Okavango Delta, Botswana: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Okavango Delta, Botswana? If you're planning to go to Okavango Delta, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Okavango Delta, Botswana

Based on the climate and weather in Okavango Delta, Botswana, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Okavango Delta, Botswana

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Okavango Delta, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Okavango Delta, Botswana by month

January

If you visit Okavango Delta during January, you are likely to find that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

Traveling to Okavango Delta in February, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

March in Okavango Delta can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

April

If you vacation in Okavango Delta during April, you will probably see that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

May

If you visit Okavango Delta during May, you may notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you go to Okavango Delta in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

July

If you vacation in Okavango Delta during July, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

August

August in Okavango Delta is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you vacation in Okavango Delta during September, you are likely to see that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to find the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October here is unbearably hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November for Okavango Delta can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you pick the correct type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

December

December here is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Okavango Delta may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most sought-after destinations in Africa, gaining popularity as a top tourist hotspot. The Delta region is a remarkable wetland area that spreads over 17,000 square kilometers and is renowned for its rich wildlife, unique landscape, rich culture, and abundance of activities for visitors.

Here are the top tourist attractions in the Okavango Delta, which every tourist should add to their itinerary:

1. Wildlife Safaris

The Okavango Delta is home to some of the world's finest wildlife reserves and parks, providing opportunities to spot the “Big Five” - lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. The delta is a sanctuary for various other species such as sable antelopes, impalas, cheetahs, hippos, and countless bird species in the delta's lush vegetation.

2. Mokoro Safaris

A unique and authentic Okavango Delta experience is gliding through the crystal-clear waterways in a traditional dugout canoe, a "Mokoro." This mode of transport allows visitors to explore the Delta's hidden channels and waterways, where they can soak up the stunning scenery, animal sightings, and bird watching.

3. Cultural Tours

The Okavango Delta is rich in cultural heritage, and visitors are welcome to explore local communities and appreciate their way of life. Tourists can witness the traditional dance, music, and storytelling from the native people of the Delta such as the Bayei and the San Bushmen. They can also visit the local markets to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.

4. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon safaris provide tourists with a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing them a bird's eye view of the Okavango Delta's breathtaking landscapes. During the flight, visitors can appreciate vast waterways, the lush vegetation, and the wildlife roaming freely over the sprawling plains of the Delta.

5. Game Drives

Visitors can also take game drives by 4x4 vehicles to navigate through the vast plains of the Delta, providing an opportunity to spot wildlife up close, including some of the predators known for making their homes within the region's labyrinthine channels.

In conclusion, the Okavango Delta offers an unbeatable tourist destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who enjoys exotic and adventurous experiences. There are plenty of reasons to visit the Okavango Delta, and with these top tourist attractions, visitors can be assured of a memorable and exciting experience in this magnificent African wilderness.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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