In the north, the Okavango Delta Game Reserve is the lifeblood of Botswana. It's many lagoons and channels draw massive herds of elephants, huge concentrations of game, and other wildlife and birds. A blend of pans, marshlands, reed banks, forests of giant acacia trees, and mopane woodlands, the Okavango is arguably the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa, protected and preserved for the benefit of wildlife and tourism. It achieves a delightful balance of both. An Okavango Delta Botswana safari is an unforgettable experience.

The Okavango Delta, often referred to as the 'jewel' of the Kalahari, is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin. The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola and flows southeast into the Kalahari. Once there, it spreads out into a delta formation. The Okavango River delta, or 'Okavango Delta' as it's usually known, is undoubtedly one of Africa's top safari areas. It covers over 15,000km² with a lush water-wilderness of papyrus swamps, shallow reed-beds, and floodplains, dotted with islands and laced with a network of channels.

In 2014 UNESCO officially recognized the Okavango Delta Game Reserve in Botswana as its 1,000th World Heritage Site. The recognition puts it alongside iconic places such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge, and the Great Wall, to name a few.

The Okavango Delta Safari with Ker & Downey

Incredible and exclusive game viewing experiences like nowhere else on earth exist here. During your Botswana Okavango Delta safari, you'll glide effortlessly through the delta in a mokoro canoe. Or rather, explore the delta exclusively with a private game guide in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. For the more adventurous one can always head off on a walking safari lead by excellent guides. Ker & Downey offers the best of luxury safaris in Botswana. After all, our roots began here. Private, exclusive, and downright adventurous, imagine watching a pride of lions for hours without seeing another human being until returning to camp that night. This is a safari in the Okavango Delta with Ker & Downey.

Choosing Where To Stay on an Okavango Delta Safari

The Okavango Delta is home to a myriad of safari properties for every kind of traveler. Whether you seek the creature comforts of a high end luxury lodge or the charm of a more rustic tented camp, there is something for every type of traveler here. Some of our favorites include Shinde, Kanana, and Duba Plains Camp, but many more options are available.

For classic Okavango Delta safari charm, Shinde offers a timeless experience on a palm-fringed island in the northern reaches of the delta. Overlooking Shinde Lagoon, the camp is surrounded by permanent waterways and open floodplains rich in wildlife year-round.

The classically styled elevated safari tents feature en suite bathrooms and private decks with expansive delta views. Moreover, the central treehouse-style lounge and dining area creates a welcoming space to relax between activities.

Guests enjoy a full range of experiences including mokoro excursions, boating, guided walks, and open-vehicle game drives. With its prime location and diverse activities, Shinde is indeed ideal for travelers seeking authentic luxury safaris in Botswana.

Set within a private concession on the Xudum River, Kanana delivers a serene Okavango Delta safari immersed in water and wildlife. Thoughtfully positioned for privacy, the spacious tents each offer en suite facilities and tranquil views of the surrounding delta landscape.

Seasonal floods transform the area into a haven for birdlife, antelope, and predators. Activities include mokoro trips, boating, game drives, guided walks, and fishing, depending on water levels.

A signature highlight is the open-air sleep-out deck, allowing guests to spend a night beneath the stars. Kanana undoubtedly appeals to travelers seeking relaxed luxury safaris in Botswana with an emphasis on nature and solitude.

For those seeking iconic wildlife and refined luxury in particular, Duba Plains Camp is a legendary Okavango Delta safari destination set within a vast private concession known for exceptional predator encounters.

The camp blends classic safari elegance with contemporary comfort, evoking the romance of early African exploration. Elevated suites feature private verandas, plunge pools, and sweeping views of floodplains and palm islands.

Game drives reveal prolific wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, elephants, and red lechwe throughout the year. Seasonal boating and mokoro excursions offer additional perspectives of the delta’s waterways. All in all, Duba Plains defines the pinnacle of luxury safaris in Botswana for travelers seeking exclusivity and extraordinary game viewing.

Book an Okavango Delta Safari

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Okavango Delta with Ker & Downey's expertly crafted luxury Okavango Delta safari experiences. Witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, traverse crystal-clear waterways, and indulge in luxury accommodations amidst the wilderness. Embark on an adventure of a lifetime by contacting us. In the meantime, let's get social. We post daily travel inspiration on Facebook and Instagram. Join the conversation and let us know where you're traveling to next!