Okavango Delta Trip: Here Is Exactly What You Can Expect In A 3 Day Safari

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Are you planning an Okavango Delta trip and only have 3 days to stay, either due to time constraints or other factors? Will a 3-day safari be enough? This article details what you can expect in 3 days in the Okavango Delta.

Planning a trip to Okavango Delta is a significant undertaking, given the distance for international travellers and the costs. As expected, you are probably conducting research on the length of time needed and wondering if three days will be enough.

As someone who has done a 3-day safari in the Okavango Delta, I share with you what you can expect in three days to help you decide how long you should spend in the Okavango Delta.

You are going to learn about the Okavango Delta trip, when to visit Okavango Delta, mokoro trips Okavango Delta, the Okavango Delta boat cruise and more.

After reading this article, you will be in a position to decide if a 3-day safari in the Okavango Delta will be enough for you.

This post is all about Okavango Delta trip.

Best 3-day Okavango Delta trip

How many days do you need in the Okavango Delta? Is 3 days enough? I have heard this question being asked so many times. From experience, a 3-day Okavango Delta trip is sufficient to provide a remarkable Botswana safari experience if you plan properly and consider certain key factors.

Key factors to consider

To have a well-rounded safari experience in 3 days in the Okavango Delta, consider the following

1. The time of visiting

Okavango delta tour — Okavango Lions, Botswana

The timing of your visit matters a great deal if you only have three days to spend in the Okavango Delta. As you might have guessed, the best time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the dry season, which is from May to September.

These months offer optimal wildlife sightings, allowing you to see African predators like Okavango Delta lions. After all, what is a trip to Okavango Delta without seeing these majestic animals.

2. Okavango Delta trip: Where you stay

I highly recommend staying in the same safari camp or lodge for those three days. This is important because 3 days are not enough to move from one camp to the other. You will lose so much time travelling instead of exploring the Delta.

Keep in mind that driving around in the Okavango Delta will take a lot more time than you could anticipate due to the road conditions.

3. The type of safari

If possible, opt for an all inclusive Botswana safari. Most Botswana safari tours and companies offer all-inclusive packages unless you opt out. For example, I booked an all-inclusive 3-day safari with Natural Selection Travel, and it was perfect.

Why is this important? Time! It will save you a lot of time and hassle, allowing you to focus on truly enjoying your safari. However, the cheapest trip to Okavango Delta will be a camping safari.

4. Okavango Delta Trip: Transportation

Another vital factor to consider is your mode of transportation, especially from Maun. For a perfect 3-day safari in the Okavango Delta, without feeling rushed or like you didn’t have enough time, I highly recommend taking the bush flight into the Okavango Delta instead of driving.

I know these flights can be really pricey, especially during the dry season; however, they will save you so much time. For instance, driving from Maun to Sabley Alley camp will take you 4-5 hours by road, whereas a bush flight will only take you 30 minutes.

Also, please ensure that your flight from Maun departs in the morning. The aim is to spend most of the first day in the Okavango Delta.

5. Your guide

Mokoro trips Okavango Delta — Boat cruise in the Okavango Delta, coupled with a teaching session

Your safari guide is one of the most important aspects of your safari experience. A good guide is pivotal to how you will remember your trip to Okavango Delta.

If you have chosen an all-inclusive Okavango Delta safari package, you don’t have to worry about finding a good guide, as this will be taken care of for you. Although I have complete faith and high regard for Botswana safari guides, I recommend doing a little more research on your guide. Ensure they have enough experience in the area.

Okavango Delta Trip In 3 Day

DAY 1: Departure

The first day is exciting, as it marks the beginning of the real safari journey. You will depart from Maun in the morning. Your flight will take around 30 minutes, depending on where you are staying in the Okavango Delta.

You will be dropped off at the airstrip, where you will meet your safari guide, who will then take you to your camp. That short drive from the airstrip to the camp will feel like a mini game drive; you will see impalas everywhere and, of course, elephants.

You should be there by 10 AM. The usual camp orientation will be carried out, where you will be oriented on what to expect on your safari trip. After that, you will be offered something to eat, and you can rest.

Afternoon game drive

Okavango delta canoe trip — Cute lion cubs, Okavango Delta, Botswana

This will be your first game drive in the Okavango Delta, and it’s thrilling. You will see a variety of animals. Expect to see lions, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, zebras, impalas and more.

Day 2: Full Day safari

Morning game drive

You can do a lot on your first full day; however, the day starts early, around 5 AM. There will be two game drives, morning and afternoon. I always recommend not missing the morning game drive, as it’s the best time for wildlife sightings, especially if you want to spot the big 5.

You can expect to spot most of the big five animals. Just to let you know, for you to see rhinos, you might have to visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary. I was able to spot all the big five animals except for the rhino.

Okavango Delta trip: Other activities

You will have the option of a walking safari on this day. Additionally, you will have the option of going on the Okavango Delta mokoro trip or boat cruise. Mokoro excursion is a popular activity in the Okavango Delta, it is such a unique way of exploring the Okavango Delta.

I personally chose a boat cruise instead of a mokoro. The boat cruise or mokoro will be part of the package so you don’t have to worry about organising any of these activities.

Afternoon game drive.

Okavango boat safari — Dudu Mogale during an afternoon game drive sundowner, Botswana

After the afternoon tea is served, it will be time to go on another game drive as you continue to witness the beauty of the Okavango Delta. This will last for about 3 to 4 hours. It is enough time to explore and and enjoy your game drive. There will be a sundowner, of course! This is where you will witness the most breathtaking sunset you’ve ever seen.

Day 3: Final day

Depending on your departure time, you can go on a morning game drive or relax around camp for some time while waiting to be picked up. While you wait, you can go for a swim or treat yourself to a spa, if your camp offers this option.

Once your departure time approaches, your guide will escort you to the airstrip, where you will then fly back to Maun.

Okavango Delta trip cost

For a 3-day Okavango Delta trip with an all-inclusive safari package, expect to pay around $2,500 to $3,000. Just so you know, this is an estimate, since the price is heavily dependent on the specific safari company/tour.

For Okavango Delta lodges prices, visit Natural Selection Travel so you can see real-time prices. For Okavango Delta trip from UK, check out Audley Travel for comparison.

If you want to know precisely how your full day will go from dawn to dusk in the Okavango Delta, go through the” What to expect on a safari in Botswana guide. It will provide you with valuable insights for your day.