There is so much packed into this itinerary, The different landscapes and wildlife you will see is amazing. This was my 1st solo holiday, I particularly picked it because I wanted to be with a mixed group of couples and solos alike and it worked well for me. There is a lot of travelling involved in this trip but I believe it was worth it to see the landscape change so very much. Motopo national park was so beautiful and we literally crept up on 3 rhinos. The peacefulness of the delta and the milky way was magnificent 👌 (The bushy bushy was something to be desired but I survived)
Okavango Delta Tours
Okavango Delta Holidays
Top 5 Animals to Spot on Okavango Delta Tours
African Elephant: Africa’s largest population of elephants can be found in Botswana, namely the Okavango Delta, however, in the rainyseason the herds migrate. Elephants are integral to the area’s rich ecosystem as they carve out essential channels in the water to allow it flows more freely and provide other animals with open grassland by breaking down trees in the forests. The African elephant is the largest land mammal on the planet, and it has become an iconic symbol of Africa. To see them close up in their natural environment Is a humbling and extraordinary experience.
Hippos: These humungous creatures might be a little scary with their massive gaping mouths that show off their huge teeth, but to see them in the Okavango Delta is incredible. They also play a large part in maintaining the water flow in the Okavango, which is why they’re so vital to the ecosystem. This giant beast can weigh up to a whopping two tonnes but despite their size, they can hit speeds of over 30kph. The reason you’re likely to see hippos submerged in water during the day is because they need to keep cool from the heat. In the evenings when the temperatures have cooled down, they’ll then go onto dry land to graze.
Red Lechwe: Not quite as famous around the world as other African wildlife, the Red lechwe is a colourful antelope found mainly in woodland, swamps and wetlands such as the Okavango Delta. You’ll see them bounding through the river and often lying low in deep water to escape from predators. But when on land, they can reach surprisingly high speeds that they can maintain for long distances, unlike many other land mammals. As well as their speed they’re also very agile which comes in useful when being chased by a predator.
Rhino: The Rhino has certainly earned its status as it can weigh up to a mind-blowing 7,700lbs, with huge horns that can grow up to five feet in length. Next to the African elephant, the rhino is the second largest land mammal and since being reintroduced into the area, the Okavango Delta is one of the few places where you can see the Big Five in Botswana. Despite its hefty size, the rhino can reach speeds of up to 40mph and can be heard thundering across the land.
Wild Dogs: Also known as painted wolves due to their distinctive mottled coats, African wild dogs are often spotted in the Okavango Delta, since much of their natural habitat has been destroyed elsewhere and they have become highly endangered. Unlike domestic dogs, they only have four toes, large ears, and they are found in close-knit packs. They are known for their agility and ruthlessness, which makes them elusive and respected predators in the animal kingdom.
Jeanette Hambrey Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari
Christopher Witt Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge SafariThis trip trys to pack in too much to the time available and therefore fails to deliver the normally high quality experiences that other Exodus trips have done. The only wild dog sitings to be expected (according to the guide upon arrival) are at the rescue centre, much appreciated but not actually on the official itinerary. Chobe is great for wildlife and getting up close to rhinos in Mtobo on foot was a great experience. The wildlife walks in the Okavango Delta likewise were a great way to experience seeing animals rather than from a jeep. Otherwise the Delta element was a bit dissapointing, too much wasted time. The long, hot journeys in a mini bus (AC seemed poor) that was really too small for the group spoilt some of the trip. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans was not handled well, a waste of time that could have been utilised for a longer time at say Hwange. Depite being told of the large lion population the apparent lack of radio communication between jeeps meant we saw none. Another day would have been of benefit. Overall some great wildlife views and Victoria Falls, but the structure of the trip fails.
Sarah Sharkey Victoria Falls to Cape Town – CampingAn excellent overland trip from Vic Falls to Cape Town. The landscape is stunning and diverse (deserts, rivers, bush) and the wildlife opportunities are some of the best I have experienced in Africa. Our group was great and we were very lucky, managed to see the big 5 up-close. The safari guides were excellent at spotting wildlife and knowing when to be patient and sit-tight – we also saw a cheetah kill. It was the amount of animals that was really surprising – a pride of 16 lions. The water holes in Etosha national park are outstanding, some of them are accessible to view on the campsites – you really don’t have to spot the wildlife it comes to you. Camping was very special and comfortable, nearly all of the sites have hot showers, tents are spacious with camp beds and mats. I really recommend camping – you hear all the wildlife around you during the night. Negpi campsite on the Okavango delta is one of the best I think. Great for viewing hippos in dug out canoes. The camping trip was made all the more enjoyable by our guides, Leroy and Jonathan. A huge shout out to them both, they were both knowledgeable, got us from campsite safety on the truck.
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