Game Drives in Okavango Delta

Game drives in the Okavango Delta offer some of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife viewing, featuring a mix of open 4×4 vehicles, walking, and mokoro (dugout canoe) trips to explore varied habitats from June to October. The best game viewing is during the dry season (June-October), when animals concentrate around the floodwaters.

Game Drive Highlights & Types

 

  • 4×4 Open Vehicles: Conducted at dawn and dusk to find big cats, elephants, and wild dogs.
  • Night Drives: Available in private concessions (e.g., Khwai, Selinda) to see nocturnal species like leopards, servals, and aardwolves.
  • Off-Roading: Private concessions allow vehicles to go off-road to follow predators, unlike national parks.
  • Walking Safaris: Offered at many camps, providing a unique ground-level perspective.
  • Land & Water Camps: Many camps (like in Vumbura Reserve) provide a combination of 4×4 drives, mokoro, and boating.

Seasonality for Game Drives

  • Peak Season (July – October): Highest water levels, dry conditions, and best game visibility.
  • Dry Season (June): Vegetation begins to thin, making predator spotting easier.
  • Shoulder Season (April – May): Floodwaters arrive, lush scenery, fewer tourists.
  • Green Season (Nov – April): Lower prices, newborn animals, and exceptional birding, though some roads may be inaccessible.