Botswana

Okavango Delta

The largest inland delta in the world is home to its own special kind of magic. The islands and waterways, marshes and forests form one of the most pristine wilderness areas you’re likely to ever find in the world. It’s that sense of remoteness, coupled with the wildlife riches and the assured warmth of the lodges, that makes the Delta one of Africa’s most loved destinations.

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An experience unique to the Delta is a morning spent gliding along flooded channels by mokoro, the dugout canoe used by generations for transport in a region where there are many more rivers than roads. Though traditionally carved from a single tree trunk, at Xigera Safari Lodge an innovative glass-bottomed mokoro – constructed from sturdy fibre-glass – allows for incredible views of the Delta both above and below. Pushed silently (without the hinderance of an engine) along the waterways by experienced polers, it’s the only boat of its kind in the Okavango, revealing a unique, eye-level perspective of the shyest (and often biggest) animals in the kingdom.  

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Reasons to travel to Okavango Delta

  • Flying over the Delta is an unforgettable experience
  • The quiet thrill of a mokoro ride
  • The sense of genuine wilderness

Scintilla’s Delights

Treat yourself to the best experiences Okavango Delta has to offer.

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Take to the skies in a helicopter

The very best way to appreciate the mind-boggling vastness and the sheer diversity of Botswana is from above, so if you’re looking for things to do, a helicopter flight is perhaps the most rewarding of them all. From high up in the air, appreciate the intricate patchwork of the Okavango Delta, swoop over the rivers of the Linyanti, and perhaps even spot lion lazing on the sands of the Kalahari. For keen photographers, there’s a ‘doors off’ experience, allowing for maximum visibility and photo-taking capabilities (tighten those seatbelts) and many camps offer a great deal of flexibility in timings, from the length of the flight to the time of day. Depart from Chief’s Camp and head west to the permanent enclave for year-round excellent views or depart from Xigera.

Sleep under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Pans
Sleep under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Pans

A 5-night adventure of epic proportions.

Botswana Living Art & Design Tour
Botswana Living Art & Design Tour

Join a guide on an insightful and informative journey around Xigera Lodge

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Experiences in Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta offers an impressive range of unbelievable things to do.

Great Plains Expeditions
Great Plains Expeditions
Tsodilo Hills by Helicopter
Tsodilo Hills by Helicopter
Botswana for Young Explorers
Botswana for Young Explorers
Skybeds in Khwai
Skybeds in Khwai
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Where to stay in Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta has some world-class accommodation options. 

Gomoti Plains
Gomoti Plains
Xigera
Xigera
Machaba
Machaba
Shinde
Shinde
Sanctuary Chiefs Camp
Sanctuary Chiefs Camp
Ghoha Hills
Ghoha Hills
Camp Maru
Camp Maru

Other destinations in Botswana

This country of desert and Delta has an incredible bounty of riches. These places are our best of the best.

Kalahari

Kalahari

Chobe

Chobe

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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