A Chobe and Okavango Delta safari makes for the perfect combination holiday. If you’re heading over the border for business and are looking to add on a leisure component, or are simply planning your next safari, the GILTEDGE experts recommend considering Botswana safaris and Chobe River cruises.

Best times to visit for a Chobe River safari

One of the many allures of the Chobe River region is that there is a reason to visit in every season. Fortunately for our South African guests, a Chobe River or Okavango Delta safari only involves a short, regional flight over the border, making this magical area a year-round destination.

Many travellers – including seasoned South African bush lovers – mistakenly believe that the only time to head to the bush is in the peak winter season.

But actually, every season offers a special reason to visit.

Here are the best times to visit and what to expect:

The high/dry season from April to October

Game viewing is at its most prolific from April to October. But be sure to book now so you don’t miss out on availability. The peak booking period for the popular dry season includes January and February.

Fishing season from June/August and October

The popular tiger-fishing season runs from April to August. Many anglers also like to catch tiger fish on the run in October and November, as well as throughout the year using a variety of techniques.

Birding season from September to March

Spring signals the arrival of the summer migrants and coincides with the green season.

Green season from November to March

After months of dry weather, the heavens open and the first rains arrive. The green season heralds abundant greenery and new life, with many young birthed in this season.

Best time to visit for an Okavango Delta Safari

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta, like the Chobe region, depends on what experience you’re after. But generally, if you’re dreaming of an epic delta safari, with loads of water and wildlife, then visit during the high-water season from June to October. This is when the waters arrive from the Angola highlands and animals flock to the delta from the dry Kalahari Desert. Expect lush landscapes and plenty of baby animals to ooh and ahh over!

It is important to note that your Okavango Delta stay will vary depending on

• whether you choose a land-based or water-based camp
• time of year you plan on travelling

Ask the GILTEDGE team for their guidance on the best time for you to visit based on your preferred safari experience or where to stay and what to expect if you have your departure dates already lined up.

Read related content: Where to stay in the Okavango: Land vs water-based camps

Why pair them together?

The Chobe and Okavango make a perfect combo package. Why? You’ll benefit from a variety of diverse bush experiences – from the hundreds of elephants swimming across the Chobe River to the bucket-list mokoro (traditional canoe) trips in the Delta. These are two different yet fascinating trips, and fortunately, easily combinable.

What to expect on Chobe River cruises

River safaris offer a truly special way to explore the Chobe National Park and river region, nestled within an area very aptly known as “Africa’s Eden.”

The best way to take in the magic of the Chobe is on a river safari. Hop aboard one of the Zambezi Queen Collection houseboats for the ultimate river safari.

One of the many benefits of a river safari is that the wildlife comes to you. You can relax with a cup of coffee on your private balcony, with a sundowner in the hot tub, or on the top deck eating breakfast while spotting hundreds of elephants crossing the river. For photographers and wildlife lovers, you’ll get the best views of the animals as they drink at the water’s edge, right in front of your camera lens. The Zambezi Queen Collection also offers a specialist custom photography boat for keen photographers and birdwatchers to snap the perfect shot.

For South African travellers (always a little spoilt when it comes to safari experiences!), this is something that is truly set apart and unique.

Special deals for a Chobe River safari

The Zambezi Queen Collection offers special rates for SADC residents. Book now with our all-inclusive special offer for travel up to 30 June 2023. This up to 45% saving on our all-inclusive package lets you completely unwind and enjoy your incredible holiday with accommodation, transfers, meals, drinks, expert guides and safari activities included.

What to expect on Botswana safaris

The magical Okavango Delta, in the north-west of Botswana, is home to some of the world’s most critically endangered mammals, such as the African wild dog, and offers another unique river safari experience thanks to its permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plain. Hop on a traditional mokoro, enjoy fishing and birdwatching, and take to the skies on helicopter tours to admire the wetland wilderness from an entirely new perspective.

The GILTEDGE team highly recommends combining a stay at a water-based camp on one of the islands with a land-lodge in a reserve – giving you two different safari experiences. At water-based camps you can enjoy mokoro and boat safaris all year round. You don’t have to choose either, as many of the Okavango Delta’s camps and lodges offer a combination of both.

Here are just a few of the many wonderful accommodation options on offer:

• For families with older children: Sable Alley in the Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana.
• For families and those looking for an exclusive-use camp: Okavango Explorers Camp in the Selinda Reserve, Botswana. Expect plenty of wildlife sightings.
• For adventurous travellers: the unfenced Duke’s Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.Read more: Inspo for a last-minute sunny escape at Africa’s newest and newly refurbished lodges

It can be overwhelming trying to navigate the wealth of information – and the expanse! – of these two bucket-list bush holidays.

The GILTEDGE team shared some expert tips:

• The diversity of the great Okavango Delta is immense. Ensure you are well informed on your “spoilt for choice” options before travelling. For example: you will find some lodgings in areas with permanent water where an array of activities can be enjoyed such as boating, canoeing and birdwatching. Some lodges offer a lovely combination of water and land activities, maximising the chances of incredible game viewing. The GILTEDGE team can offer guidance based on your preferences.
• Bring binoculars as the birdwatching is spectacular.
• Usually transfers between lodges are in shared light aircraft with limited luggage space – pack lightly!

Read related content: The Ins & Outs of an Okavango Delta Adventure

Don’t delay combining the Chobe and Okavango Delta – ask the GILTEDGE team today for guidance, expert advice and more on booking this memorable bush holiday.