Can I see the Big Five in the Okavango Delta?

No. You can see four of the Big Five in the Delta. Lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo all thrive here in exceptional numbers. However, rhinos are not present in the Delta ecosystem.

Which areas of the Delta are best for predator sightings?

Each area offers thrilling wildlife encounters, with camps like Wilderness Qorokwe and Chitabe in the east providing excellent predator encounters. Wilderness Mombo on central Chief's Island is also renowned for its exceptional predator densities due to abundant prey.

What bird species can I see in the Okavango Delta?

The Delta is home to over 500 bird species, including sought-after specials like Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer, slaty egret, and wattled crane. The waterbirds dominate, but there are also many raptors, including fish eagle and martial eagle.

What unique wildlife is found only in the Delta?

Sitatunga, the elusive aquatic antelope, and Pel's fishing owl are Delta specials, with the more common red lechwe thriving in flooded grasslands. Rare birds like slaty egret, wattled crane, and rosy-throated longclaw also inhabit specific wetland niches.

A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe, originally carved from sausage trees, now made from fibreglass to conserve the trees. These silent vessels are poled through shallow channels by expert local guides who have an intimate understanding of the waterways and wildlife.

What is a mokoro experience like?

Mokoro trips offer some of the Delta's most peaceful, intimate wildlife encounters. Gliding silently through papyrus-lined channels, you'll come close to an array of bird and animal life. These shallow-water journeys provide unique perspectives impossible from land-based vehicles.

What's the difference between game drives and water activities?

Game drives explore dry islands and seasonal floodplains using specially adapted 4x4 vehicles, offering classic safari experiences with large animal encounters. Water activities are conducted by mokoro and boat, providing access to permanent waterways for aquatic bird- and wildlife.

Are walking safaris available in the Okavango Delta?

Yes, expert guides safely lead small groups across pristine wilderness, tracking wildlife on foot and sharing knowledge. These walks provide intimate encounters with smaller species, highlight the intricacies of the ecosystem, and offer unique perspectives on nature impossible from a vehicle.

When is the best time for photography in the Delta?

Each season offers unique photographic opportunities, with high season (May-October) offering concentrated wildlife around the water channels, and low season providing a landscape of green and excellent birding photography. Early morning and late afternoon provide optimal lighting year-round.

Aerial view of a small herd of plains zebra standing in the golden, dry savanna grass of the Okavango Delta, lit by a low sun.

Wilderness Botswana

Okavango Delta wildlife

The Okavango Delta is a wilderness oasis that pulses with life.

Home Africa Botswana Okavango Delta wildlife

A wetland phenomenon

Introduction to the Okavango Delta

Shaped by its annual inundation, the Delta is an ever-changing mosaic of permanent waters, floodplains and dry islands. This creates diverse habitats supporting 150+ mammals, 400+ birds, countless plant species and smaller creatures. Recognised as an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA) and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to unique aquatic wildlife as well as sought after safari icons.

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Wilderness Abu Botswana Wildlife Leopard

Wilderness Botswana Linyanti Wildlife Wild Dog

Wildlife in the Okavango

From permanent swamps where sitatunga browse to dry mopane woodlands where elephant herds congregate, there is much to see in the Delta. Fluctuating water levels often restrict wildlife movement, concentrating animals in certain areas and increasing predator-prey encounters. Understanding this diverse and dynamic ecosystem is equally fascinating as the wildlife you will find here.

Aquatic species

Big Five

Predators

Rare & endemic

Seasonal movements

Birdlife

Wilderness Chitabe Lediba Wildlife Lechwe

Aquatic species

The Delta's permanent waterways support Africa's most specialised aquatic wildlife. Hippos dominate deeper channels while Nile crocodiles patrol permanent waters. Semi-aquatic red lechwe bound across floodplains, and the elusive sitatunga, with specially adapted hooves, navigates papyrus swamps, creating a unique community adapted to this water-rich environment.

Wilderness Tubu Botswana Wildlife Elephant

Big Five

Four of the Big Five thrive in the Delta's diverse habitats. Massive elephant herds migrate seasonally, creating spectacular concentrations around permanent waters, with good herds of buffalo also present. Lions, which have adapted superbly to a water-rich environment, are found across the Delta, with leopards flourishing in riverine forests and on wooded islands.

Why a safari is so much more than the Big Five…

Predators

The Delta supports some of Africa's highest predator densities. There are multiple lion prides, with Chief's Island alone hosting several resident groups. Leopards utilise dense riverine forests for ambush hunting, while African wild dogs den regularly across the concessions. Cheetahs hunt on the open floodplains, while spotted hyenas maintain large territories across the various Delta habitats.

Photographing predators

Rare & endemic

The Delta is home to some of Africa's rarest wildlife. Sitatunga, the Delta's signature rare antelope, navigates swamps elusively. The magnificent Pel's fishing owl nests in riverside trees, while slaty egrets and wattled cranes represent endangered wetland specialists. These species exist nowhere else in such concentrations, making Delta sightings truly exceptional for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wilderness Mombo Botswana Wildlife Lechwe

Seasonal movements

Wildlife follows the Delta's flood pulse in spectacular patterns. The annual inundation arrives in April with levels peaking between June and August, concentrating wildlife on the remaining dry islands. When levels drop and the rains start to arrive from December onwards, the wildlife spreads out, and the migratory birds start to arrive.

Migratory Birds - All You Need To Know

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Wildlife Pels Fishing Owl

Birdlife

Recognised as an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA), the Delta supports over 400 bird species. Waterbirds dominate the channels & lagoons, with African jacana and African pygmy-goose common in permanent swamps, with rarer species like slaty egret and wattled crane also found. Raptors include African fish eagle, bateleur, and martial eagle, as well as the iconic Pel’s fishing owl.

Rare sighting of Pel's fishing owl

Aquatic species

The Delta's permanent waterways support Africa's most specialised aquatic wildlife. Hippos dominate deeper channels while Nile crocodiles patrol permanent waters. Semi-aquatic red lechwe bound across floodplains, and the elusive sitatunga, with specially adapted hooves, navigates papyrus swamps, creating a unique community adapted to this water-rich environment.

Big Five

Four of the Big Five thrive in the Delta's diverse habitats. Massive elephant herds migrate seasonally, creating spectacular concentrations around permanent waters, with good herds of buffalo also present. Lions, which have adapted superbly to a water-rich environment, are found across the Delta, with leopards flourishing in riverine forests and on wooded islands.

Why a safari is so much more than the Big Five…

Predators

The Delta supports some of Africa's highest predator densities. There are multiple lion prides, with Chief's Island alone hosting several resident groups. Leopards utilise dense riverine forests for ambush hunting, while African wild dogs den regularly across the concessions. Cheetahs hunt on the open floodplains, while spotted hyenas maintain large territories across the various Delta habitats.

Photographing predators

Rare & endemic

The Delta is home to some of Africa's rarest wildlife. Sitatunga, the Delta's signature rare antelope, navigates swamps elusively. The magnificent Pel's fishing owl nests in riverside trees, while slaty egrets and wattled cranes represent endangered wetland specialists. These species exist nowhere else in such concentrations, making Delta sightings truly exceptional for wildlife enthusiasts.

Seasonal movements

Wildlife follows the Delta's flood pulse in spectacular patterns. The annual inundation arrives in April with levels peaking between June and August, concentrating wildlife on the remaining dry islands. When levels drop and the rains start to arrive from December onwards, the wildlife spreads out, and the migratory birds start to arrive.

Migratory Birds - All You Need To Know

Birdlife

Recognised as an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA), the Delta supports over 400 bird species. Waterbirds dominate the channels & lagoons, with African jacana and African pygmy-goose common in permanent swamps, with rarer species like slaty egret and wattled crane also found. Raptors include African fish eagle, bateleur, and martial eagle, as well as the iconic Pel’s fishing owl.

Rare sighting of Pel's fishing owl

Birds of Botswana

From a booming Pel's fishing owl calling at dusk to massive goliath herons stalking the floodplains, every habitat pulses with avian life across the seasons.

Saddle-billed storks

A large stork that has a recognisable red bill with a yellow lappet at the top, forming a ‘saddle’.

African barred owlet

Small owl with a large, rounded head and barred plumage.

African fish eagle

Found around large bodies of water, this iconic eagle’s call is synonymous with an African safari.

White-headed vulture

Vultures are vital in maintaining ecosystem balance, and are the ultimate ‘clean-up crew’.

Woodland kingfisher

A common intra-African migrant whose call is commonly heard throughout the summer.

Lilac-breasted roller

A beautiful bird dressed in shades of blue and purple, commonly found throughout Southern Africa.

Red-billed quelea

With an estimated population of 1.5 billion+ birds, it is the most abundant bird species on Earth.

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Okavango safari activities

Drift silently in a mokoro through papyrus-lined channels where sitatunga browse and kingfishers flash past. Experience game drives across wildlife-dense plains. Walk with expert guides on pristine islands, encountering wildlife on foot, or soar above in helicopters, as patterns, invisible from the ground, are revealed. Here, activities are as diverse as the habitats.

Safari activities in Botswana

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Where to see it all

Geographical map displaying the panhandle of the Okavango Delta and Wilderness camps

The eastern Delta provides excellent predator sightings, while the north’s diverse habitats make it an excellent year-round multipurpose destination. The west is known for its intimate water environments where Delta specials like sitatunga and Pel's fishing owl can be seen. The central Delta, primarily Chief's Island, delivers exceptional wildlife concentrations and predators in pursuit.

Botswana Safari Itineraries

Rare sightings in the Delta

The unique formation of the Okavango Delta plays host to memorable and unusual sightings in the wilderness of Botswana.

Buffalo vs Lion

Leaping lechwe

Bullfrog

Mongoose Mob

Swimming lions

Red-billed quelea

Buffalo vs Lion

When hunting, lions will follow prey species, large and small, waiting for their chance at a kill. However, buffaloes are not that easy to catch, due to the fact that they don’t always run, but rather group together (often forming a circle around their young), to try to stand their ground. Lions are also often injured or killed by buffaloes.

Leaping lechwe

Red lechwe are the most common aquatic-adapted antelope in the Okavango Delta. Lechwe will often take to the water to escape predators, taking great leaps over channels. They are an iconic sighting on a Botswana safari.

Bullfrog

In January 2010 a new species of bullfrog was thrillingly discovered at Wilderness Mombo. A student named Marleen Le Roux (now Byron), working for Wilderness and based at Mombo, came across a bullfrog that she thought looked different. The researchers performed molecular analyses on the frog and were able to confirm that it was indeed a different species from the known giant bullfrog.

A new bullfrog species discovered

Mongoose Mob

The Jao Reserve has its own characterful mob of banded mongoose, affectionately known as the Jao Mafia, that have earned a place in many visitors’ hearts. These endearing small carnivores are a real treat to watch. They are highly territorial, and live in colonies where social cohesion is maintained by amazing vocalisations, scent marking and mutual grooming (AKA allogrooming) amongst the group.

Mongoose Mafia of Jao

Swimming lions

Lions, like many cats, are known for avoiding water. But the Okavango lions have adapted to swimming due to their inundated environment. These apex felines have become strong swimmers and have even been seen hunting crocodiles, a necessary skill to navigate their waterlogged world.

Red-billed quelea

The red-billed quelea is a small sparrow-sized songbird in the weaver family. Queleas are highly sociable, moving about the African savannah in huge flocks searching for food. A single flock of these gregarious birds may number in the hundreds of thousands, creating a spectacle that looks like smoke drifting over the countryside.

Buffalo vs Lion

When hunting, lions will follow prey species, large and small, waiting for their chance at a kill. However, buffaloes are not that easy to catch, due to the fact that they don’t always run, but rather group together (often forming a circle around their young), to try to stand their ground. Lions are also often injured or killed by buffaloes.

Leaping lechwe

Red lechwe are the most common aquatic-adapted antelope in the Okavango Delta. Lechwe will often take to the water to escape predators, taking great leaps over channels. They are an iconic sighting on a Botswana safari.

Bullfrog

In January 2010 a new species of bullfrog was thrillingly discovered at Wilderness Mombo. A student named Marleen Le Roux (now Byron), working for Wilderness and based at Mombo, came across a bullfrog that she thought looked different. The researchers performed molecular analyses on the frog and were able to confirm that it was indeed a different species from the known giant bullfrog.

A new bullfrog species discovered

Mongoose Mob

The Jao Reserve has its own characterful mob of banded mongoose, affectionately known as the Jao Mafia, that have earned a place in many visitors’ hearts. These endearing small carnivores are a real treat to watch. They are highly territorial, and live in colonies where social cohesion is maintained by amazing vocalisations, scent marking and mutual grooming (AKA allogrooming) amongst the group.

Mongoose Mafia of Jao

Swimming lions

Lions, like many cats, are known for avoiding water. But the Okavango lions have adapted to swimming due to their inundated environment. These apex felines have become strong swimmers and have even been seen hunting crocodiles, a necessary skill to navigate their waterlogged world.

Red-billed quelea

The red-billed quelea is a small sparrow-sized songbird in the weaver family. Queleas are highly sociable, moving about the African savannah in huge flocks searching for food. A single flock of these gregarious birds may number in the hundreds of thousands, creating a spectacle that looks like smoke drifting over the countryside.

Wilderness Impact

Cultural encounters & conservation

Experiences in the Delta extend beyond wildlife sightings to encompass conservation and community empowerment initiatives. Wilderness supports critical conservation work in the region, partnering with NGOs and local communities, who contribute generations of traditional knowledge, collectively helping to protect this pristine ecosystem for future generations.

Wilderness Botswana Culture Kalahari San

Cultural Encounters

From cultural excursions engaging with local communities to insightful conversations with our local staff.

Culture and Impact

Photography tips

High season brings concentrations of wildlife; low season sees vivid green vistas & migratory birds.

A photographic safari

Male lion in the tall grass spotted on game drive

Conservation

Working with NGOS & local communities, we help promote human-wildlife coexistence & conservation.

Explore oour conservation

Guides' knowledge

With professional training & local knowledge, our guides have an intimate understanding of the Delta.

Guide training courses

Wildlife in the Okavango

Experience one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife landscapes, where pristine wilderness meets profound wildlife moments. From intimate mokoro observations to dramatic predator interactions, the Okavango Delta delivers safari experiences to rival the continent's best.