Exceptional Season Forecast for Mokoro Safaris in the Okavango Delta
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a mesmerizing destination known for its unique ecosystems and incredible wildlife, as well the Mokoro Trips which are one of the most remarkable safari experience offered in this incredible destination.
Heavy rains in the source lakes and catchment area have caused the Cubango Rover to overflow towards the Okavango Delta floodplains. Already saturated from local rainfall, the result is exceptionally high water levels in Botswana’s Delta in this year – 2025.
Okavango Delta Weather
Due to El-Nino-induced droughts, Southern Africa is experiencing significant rainfall this season. The lowest rainfall levels in decades ever received were recorded during the 2023-2024 season, worsening water shortages in the region.
Wetter conditions in 2023 have been influenced by the La Nina weather phenomenon. The waters in the rivers feeding the Okavango Delta will join excellent local rainfall over Botswana this years.
The rest
The result of the exceptional rainfall means that visitors can expect ideal conditions for boat trips and Mokoro excursions in the Okavango Delta this year.
The Top Natural Wonder in Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a truly unique geological water feature, it is one of the only deltas in the world that empties onto a desert, not into the ocean. Life-giving water, pouring into an arid landscape, has created a fascinating ecosystem. The landscape has been shaped by the water, provided an oasis for Botswana’s wildlife, and played a vital role in sustaining local communities.
The source of the Delta’s waters lies in the highlands of Angola, one of Botswana’s neighbors. Here seasonal rains feed the Cubango River. As it flows southward into Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, the river is called the Kavango River. Then, it spills into Botswana, where it fans out into the magnificent Okavango Delta.
Good Rains in 2024 to 2025
The Southern Africa Region Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-29) predicts a season of normal to above-normal rainfall across the region between October 2024 and March 2025.
There has been widespread rainfall reported so far. The latest news from Angola is that the rains in the highlands, feeding the source lakes and catchment areas, have been significant. This has led to early flooding in the Cubango River system, which is now making its way to the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
The Impact?
The floodwaters are expected to arrive early. Usually the floods arrive around late May to June.
This year they are expected to arrive in April.
It gets better
The Okavango Delta has also experienced good rains this year. As of mid-December 2024, the river systems within the Delta had already seen substantial rainfall, filling up the waterways through surface runoff.
On 10 January 2025, the water levels increased by 1.3 meters at the Mohembo gauging station on the Okavango River just as it arrived in Botswana. Mohembo has a 50 – year record of measurements taken at the station, showing the arrival of the floodwaters each season. This year’s readings show a marked improvement over previous years. The last time water levels were so high at this time of year was in in 2017 when Cyclone Dineo brought strong downpours.
This means the Okavango Delta can expect sustained high water levels this season, directly impacting tourism, wildlife, and the overall ecosystem.
The picturesque floodplains, which have suffered from the drought in the recent past, will be revived and bring thriving plants and animals across the region. Higher water levels will enable a long boating and Mokoro safari season, allowing visitors more time to explore deeper into the Delta’s intricate waterways.
The Magic of the Delta Floods
One of the most magical times in the Okavango Delta is the arrival of the floodwaters. Unlike a sudden deluge, the water moves in gentle waves, gradually filling channels and transforming dry plains into shimmering aquatic paradise. This transformation bring an explosion of life, several birds arrive including African fish eagles with their distinctive call, saddle bill storks wading the shallows in search of fish, and red Lechwe antelopes reveling in their flooded territories.
The best part of the Delta Floods
This year – 2025, with above – average rainfall in Angola and Botswana, the arrival of the Okavango Delta floodwaters will be even more spectacular.
Why is the more floodwaters Great News for Mokoro Safaris?
Mokoro Safaris are one of the most sought-after experiences in the Okavango Delta. These canoe-like craft are a peaceful and eco-friendly way to explore the delta.
Mokoros glide silently through the water, allowing you to get much closer to wildlife like elephants, hippos and antelopes without startling them. With the low vantage point, visitors get an intimate perspective of the delta’s lush vegetation and diverse bird and animal life.
Mokoros are tradition dugout canoes, historically crafted from the trunks of large trees like ebony or sausage trees, but today often made from fiberglass to protect the trees. These slender, flat-bottomed boats are expertly steered by local guides known as poles, who use long poles to navigate the shallow network of reed-lined waterways. You glide silently through crystal –clear channels while spotting wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
Many safari camps in the area are only able to offer Mokoro excursions when water levels are high enough, which is often a few months of the year (June, July, August and September when there is enough rainfall).
This year’s increased flood waters will mean that the Mokoro safaris will be available for an extended period, offering an unparalleled wilderness experience deeper into the waterways of one of Africa’s most stunning ecosystems.
Delta Safari Seasons
It is important to note that water levels in the Okavango Delta do not follow the pattern of local rains; rather, the annual flood arrives after the rainy season. This means that while Botswana may be experiences its dry season, the Delta water levels can be at their highest, creating ideal conditions for a Mokoro safari.
Understanding the water cycles of the Okavango Delta is crucial for planning your safari visit, and this year it looks as if the floodwaters will be early – they should have filtered through the delta towards Maun on the outskirts by April 2025, thus promising an extended High water season.
There are two primary seasons that is
Dry Season (around May to November)
- Ideal for first-time visitors
- Cooler temperatures with highs around 20C
- Best time for Mokoro safaris and boat trips, as the water levels are at their peak
- Wildlife congregates near water sources, making for excellent game viewing
Mokoro Safaris
Wet Season (around December to April)
- Fewer tourists, offering a more exclusive experience
- Lush green landscapes with abundant birdlife
- Some camps offer more flexible child polices
- Rain showers are common but usually short lived.
Best Time to Book your 2023 Okavango Delta Safari
Considering the exceptional conditions expected in 2025, this year promises to be a spectacular year for visiting the Okavango Delta. If Botswana’s Delta has ever been on your bucket list, this is the best season to go.
Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari goer, now is the time to plan and book your Okavango Delta Safari. Early planning is essential as this is sure to be a busy tourist season in the Okavango Delta. Lodges and camps offering Mokoro Safaris trips and boat-based game viewing tend to book quickly, especially during peak flood season (June – September)
