The remoteness of the Okavango Delta means that some of the areas are difficult to access. Most of the lodges and camps can only be accessed by light aircraft and in some cases a boat. These are the only two ways to get to where you are going.

Taking a helicopter ride over the magnificent Okavango Delta is an exciting way to travel, they can fly lower to the ground than light aircraft. A helicopter flight offers stunning views over the landscape below and views the wildlife from above. They are a great option to reach remote and otherwise inaccessible locations with more flexibility with their landing locations and can work their way around many waterways, islands, and flood plains.

Jeep 4x4s are one of the most popular safari vehicles in the Okavango, they can easily navigate the diverse terrain of the Delta and are used to transport visitors to and from their camps and lodges and take you on game drives.

Boats are used quite frequently in the Okavango Delta as it is flooded for around six months of the year. Transportation to and from your safari camp or lodge may require a boat. These boats allow passengers to enjoy a scenic ride through the channels of the mighty Delta with unobstructed views of wildlife in the water and along the banks.

The Okavango Delta is considered a safe destination to visit. Botswana is one of the safest destinations in Africa, and one of the most traveler-friendly. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers.

Botswana can be an exciting place to shop for items like exotic goods that mirror the uniqueness of life in the country. Every major town in the country features at least one shopping center or mall and includes major supermarkets, clothing, furniture, homeware, and electronics stores. There are authentic gift stores and curio shops and some safari lodges and camps have their own locally made woven baskets, jewelry, wooden carvings, and bowls. They are usually sourced from communities in the area. The Gaborone mall is one of the main shopping areas in the country, it is filled with a selection of locally made goods like carved bone, wood, jewelry, baskets, and woven clothes. The African Mall is nearby, the newer Game City Mall is near Kgale Hills with the most traffic, it features a grocery store, movie houses, and department stores. The Riverwalk Mall is those for who wish to shop and dine out with a wide selection of food stores and restaurants to choose from. There are a multitude of gift shops for tourists in other towns such as Maun and Kasane. There are local markets at a number of safari lodges and camps that allow the opportunity to meet local people, learn about their culture, and understand their way of life. Here shoppers can purchase locally crafted items. The Delta Palm Mall is centrally located in the heart of Maun, it is the ideal mall to do shopping for everyone from, around and visiting Maun.

The official language spoken in the Okavango Delta is English (along with French and Kinyarwanda) which is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good English/Botswana guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

The currency of the Okavango Delta is the Botswana dollar or pula, although US dollars are widely accepted. You should either exchange your US dollars for Botswana dollars and be sure to keep cash on hand when arriving in Botswana. Cash is preferred, there are ATMs found at the airport and locations in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.

The cuisine in Botswana is based around meat and maize, many Botswanians eat their main meal at lunchtime. Goat is a popular meat and has a tradition of serving up excellent locally reared beef, it was one the main income sources before diamonds became the country’s major commodity. Botswana is renowned for its rich range of wildlife, and the cuisine is exceptionally good, the country is famous for its local beef. The national dish is called Seswaa; a meat stew served over thick polenta, and “Morong” a leafy green. Bogobe or porridge is made with sorghum, maize, or millet flour then boiled in water or milk, often eaten in the morning with Botswana’s wild melons. Mopane Worms are another popular dish. The blue and green caterpillar contains 60% protein and a lot of calcium. The shell is removed from the caterpillar and they are either dried in the sun or smoked. They can be eaten in different forms boiled, cooked, dried, or fried, and served with spicy or peanut sauce or tomatoes and onions.

Botswana’s game lodges and camps stand out when it comes to the quality and variety of their dishes. A typical safari day starts with a snack before a morning game drive followed by a delicious brunch and then high tea. Enjoy some sundowners accompanied by more snacks and then followed by dinner that often features three or more courses.

There isn’t really a lively nightlife going on in the Okavango Delta, but there are some fun ways to spend an evening. Take a late-night boat ride adventure through the channels of the Delta to spot wildlife at night, and see rare nocturnal animals. A spotlight night drive is another option at some camps and lodges giving riders a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal animals such as bush babies, porcupines, giant owns, and small predators. There are some camps that offer guests the option of staying in a ‘Sleep Out’. Guests sleep in little satellite bedrooms, which are often just a raised platform (15-20 feet above ground) or a treehouse close to the main camp to enjoy a night out in the wild. A great choice for those enjoying a Botswana honeymoon or a great adventure to share as a family. Many camps and lodges have a fire after dinner where the local guides and polers gather around to perform songs of their tribe. Enjoy an evening by the fire and under the stars listening to the far-off sounds of wildlife.

In case of an emergency dial 997, for the fire department dial 998, 997 for an ambulance, and 999 for the police.

Hospitals:Orapa Hospital tel.267-290-2557