Northern Okavango Delta

The Northern Okavango Delta is the upper portion of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, extending southward from the Okavango Panhandle into the permanently flooded wetlands and private wildlife concessions of the delta. It is one of Africa's most important wetland ecosystems and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta World Heritage Site.



Location

Country: Botswana

Region: Ngamiland District, northern Botswana

Main gateway: Maun

Includes areas around the Panhandle, permanent swamps, lagoons, and concessions such as Jao, Vumbura, Duba, Kwara, and Shinde.

Landscape



The northern delta is characterized by:



Permanent waterways and channels

Papyrus-lined lagoons

Floodplains and reed beds

Palm-covered islands

Seasonal wetlands fed by floodwaters arriving from the Angolan Highlands



Unlike most deltas, the Okavango does not reach the sea. Instead, its waters spread across the Kalahari Basin and gradually evaporate or seep into the sands.



Wildlife



The Northern Okavango supports exceptional wildlife densities, including:



African elephant

Lion

Leopard

African wild dog

Cheetah

Buffalo

Hippopotamus

Nile crocodile

Red lechwe

Sitatunga

Zebra and giraffe



Northern Botswana contains one of Africa's largest elephant populations, with many herds moving through the Okavango, Linyanti, and Chobe ecosystems.



Birdlife



More than 480 bird species have been recorded, including:



Pel's fishing owl

Wattled crane

Slaty egret

African skimmer

Fish eagle

Lesser jacana



The wet season (November–March) is especially rewarding for birdwatching.



Safari Activities



The Northern Okavango is famous for:



Mokoro excursions

Motorboat safaris

Game drives

Walking safaris

Birdwatching

Scenic flights over the delta



Many northern concessions offer both land- and water-based activities due to the presence of perennial channels such as the Maunachira River.



Best Time to Visit

May–October: Peak safari season with excellent wildlife viewing.

June–August: Annual floodwaters reach the delta, creating spectacular water landscapes.

November–March: Green season with migrant birds, lush scenery, and lower visitor numbers.



The Northern Okavango Delta is widely regarded as the most water-rich and scenic section of the delta, combining classic mokoro safaris, permanent waterways, abundant wildlife, and some of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps.