to the river to drink, bathe and play. Botswana Tourism says it is possible to encounter hundreds of them at the same time.

It can be an astounding sight. Imagine that you are sitting quietly in an open safari car.

A river flows, an elephant walks towards it. Then another.

A calf follows closely behind his/her mother.

The riverbank appears to be moving shortly.

This is a moment of the safari that is not captured as it should be in a photo.

Chobe is more than elephants

While elephants are the show-stopper, much of the Chobe is available as well.

There are buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, waterbuck, puku, sable and roan in the park. Predators follow their prey and this provides opportunities for exciting sightings.

But birdwatchers have lots of things to enjoy as well. Over 460 species of birds have been spotted in Chobe and it is a great place to combine wildlife with birding.

Then there’s one of the things I love about being at the park.

The river cruise.

Chobe River cruise: see the safari from the water

The game drive is one way to experience the wilderness.

Another is provided by a river cruise.

You walk slowly along the Chobe River rather than through the bush creating tracks. Elephants may come down to drink. Hippos come out of the water. Crocodiles are resting by the bank. Water birds flock to the shallow waters.

The viewpoint is very different.

Late afternoon cruises are an atmospheric time. With the setting of the sun, the river shimmers with the warm light and the land becomes silent.

This is the type of experience that’s not for the rushed.

You simply sit back and watch.

If you are looking to expand your southern Africa itinerary we can help you put Chobe in relation to the other safari regions in southern Africa in our ‘Southern Africa safari guide’.

Okavango vs Chobe: which should you choose?

One of the most beneficial questions to ask before you book this is:

It’s all about the type of safari you’re looking for.

If you wish to go, select the Okavango Delta:

Water-based safari experiences
Mokoro excursions
Accommodating larger groups
Remote camps and lodges
Excellent opportunities for birdwatching
A land type that is a mix of wetlands and dry lands.
A slower, more immersive style of safari

If you are willing to pay a bit extra, select Chobe:

Exceptional elephant sightings
Classic big-game viewing
River cruises
Easy access through Kasane
A mixture of game drives and water-based experiences
The possibility of combining your safari with Victoria Falls

If you have plenty of time, however, I wouldn’t have to make the decision as an either-or option.

Do both.

The Okavango and the Chobe go well together as they will introduce to you two very different sides of Botswana.

When is the best time for a Botswana safari?

Botswana is a year-round destination, but experiences can vary greatly depending on the season. The country’s tourism authority outlines a ‘green season’, a rainy season, and a ‘dry season’, each with its unique attractions.

Dry Season May to October.

This is a great time for the first-time visitor to enjoy wildlife.

When water is scarce in a region, animals tend to gather near permanent rivers, waterholes or other sources of water. There is also less vegetation, which could make it easier to see the wildlife.

However, there is a significant twist in the Okavango.

During this dry season, the floodwaters of the Delta can arrive, forming this incredible contrast of dry season surroundings and expanded waterways.

The area is especially interesting to visitors who are interested in the relationship between wildlife and water.

October to December: rainy season

It’s a totally different scene following the rain.

Grass becomes greener. New vegetation appears. A large number of animals are born and migratory birds come back. The green season is a particularly exciting time of the year for Botswana birders and for young animals, as Botswana Tourism points out.

It can also be amazing sky and amazing storms!

This season is really rewarding for photographers, birdwatchers and travellers who prefer to photograph in more green places.

So I’d prefer to ask myself, “What is the best month to ask?

What is your dream Botswana?

Golden and dry?

Or green – fresh and alive?

How long should you spend in Botswana?

For the initial visit, I think it was a good idea to spend time at both Okavango and Chobe without rushing between the two.

There is nothing wrong with a short safari, but rushing would detract from the very essence of Botswana – its space and serenity.

5 – 6 nights – This could be a shorter trip to either the Okavango or Chobe, depending on what you want.

It’s an excellent choice when it comes to taking a holiday throughout Africa that includes Botswana.

7-9 nights – This will allow you to see both regions much better.

Several nights could be spent at the Okavango in advance of the trip to Chobe, time for land and water safaris.

10 nights or more – When you have more time you can slow down.

Other wildlife areas might be added, more time spent in a private concession or Botswana extended to neighbouring areas.

If you are travelling for longer than you’d like to stay at the camp, you should check out our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide before deciding on the format of your nights.

Where should you stay?

There are several accommodation choices available in Botswana, including guesthouses, campsites, luxury safari lodges, and camps.

In Botswana, your accommodation is part of the safari experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

A great safari camp is part of the deal.

Birdsong may be heard during the day.

Elephants may be somewhere past the trees when the breakfast is served.

After dinner, you can walk back to your tent with a guide and enjoy the stars overhead in the evening.

Location is one of the most important factors when choosing a safari camp.

A lovely lodge is great, but a visit to a suitable wild animal area can make all the difference to the experience.

Don’t forget to look into what activities will be covered. Depending on the location and conditions, some camps specialise in game drives, others provide mokoro tours, boating, walking and fishing trips.

How to experience Botswana responsibly

Botswana’s wilderness is valuable just because it remains wild.

The most you can do as a visitor is to respect that wilderness.

Follow your guide! Make sure to keep noise to a minimum near wildlife.

Do not call an animal towards your camera.

Never ask your guide or driver to move closer to wildlife simply to get a better photograph.

Also, remember that animals are NOT performing for us.

The Botswana Tourism Authority particularly urges visitors to exercise caution when dealing with animals, to not move them unnecessarily and to keep noise to a minimum, and to never block an animal’s escape route.

It’s not about getting the closest possible photograph, it’s about a responsible safari.

It is about the freedom of the wild animal.

That’s much better!

What should you pack for Botswana?

Packing your safari doesn’t have to be complicated.

A realistic list contains:

Lightweight, breathable clothing
A warm jacket or fleece for early morning hours
Wear comfortable trousers and walking shoes
A wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars
Camera and extra batteries
Small torch or headlamp
Any essential personal medicines

The dry season can be cooler in the early mornings, so Don’t underestimate the need for layers. Even though the day is warm, Botswana’s winter nights and mornings can be very cold.

Neutral or muted colours are practical for safari, particularly when you’re spending time outdoors or on walking activities.

Getting around Botswana

Botswana is a vast country and distances between safari areas can be long.

That’s why it’s important to choose your route.

Most visitors fly between the safari areas with small aeroplanes, and others travel to the safari from gateways like Maun to the Okavango or Kasane to the Chobe.

Kasane is particularly convenient for travellers who wish to do Chobe in conjunction with the Victoria Falls or onward to neighbouring Zambia, Zimbabwe or Namibia. Kasane is an important exit point for the area, as identified by Botswana Tourism.

One of the reasons why I suggest this is to plan the entire route before picking out individual lodges first.

A great safari trip shouldn’t be a list of safari packages but rather one trip.

Is Botswana good for a first safari?

Absolutely.

However, I would say Botswana is particularly attractive to those looking for an alternative to the traditional game drive holiday.

Safari sounds like going from sighting to sighting, but if that is the only kind of safari you have in mind, you might not experience what makes Botswana unique.

Here, the landscape itself is part of the experience.

Water.
Sand.
Papyrus.
Woodland.
Open floodplains.
Riverbanks.

And the stillness between the sightings.

That is what Botswana is all about. For more official information, check out Botswana Government – About Our Country to learn more about the nation.

Botswana safari costs: what should you expect?

Botswana is synonymous with high quality safari experiences, especially in less crowded and more remote areas and private concessions.

The motive is partly due to the nature of the destination. Logistics, special staffing, equipment and travel to large wilderness areas are all necessary for remote camps.

Don’t base your decision solely on price but rather consider what you are getting in your package.

Look at:

Accommodation
Meals
Game drives
Mokoro or boat activities
Transfers
Domestic flights
Park or conservation fees
Guide services
Airport transfers

The price of a less expensive-looking safari might be higher after considering extras like transfers and activities.

It is best to compare the entire package, so always compare the full price of the night’s accommodation.

How to combine Botswana with a Southern Africa safari.

When viewed in the context of a bigger trip, Botswana is even more interesting.

It might start off in Cape Town and then head north towards a South Africa safari, then head into Botswana and end up near the Victoria Falls.

You may also want to try a Chobe tour combined with a tour to Zimbabwe or Zambia to enjoy multiple sections of the Zambezi region.

If you’re still debating between countries there’s a handy overview to the wider region in our ‘Southern Africa safari guide’.

But if South Africa is already on your list, our South Africa Safari Guide can help you compare its landscapes and wildlife experiences with those of Botswana.

A safari you will never forget for silence

It’s going to be an incredible time in Botswana.

A herd of elephants crossing the road.
Golden grass with a lion peeking out.
A leopard running away into the woods.
A hippo surfacing beside your boat.
A mokoro gliding through a small channel.

Sometimes, however, the memory you have of the moment will be much quiet.

Maybe it’s next to water before dawn breaks.

Or maybe it’s some unfamiliar bird calling from beyond your tent.

Maybe it’s the last light that falls over the Delta as your guide says nothing and there’s nothing to be said.

That is Botswana. It doesn’t always attempt to impress you vocally.

It lets the wilderness do the talking.

Final thoughts: is Botswana worth visiting?

Botswana is a destination that should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an extraordinary safari experience with a landscape that’s truly unique and full of world holiday vibes.

The Okavango Delta is a land of water, islands and still waters. Chobe is a place of extraordinary elephant gathering and classic riverfront viewing. They make for a great diverse trip together.

And that is probably the strongest incentive to opt for Botswana.

You are not just visiting here to see Africa. You are not just visiting here to see Africa.

You are on a path to experiencing it.

So, fellow travellers: pack a little space for the unexpected, bring binoculars and get ready to slow down.

Because there’s a mokoro waiting somewhere in the Okavango, to glide through the reeds.

An elephant herd could be forming for sunset by the Chobe River now.

That is when a Botswana safari stops being a place on a map and becomes a memory you carry home.

Quick Botswana safari planning checklist

Recommended route: In the direction of the wild, the safari is best for the lovers of nature, elephants, remote wilderness, photography, birdwatching and luxury trips.

Best areas: Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park

Top experiences to enjoy: Game drives, mokoro rides, river cruises, birding and sunset safari experiences

Wildlife: Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah and African wild dog.

Dry season advantage: Wildlife is more likely to be found as they gather around water.

Green season benefit: Great scenery, young animals and excellent bird watching

Maun is the main gateway for the Okavango Delta, while Kasane is the main gateway for Chobe National Park.

Best approach: If it fits in your schedule, mix and match Okavango and Chobe.

Travel advice:

Do not pick the safari area based on price, but rather what experience you are looking for.

A Botswana safari is not just a holiday where you get to see all sorts of animals. It’s an opportunity to walk on a terrain where water is the key to movement, seasons change the scenery, and the quietest of noises can be a part of your tale.

That’s why Botswana is on the wish list of anyone with a dream of a truly memorable African adventure.

FAQ

1. What is the main difference between the Okavango Delta and Chobe?

The Okavango Delta emphasizes more relaxing and water-based safaris such as mokoro, whereas Chobe is popular for viewing the large elephant herds and big game.

2. When is the best time to visit Botswana for a safari?

The dry season (May to October) is ideal for seeing animals near the water, and the green season (October to December) will give you plenty of greenery, newborns and excellent birding

3. What is the duration of a trip to Botswana?

A 7-9 night stay is best to see the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park without a rush.

4. How do travellers get between safari areas in Botswana?

The most common mode of transport between the remote camps is small light aircraft, which reach key camps such as Maun and Kasane.

5. Is Botswana suitable for a first-time safari?

Yes, it provides a quiet, quality and diverse wilderness experience removed from the crowds.

Source

E- book: