Okavango is famous for close elephant encounters — especially along channels and floodplains.

Strong lion populations around Moremi and Khwai — often seen on game drives.

Leopards are one of the Okavango’s big draws — especially in woodland-rich areas.

A prized sighting — packs roam widely and can be seasonal.

Often seen trotting between areas or waiting for scavenging opportunities.

Less common than in open plains parks, but possible in drier edges and open floodplains.

Buffalo herds are key prey for lions and often gather in productive floodplains.

Hippos define the delta soundscape: grunts, splashes, and big yawns.

Often seen basking on banks or floating like logs near reeds.

Giraffes browse on acacias and woodland trees — often seen on drier islands and edges.

Often seen with wildebeest and other grazers in floodplain areas.

Wildebeest are common in productive grazing areas and floodplain edges.

One of the most common antelope — expect daily sightings.

A delta specialist antelope — built for wet floodplains.

The classic secretive swamp antelope — possible but often elusive.

Elegant antelope in woodlands, sometimes spotted near camp edges.

Fast antelope of open plains — often in Moremi and surrounding areas.

A ‘wow’ antelope: dark coat and dramatic curved horns.

Often seen trotting with tails up, grazing on open edges.

Big troops near roads and camps — keep food secured.

Often near camp trees and riverine edges.

Alert scavenger-predator, often seen at dawn or near carcasses.

Tough, fearless mustelid — rare but memorable if spotted.

Mostly nocturnal — more likely on night drives (where allowed).

Occasional on channels and lagoons — a charming water-side sighting.

The Okavango soundtrack: the ringing call over open water.

Tiny electric-blue gem hovering over reeds before diving.

Black-and-white hover-hunting kingfisher — very easy to spot.

Walks on lily pads with comically long toes.

Massive stork with a vivid bill; a top photo target.

A special wetland species — sightings depend on area and season.

Stork with a distinctive ‘gap’ in the bill, often feeding on snails.

A sought-after Okavango bird; subtle grey tones and yellow feet.

Small, colorful duck often seen near water lilies.

Big terrestrial hornbill; more likely in drier woodland areas.

Classic Botswana woodland tree with ‘butterfly’ leaves.

Iconic, extremely hard-wood tree; dramatic silhouettes.

Recognizable by its huge ‘sausage’ fruits hanging from long stems.

Large shade tree common along waterways in southern Africa.

Big spreading fig offering shade and a steady food source.

Famous fruit tree; in good years it draws plenty of wildlife interest.

Acacia-type tree with distinctive ‘knobs’ on the trunk.

Fan palm adding a tropical feel to some delta fringes.

Clumping palm often near water in southern Africa.

The iconic delta plant — towering papyrus walls along channels.

Floating lilies that turn lagoons into postcards.

Reed beds line channels and provide cover for birds.

Dense stands in shallow water; important wetland habitat.

Tall floating grass often associated with hippo channels.

Floating rosettes that can carpet calm water.

Tiny floating plants in still water patches.

Essential wetland plants forming ‘lawns’ on floodplains.

Bright flowers that can appear near water edges in warmer months.

Vines that can flower along edges and disturbed ground.

Young papyrus stands can look like bright green ‘brush’ in shallows.