Botswana is undoubtedly a bucket list destination and if you go, you must visit the Okavango Delta. Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Kalahari’, it seems extraordinary that it exists at all. The Okavango Delta is a thriving wetland fanning out into the arid Kalahari Desert – it’s a phenomenon caused by rainfall from the Angolan Highlands. The flood peaks between June and August, during Botswana’s dry winter months, when the delta swells to three times its permanent size, attracting animals from miles around and creating Africa’s largest oasis and one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife.

Before I visited Botswana, I didn’t quite appreciate the vast areas you need to cover to get to the Okavango Delta.

1. Flights do not run on a set schedule: Most travellers have to first get to Maun Airport – know as the ‘gateway to the Okavango Delta’. Most camps and safari lodges are accessed by a short charter flight from Maun. But these flights do not run on a set schedule. The departure and arrival times are only set the day before.
2. It’s a bit like a bus: a flying, posh bus. To keep fares affordable, transfers are booked on a seat only basis on shared charter flights. They can stop at up to three other safari camps before you reach your destination.
3. There’s a strict weight limit: There’s a strict 20kg bag limit per passenger, including hand luggage. So bear this in mind when you are packing at home.
4. There’s a curfew: Pilots cannot fly at night because these tiny airport runways don’t have lights. So bear this in mind if your flight lands in Maun after 6pm, as your connecting charter flight is unlikely to leave for your safari lodge until the next morning. Bear this in mind when booking your internal journeys. When I visited, I caught a 5pm flight, but after dropping off several other tourists before our final destination, it was close to 6pm and starting to get dark. So our pilot Letso had to stay overnight at our camp and fly the next morning. I can think of worse things 😉.

Travelling to Botswana and the Okavango Delta is an adventure of a lifetime. By following these travel tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!