Planning a Wildlife Safari in Botswana – Okavango Delta: Costs, Timing, and Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

Okavango Delta on a Budget: Botswana Safari Planning Guide (Costs, Timing & Safety)

By WildlifeLens — August 2025

The Okavango Delta features winding channels, palm-dotted islands, and floodplains rich in wildlife. While it is known for high-end safari camps, it is also possible to explore the Delta on a budget without compromising safety or the quality of wildlife sightings. This guide provides information on planning an affordable trip, the best times to visit, recommended packing, cost-saving strategies, and essential safety tips for first-time travelers.

Image Credit: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Why Visit the Okavango Delta on a Budget

The Okavango Delta hosts diverse wildlife across extensive wetlands formed by seasonal floods on the Kalahari sands. Elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelope, and predators are commonly observed in these areas. For additional information, see the Botswana Tourism overview and the UNESCO World Heritage Site entry for the Delta.

Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta

The Delta’s conditions are influenced by local rains and the annual flood pulse from Angola. Travelers can consider the following:

• June–October (Dry season & peak flood): Cooler mornings, warmer afternoons, reduced vegetation, and concentrated wildlife near permanent water. Prices and occupancy are higher during this period.
• November–March (Green season): Local rains create lush scenery and attract migratory birds. Wildlife is more dispersed, but prices are lower and availability improves.
• April–May (Shoulder season): Transitional months with fewer visitors. Water levels rise in many areas, offering moderate pricing and activity options.

Budget-conscious travelers may prefer the green or shoulder seasons. For consistent water-based activities and traditional wildlife viewing, the dry season is ideal, but early booking is recommended.

This video provides an overview of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, showing typical wildlife sightings and landscapes for visitors on self-drive safaris. Elephants, lions, and other species are observed in their natural environment, illustrating why Botswana is a popular safari destination.

Budget-Friendly Costs for the Okavango Delta

Costs depend on accommodation, transport, and activities. Approximate ranges for planning are:

• Accommodation: Budget to mid-range camps or lodges cost roughly US$120–US$350 per person per night. Community-run camps and self-catering mobile safaris may be lower.
• Park/concession fees: Fees vary by location. Confirm current rates with the Department of Wildlife & National Parks or your chosen camp.
• Transport: Road transfers are less expensive; light aircraft transfers are faster and often necessary for deep-Delta camps. A combination can balance cost and convenience.
• Activities: Shared game drives are commonly included. Mokoro excursions or boat cruises may have modest supplements.
• Meals: Fully inclusive camps cover meals; self-catering trips require budgeting for groceries and essentials.

Tip: Combining 2–3 nights in the Delta with 2–3 nights in Maun or Moremi/Khwai can reduce overall costs without compromising wildlife viewing.

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Travel in shoulder or green season: Lower rates and fewer visitors.
• Shared activities: Group game drives and mokoro trips are less expensive than private options.
• Value concessions: Areas near Moremi/Khwai and community-run concessions often provide good wildlife viewing at lower prices.
• Minimize light-aircraft legs: Plan your route to reduce multiple flights.
• Choose reputable mid-range operators: Look for transparent pricing and included activities.
• Book early or last-minute: Early bookings secure the best rooms; flexible travelers may find late deals.

Getting There and Around

Gateway: Most travelers fly into Maun and transfer by road or light aircraft to camps. Combining Maun with Kasane can provide diverse safari experiences.

Road vs. Air: Road access is possible to Delta edges and nearby reserves; deep-Delta islands usually require light aircraft transfers.

Tip: Overland transfers between Kasane and Chobe lodges can reduce flight costs if combining with the Delta.

Typical Delta Activities

• Mokoro excursions: Canoe trips through reed channels for bird and antelope sightings. Availability depends on water levels.
• Game drives: Morning and afternoon drives offer chances to see elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife.
• Boat cruises: Motorboat trips extend coverage in deeper channels during peak flood.
• Guided walks: Seasonal and guided; provide information about tracks, plants, and smaller species.
• Photographic hides: Some areas have hides near waterholes for low-angle photography—check with your camp.

Sample 5-Day Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Maun, transfer to a budget-focused camp on the Delta edge; afternoon game drive.
Day 2: Morning mokoro (if available), afternoon game drive.
Day 3: Full-day game viewing or split drives; optional community visit.
Day 4: Transfer to another camp or community site near Moremi/Khwai; sunset drive.
Day 5: Morning game drive; return to Maun.

Variation: Pair 2–3 nights in the Delta with 2–3 nights in Chobe via Kasane to combine wetland and riverfront wildlife experiences efficiently.

Safety Guidelines for First-Time Travelers

• Respect wildlife distance: Do not approach animals unless on a guided walk. Follow your guide’s instructions.
• Stay in vehicles: Only exit where guided tours allow.
• After dark: Use camp escorts if provided; animals may move through camps at night.
• Hydration and sun protection: Drink water frequently, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.
• Malaria precautions: Northern Botswana may be malarial. Consult a healthcare professional, use repellent, and wear long sleeves in the evening.
• Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering bush flights and medical evacuation.

Consult the Department of Wildlife & National Parks for official guidance. Trusted travel resources such as Lonely Planet are useful for pre-trip planning.

Essential Packing List

• Neutral clothing (quick-dry shirts, long pants, warm layer for mornings)
• Comfortable closed shoes; sandals for camp
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
• Insect repellent and any prescribed medication
• Soft-sided duffel for light aircraft, small daypack
• Reusable water bottle; optional electrolyte sachets
• Binoculars; camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, pain relief)
• Headlamp or small torch

Booking Tips for Budget Tours

• Confirm inclusions: Check if park fees, activities, and transfers are included; compare like-for-like.
• Check water levels: Confirm availability of mokoro or boat activities for your dates.
• Consider mobile safaris: Semi-participation or serviced mobile trips can provide value and good guiding.
• Read recent reviews: Look for consistent reports on wildlife sightings, guide quality, and safety from verified sources.
• Support community and conservation: Camps benefiting local communities may enhance cultural experiences.

Summary

Visiting the Okavango Delta on a budget is achievable. Traveling in value seasons, using shared activities, planning transport efficiently, and booking reputable operators allow for safe, wildlife-focused trips without luxury costs. Start with guidance from Botswana Tourism and verify fees with the Department of Wildlife & National Parks. Careful planning ensures a complete safari experience while staying within a budget.