The Okavango Delta is certainly Botswana’s most famous attraction. If you visit Botswana, it’s often to see this delta.
This inland delta is the largest in the world and is about the size of Brittany. Roughly half of the delta is a nature reserve.
Geographical Location of the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta marks the end of the Okavango River, which flows into the Kalahari Desert. The river originates in Angola, passes through Namibia, and takes on its distinctive fan shape in Botswana.
How to Get There
From Gaborone
If you’re coming from Botswana’s capital or directly from South Africa, take the A1 toward Francistown, the country’s second-largest city. After Serowe, you have two options: take the A30 toward Orapa or continue on the A1 to Francistown.
Route from Serowe
Once you reach Orapa via the A30, continue toward the A3 junction, passing Rakops and the Makgadikgadi Pans. Then, stay on the A3 to reach Maun. Maun is Botswana’s fourth-largest city, with plenty of accommodation options.
Northern Delta
If you want to visit the northern Okavango, it’s recommended to continue toward Lake Ngami, then switch routes to Shakawe and the A31 toward Namibia. Continue to Mohembo Bridge to cross the Okavango.
Southern Delta
To reach the southern delta, turn right at the roundabout in Maun and continue toward Shorobe and the Moremi Reserve.
Route from Francistown
Once you arrive in Francistown via the A1, take the exit toward “Maun” and the A3. You’ll reach Maun by passing north of Gweta and the Makgadikgadi Pans. Then, follow the various routes mentioned above to reach the Okavango Delta.
From Ghanzi
If you’re coming from Ghanzi, the Kalahari, or Windhoek in Namibia, take the A3 north toward Maun. After several kilometers, you’ll reach D’Kar, the last town in the Ghanzi district. In this village, farms are established. Shortly after changing districts, you’ll pass by Lake Ngami. The A31 toward Shakawe is located near the lake. To reach Maun, continue on the A3, then follow the route to the southern delta.
Places to Visit in the Okavango Delta
Moremi Game Reserve
If you want to experience the Okavango Delta in all its splendor, this is the reserve to visit. It’s where most of the delta’s islands are located. You’ll find animals like termites, crocodiles, zebras, lions, elephants, antelopes, and hippos.
Maun
This city isn’t very touristy, apart from a museum and a national park, but it serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
The name Maun comes from the San word Maung, meaning “place of short reeds.” Around 1920, the city was known for its Wild West atmosphere due to its desert location and isolation from other towns—just a few houses and a bar for the brave souls who traveled 500 kilometers across the Kalahari. Today, 50,000 people live here. As mentioned, the city has a museum and a nature reserve. The Nhabe Museum, opened in 1994, is home to the Tshomarelo Conservation Society.
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