The Okavango Delta is one of the most mesmerizing safari destinations in Africa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where seasonal floodwaters create an oasis of life in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. But for many first-time safari-goers, questions about the Delta’s flooding, water source, and wildlife impact can be confusing.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about this iconic ecosystem — including when to visit, how it floods, and why it matters for your safari.

What Is the Okavango Delta — and Where Does Its Water Come From?

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta located in northern Botswana, unlike any other on Earth. What makes it unique? It doesn’t flow into the ocean. Instead, the Okavango River spills into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, spreading out into a lush web of lagoons, channels, and islands teeming with life.

💧 The water that floods the Delta doesn’t come from Botswana at all — it travels over 1,000 kilometers from the Angolan Highlands, arriving months after the rains fall there.

So the floodwaters you see in May to August actually come from rain that fell in January–March hundreds of miles away!

Water activity at the Okavango Delta, 2025.

📅 When Does the Okavango Delta Flood?

The Okavango Delta floods every year, but it might not happen when you expect.

Flood season: The waters typically arrive in May, peak in June–July, and start to recede around September.
Dry season (October–April): Less water, but still incredible game viewing — especially in drier zones where animals cluster around permanent water sources.

This seasonal flooding is called the "great flood", and it creates a dramatic shift in both the landscape and wildlife behavior.

🤝 For a look at the Delta when it floods, watch our video of Tubu Tree.

How Much of the Okavango Delta Floods?

Each year, around 11,000 square kilometers of the Delta are flooded at its peak — that’s about the size of Jamaica. The floodwaters transform dry floodplains into a watery paradise, opening up boating safaris, mokoro (dugout canoe) adventures, and bringing life to previously dry regions.

Is It Safe to Visit the Okavango Delta?

Absolutely. The Delta is one of the most sought-after luxury safari destinations in the world. Camps are remote, expertly run, and built with conservation and safety in mind. Flood season doesn't mean danger — it means adventure.

In fact, many travelers prefer to visit during flood season (June–August), when the lush green landscapes, birdlife, and water-based safaris are at their most magical.

Curious what to pack? See our Ultimate Safari Packing Guide or Packing for Kids on Safari if you're bringing the whole family.

🌱 What Are the Environmental Challenges in the Okavango Delta?

Like many fragile ecosystems, the Delta faces pressures:

Water management and potential upstream dam construction in Angola and Namibia
Climate change, which may shift rainfall patterns
Poaching and land use conflict in surrounding areas

The good news? Much of the Delta is protected, and many camps — including those we work with — focus on low-impact, conservation-first travel. If you’re interested into learning more about this, check out our blog post Sustainable Safaris: Travel with a Purpose

Okavango Delta water activity, 2025.

Why the Flood Matters for Your Safari

The flood isn’t just water. It’s life. It shapes animal migration patterns, determines where you can boat or walk, and creates that ethereal beauty the Okavango is known for.

From the glassy calm of a mokoro ride through papyrus reeds, to hippos grunting beside your lodge, the flood transforms every part of the safari experience.

Ready to Explore the Okavango Delta?

Whether you want to visit during the green season or the height of the flood, we’ll help you choose the best time for the experiences you’re dreaming of.

📩 Start planning your safari — and let’s make the Okavango part of your story.

The Okavango Delta Flood Explained: What, When & Why It Matters for Your Safari