Okavango Delta, Botswana: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Okavango Delta, Botswana? If you're planning to go to Okavango Delta, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Okavango Delta
- Important essentials for Okavango Delta
- Activities for Okavango Delta
- Okavango Delta in January: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in February: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in March: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in April: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in May: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in June: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in July: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in August: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in September: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in October: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in November: weather and what to pack
- Okavango Delta in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Okavango Delta, Botswana
Based on the climate and weather in Okavango Delta, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Okavango Delta, Botswana
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Okavango Delta, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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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.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one should work in most countries, but check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Okavango Delta, Botswana by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
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Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
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Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
February
In February, Okavango Delta is really hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Okavango Delta, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
March
If you go to Okavango Delta in March, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
April
April here can be very hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
May
If you vacation in Okavango Delta during May, you will probably find that it is hot 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
June
If you visit Okavango Delta during June, you will probably notice 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 once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
July
July in this region is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
August
August 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
September
If you vacation in Okavango Delta during September, you may find that it can be sweltering 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:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
October
October here is sizzling 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:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and to provide UV protection.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created for cooling:
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring additional, since these get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
November
If you visit Okavango Delta during November, you are likely to notice that it can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to cool you:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
December
If you visit Okavango Delta during December, you are likely to notice 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 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
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