Question 1

Where does a visit to the Okavango Delta begin?

Accepted Answer

For most travellers,  Maun  is the starting point for a visit to the Okavango Delta. Almost all activities depart from Maun, including scenic flights, mokoro trips, boat safaris and fly-in safaris to exclusive lodges in the delta.  Even when you are taking a self-drive through Botswana, Maun is the ideal place to stay for a few nights before continuing towards Moremi, Khwai or the Central Kalahari.

Question 2

Is a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta worth it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, if we had to choose one activity that gives you a completely different perspective on Botswana, it would be a  flight over the Okavango Delta . It is only from the air that you can truly see how vast the area really is. Winding waterways, thousands of tiny islands, herds of elephants and hippos that are barely visible from the ground make this one of the most impressive flights you can take in Africa.

Question 3

What is a mokoro?

Accepted Answer

A  mokoro  is a traditional narrow canoe originally made from a hollowed-out tree trunk. Today, most mokoros are made from sustainable fibreglass to protect nature. During a mokoro trip, a local guide silently poles you through the shallow waterways of the Okavango Delta with a long pole.  Because you move through the landscape almost silently, you experience the delta in a completely different way than during a game drive. You discover small birds, frogs, water lilies and tracks of larger wildlife that you could easily miss from a vehicle. We therefore highly recommend a mokoro trip when you are staying in Maun.

Question 4

Is the Okavango Delta suitable for a self-drive?

Accepted Answer

The delta itself consists largely of water and is therefore not accessible by car. However, you can easily book activities from Maun or opt for a fly-in safari to a lodge in the heart of the delta. If you combine the Okavango with a self-drive through Botswana, areas such as  Moremi Game Reserve  and  Khwai Community Area  make a wonderful addition, allowing you to drive yourself while also benefiting from the delta's proximity.

Question 5

When is the Okavango Delta at its most beautiful?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you want to experience.  The annual flood usually reaches the delta between   June and August . Large parts of the area are then under water, and this is when mokoro trips and boat safaris are at their best. Temperatures are also still fairly pleasant during this period. September and October can be very hot. But even outside the period from June to August,  the Okavango remains a fantastic destination, with the combination of water, wildlife and seasonal changes offering a different experience time and again.

Question 6

Why visit the Okavango Delta with Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

The Okavango Delta is much larger and more diverse than many travellers expect. That is precisely why we are happy to help you make the right choices. Will you opt for a self-drive and add a scenic flight or a mokoro trip, or would you prefer to stay in the heart of the delta on a fly-in safari?  Thanks to our own travel experience and our local partners, we can put together an itinerary that suits your available time, travel style and budget.  We also remain available via WhatsApp throughout your trip for practical questions, tips or help along the way. This ensures you can make the most of one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural areas.