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One of the world’s largest inland delta and intriguing wildlife destinations, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is Africa’s pristine inland. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it lies in the northwest of Botswana. Deemed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, this delta is a unique wetland with a huge oasis and is home to a huge species of animals and birds. As this Africa’s Garden of Eden is a leading safari destination on the bucket list, one can check the wide variety of accommodations.

About Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta is a unique inland delta as it paves its way into open land and floods the savanna. Generally, most deltas empty themselves in an ocean. As the Okavango river flows into the Kalahari Desert, it comprises three main geographical areas. They are the Panhandle, Drylands, and Delta. With a number of islands, waterways, and lagoons in an antithesis to the desert, the major area, people visit this delta for waterways, dark forests, as well as rich flora and fauna.

Comprising almost 122 species of mammals, 444 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles, and 1300 species of flowering plants, there are plenty of other activities happening as well in the Delta region. Activities such as Mokoro Ride, i.e., Ride in a dug-out-canoe, Speed boat cruises, dinner under the stars, Boma, i.e., night experiences around the bonfire, relaxation in camps, Game Drives make this place a bag of adventure and a rejuvenating retreat. If you are enchanted by wild species, you can encounter wild elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, reedbucks, steenbok, and so many more.

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Accommodation In Okavango Delta

Here the accommodation is in the form of luxury lodges for high-end travelers, whereas tented accommodation is for budget-conscious travelers. One can spend across $150 minimum, which can extend to $4000 depending on the style of accommodations chosen.

  • Basic Camping

This camping comprises a dome tent sufficient for two individuals. It has a sleeping mattress and sleeping bag, although no hot showers or flush toilets come along with it. One has to also take care of cooking and cleaning, which serves exactly as living the nomadic life option.

Price : $150 TO $200

Camps: Botswana Wildlife, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls Safari

  • Standard Camping

This is a slightly privileged version as activities of cooking and cleaning are taken care of. The tents are much bigger and furnished with sleeping cots and the availability of washrooms with warm showers.

Price : $350 to $450

  • Lodge Camping

If living on the edge isn’t your style, lodge camping should be your go-to option. With permanent tented camps, these lodges have facilities according to their ratings ranging till five stars. Nevertheless, they have canvas rooms on decks primarily, proper washroom facilities with hot water, and facilities elevated as per the luxuries.

Price : $350 to $4000

Luxurious Camping & Safari Lodges

Camp Okavango

This is a luxury Okavango Delta accommodation which is located on the Xaranna island and is a secluded lodge on its own island. The rooms are quite spacious, and this place offers year-round water activities such as motorboat or mokoro excursions. It comprises eleven suites, one family room, airstrip and pilot room, fire pits, a swimming pool, a dining room leading to a patio, viewing decks for stargazing at night, and the camping budget starts from $600 to $1060.

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

This luxurious Delta Lodge has been considered one of the best camps in Botswana by Conde Nast. It has quite spacious rooms and chic decor with a beautiful bar, dining room, pizza deck, and oven. Suited for both families with children and couples, this place has adventurous and relaxing activities. Activities such as Game Drive, Mokoro Excursions, Scenic Helicopter Flight, Stargazing, and Cultural Talks add to the uniqueness. Its 10 Bush Pavilions and Luxury Suites are some of the largest in the area.

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

One of the quite remarkable lodges is Eagle Island Lodge which is located on a private island in the Okavango Delta. It has high-ceiling tented rooms, a private pool, a stocked minibar, laundry services, and 24/7 emergency facilities. Also, it arranges various safaris varying accordingly.

Moremi Crossing

One of the largest camps in Okavango Delta is "Moremi Crossing," which is located on a palm-fringed island. It has sixteen ensuite tents, each possessing its veranda. Even though the tents are relatively smaller but are quite comfy yet. The honeymoon tents have a bathtub outside, and the family camps have shared bathrooms. The dining room, bar, and lounges are covered by thatched roofs as well as it has a small curio shop. Activities such as boating, camping, and mokoro are carried over here.

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Standard Camping & Safari Lodges

Tour Camping Program

The Tour camping Program can be chosen with Botswana Wildlife, Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls safari. The tour comprises exploring Johannesburg, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Maun, Okavango Delta, Nata & Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, and so on as chosen. The tour’s camping accommodation comprises bush camping (with no facilities) and also hotel accommodation with basic facilities.

Price: Starts from $172

Tour Duration: 10 Days

Departure: Johannesburg, South Africa

Ending: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Sango Safari Camp

A relatively new safari camp in the Okavango/Moremi, Sango Safari Camp is one of the incredible areas in Botswana. The area in which it is located is home to an array of wild animals and lush vegetation. Having open-air showers, handcrafted furnishings, Meru tents, ensuite washrooms, outside bucket showers, standing fan, bar, plunge pool, and viewing deck. This unique habitat is located on the outskirts of Khwai and bordering Game Reserve.

Budget: Somewhere between Basic To Luxury

Other Camping Options

If one is seeking something affordable, one can consider a camping safari in the Okavango/Moremi or Chobe area, as the costs of transportation and camping are reduced as it is shared. Moreover, there are many affordable options in the Chobe Kasane town area as it is quite an accessible park in Botswana due to its proximity to the town. Chobe Safari Lodge, Kubu Lodge, and Garden Lodge are a few options to be considered.

When To Visit The Okavango Delta

  • The wet season in northern Botswana is from November to April, owing to thunderstorms, rain, as well as bright sunshine and heat.
  • The Green Season, i.e., December to March, is the affordable time to visit the delta, although it's not necessarily the wet season. The delta is waterlogged but quite good for birding and fishing.
  • The Shoulder Season is from April to June and November when crowds are fewer, and the temperature is more bearable. The delta waters start rising gradually from here onwards.
  • The High Season is from July to October when the delta is at its prime glory, and all activities are available.

How To Reach The Okavango Delta

The departure points for Delta are “Maun in the South” and “Kasane in the North.” From these destinations, it is quite feasible to organize both air and self-drive options to camps. Nevertheless, Maun is closer to Delta, and thus, the land transfers are more budget-friendly. From Kasane, it is a little more expensive.