Choosing the best time to visit the Okavango Delta can make a big difference to your safari experience. Unlike many safari destinations, the Okavango Delta is shaped by seasonal floodwaters rather than rainfall alone, creating dramatic changes in landscape, wildlife movement and safari activities throughout the year.
This guide explains the Okavango Delta seasons month by month, helping you decide when to travel based on wildlife viewing, water levels, weather and overall safari experience — especially if you are considering a mobile safari with Wild Africa Safaris.
Understanding the Okavango Delta Seasons
The Okavango Delta experiences two main seasons: – Dry Season (May to October) – Green / Wet Season (November to April) Each season offers unique advantages, and there is no single bad time to visit — only different experiences.
Dry Season (May to October): Peak Safari Experience
The dry season is widely regarded as the best time to visit the Okavango Delta for classic wildlife viewing.
What Makes This Season Special
- Annual floodwaters arrive from Angola
- Animals concentrate around permanent water sources
- Vegetation is thinner, improving visibility
- Cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall
Wildlife Highlights
- Large elephant and buffalo herds
- Excellent predator sightings (lion, leopard, cheetah)
- High chances of spotting African wild dogs
Best Activities
- Game drives
- Mokoro safaris
- Walking safaris
- Boat cruises in deeper channels
This is the ideal season for travelers wanting iconic safari photography and high wildlife density.
Green Season (November to April): Lush Landscapes & Fewer Crowds
The green season, also known as the wet season, transforms the Delta into a vibrant landscape of fresh grass, wildflowers and dramatic skies.
Why Travel During the Green Season
- Fewer visitors and more exclusive sightings
- Lower safari rates
- Beautiful scenery and sunsets
- Peak birding season with migratory species
Wildlife Highlights
- Baby animals and breeding behavior
- Active predators
- Exceptional birdlife
Rain usually falls in short afternoon showers and rarely disrupts safari activities.
Month-by-Month Overview
January – March
- Peak green season
- Excellent birding
- Warm temperatures
- Lush scenery and newborn wildlife
April
- Transition month
- Rainfall decreases
- Wildlife viewing improves
- Excellent value period
May – June
- Floodwaters arrive
- Cooler temperatures
- Start of peak safari season
- Ideal for mokoro experiences
July – September
- Prime safari months
- Best overall wildlife viewing
- Dry conditions and cool mornings
October
- Hot and dry
- Animals concentrate around water
- Excellent predator sightings
November – December
- First rains arrive
- Landscape turns green
- Fewer visitors and dramatic skies
Best Time for Mobile Safaris in the Okavango Delta
Mobile safaris offer the advantage of flexibility, allowing camps to move with the seasons and wildlife movements.
At Wild Africa Safaris, we position our mobile camps in prime wildlife areas throughout the year, ensuring optimal game viewing regardless of season. This flexibility makes mobile safaris one of the best ways to experience the Okavango Delta.
Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta for Different Travelers
- First-time safari travelers: May to September
- Photographers: July to October for wildlife, January to March for landscapes
- Birdwatchers: November to March
- Budget-conscious travelers: April and green season months
So, When Is the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta?
The truth is, the best time to visit the Okavango Delta depends on what you want to experience. From peak wildlife viewing in the dry season to lush scenery and birdlife in the green season, the Delta delivers exceptional safaris year-round.
By choosing a mobile safari with Wild Africa Safaris, you gain the flexibility to experience the Delta at its best — no matter when you travel.
Plan your Okavango Delta safari with Wild Africa Safaris and let our expert team create the perfect seasonal safari tailored to your interests.
