Central Kalahari (Botswana) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Central Kalahari | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Botswana |
| Type | Reserve | Wetland |
| Approx. area | 52,800 km² | — |
| Best time | March to April | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Central Kalahari | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Central Kalahari if
- you are travelling in December to April
- you want cultural visits and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx, eland, meerkats, ostriches and foxes
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, night drives, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, zebras, hippos and crocodiles
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Central KalahariOkavango Delta
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Central Kalahari or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Central Kalahari is stronger in December to April. Okavango Delta is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Central Kalahari: March to April. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi · Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.