The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations. In this vast inland delta, floodwaters from the Angolan highlands transform a corner of arid Botswana into a watery paradise. Its unique ecology means that not all camps offer the same type of experience. When planning a safari that includes time in the Okavango Delta, it is helpful to understand the differences between Dry camps, Wet camps, and those Dry/Wet camps that offer a mix of both.
Dry Camps – Classic Game Viewing
Dry camps are located in parts of the Delta that remain mostly dry, allowing for land-based activities even during peak flood months. These camps focus on traditional safari activities such as:
- Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicles
- Night drives (in private concessions)
- Walking safaris, often led by expert local guides
Wildlife viewing is typically excellent around these camps, particularly during the dry season when animals gather around remaining water sources. Expect sightings of elephants, big cats, antelope, and more – all against a backdrop of golden grasslands and acacia woodland.
Dry camps are best suited to:
- Classic safari-goers seeking big game
- Photographers wanting close-up land-based encounters
- Guests travelling during low flood years
Wet Camps – Water-Based Exploration
Wet camps, on the other hand, are set in permanent swamps or on islands surrounded by seasonal floodplains. These camps offer a completely different experience, centred around the Delta’s shimmering waterways. Activities typically include:
- Mokoro excursions (traditional dugout canoe trips)
- Motorboat safaris through channels and lagoons
- Birding, especially rewarding for rare and endemic species
While large mammal sightings can be less frequent than in dry camps, the peace and tranquillity of gliding silently past lilies and reeds, spotting kingfishers and sitatunga, offers something truly special.
Wet camps are best suited to:
- Guests looking to experience the Delta’s aquatic beauty
- Bird enthusiasts
- Those returning to the Delta for a fresh perspective
Dry/Wet Camps – The Best of Both Worlds
Many camps in the Delta are located in transitional zones, where floodwaters rise and fall with the season, allowing them to offer both land and water activities. These mixed camps are incredibly popular, especially during high-water months (typically June to September), when mokoro trips and boat safaris are possible alongside game drives.
At these camps, your daily rhythm might involve a morning game drive followed by an afternoon on the water – or vice versa. This flexibility makes mixed camps ideal for travellers wanting a fuller Delta experience.
Dry/wet camps are best suited to:
- First-time visitors wanting a varied safari
- Families or groups with different interests
- Those travelling in peak season when both activities are available
- Those with limited time, who want to experience as much as possible in a short space of time
When to Go and What to Choose
The choice between dry, wet, or mixed camps often comes down to timing and personal interest. The Delta’s floodwaters usually arrive between April and May, peaking in June and July, and slowly recede through to October. However, water levels can vary from year to year.
- April to August: Ideal for mixed and wet camps – peak water levels
- September to November: Better for dry camps as floodwaters recede and wildlife concentrates
- December to March: Green season – lush landscapes, fewer crowds, some camps close due to rain
Need Help Deciding?
We know the Okavango Delta very well and can help match you with the right camps for the season and your style of travel. Whether you’re after predator action, peaceful mokoro moments, or a bit of both, we’ll tailor your itinerary to make the most of this ever-changing wilderness.
