Best of Botswana's Okavango Delta

Game drives reveal the rich wildlife of the area, from predators to their prey. Diverse habitats characterised by acacia and mopane woodland in the east, and typical Okavango habitats in the west: palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways and dry woodland – make this a wildlife experience few other locations can match. Key mammal species include giraffes, buffalos, lechwe, tsessebe, elephants, lions, leopards, spotted hyaenas, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.

Afternoon to evening drives provide opportunities for you to see nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, and bushbabies; as well as owls and perhaps leopard.

Walking safaris with skilled guides offer you the exciting opportunity to come across wildlife on foot, as well as observing the small wonders you might miss when travelling by vehicle.

The birdlife is excellent and varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. Species include African hawk-eagle, ground hornbill, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-billed hornbill, gabar goshawk and red-billed francolin.

Wilderness is committed to combating climate change by implementing various sustainable energy solutions. One of these is reducing dependence on fossil fuels, with the aim of being carbon neutral. Take a tour "back of house" to see the solar operation in action, and uncover more about our eco-friendly practices.

Glide seamlessly along the waterways of Wilderness Jacana in a mokoro (a traditional dug-out canoe) and spot some of the fascinating creatures of the Delta – maybe even hippo and crocodile – as well as the wealth of waterbirds of the region.

* Water levels permitting.

Boating through the waterways to the east of camp allow for good game viewing along the channels.

* Water levels permitting.

Seasonal fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is offered on a catch and release basis.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

Land-based game drives are offered when the inundation levels are lower, typically in the summer months. These drives can reveal the likes of elephant, zebra and other plains game, as well as the potential sightings of predators of the area such as lions, hyaenas, and African wild dogs.

Birding is excellent here with plenty of 'Okavango specials’ including the Pel’s fishing-owl and Endangered wattled crane.

Get your feet on the ground and enjoy a walk through the wilds of the Jao Reserve.

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential.

Wilderness Little Vumbura is situated in the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, and a concession which is leased from nearby rural communities. Ecotourism activities here thus help communities benefit from conservation. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to take in the plains game and predators that inhabit the area in good numbers. Key mammal species may include seasonal herds of elephant and buffalo, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, lechwe, giraffe, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyaena, and occasionally cheetah.

Walking in the wilderness is a wonderful way of being even closer to nature, observing the smaller creatures and flora you miss when travelling by vehicle. Our expert guides welcome the opportunity to share their bushlore adventures ...

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

There is no better way of viewing wildlife, and exploring the crystal clear channels of the Okavango Delta than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Often providing up close and personal sightings of tiny painted reed frogs and glorious waterlilies.

* Water levels permitting, however, usually possible all year round.

A boat ride along the calm waters of the delta is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing. Sighting pods of hippo and crocodile is common in the waterways.

* Water levels permitting, however, usually possible all year round.

Cast your line, and try your hand at fishing on a catch and release basis. The camp has a limited supply of basic equipment for your use.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

The birding at Wilderness Little Vumbura is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. In the summer many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.