Can you swim in the Okavango Delta?

If you have ever visited Botswana, you must have heard of the Okavango Delta. This inland delta is different from other deltas because it does not flow into an ocean.

Many travellers to the Okavango Delta wonder if they can swim in the waters for a more unforgettable experience.

In this article, you get an answer to this question and also alternatives to swimming in the Okavango Delta in case you want to explore the water.

Can you swim in the Okavango Delta?

Yes, you can swim in the Okavango Delta in a few safe spots as long as you are accompanied by a guide. The Okavango Delta is home to not just crocodiles and hippos, but also the big five game animals like lions, leopards, African buffalo, African bush elephants, and rhinoceroses.

Swimming at random in the Okavango Delta is not a good idea, as it might end badly. Even guides at the designated safe spots are still careful and on the lookout for wildlife.

Should you swim in the Okavango Delta? For many tourists visiting the Delta, swimming might be at the top of their list, and I understand why you would want to swim in the cool, naturally flowing waters.

Almost anyone will be tempted to dive into the pure blue water, which is naturally filtered, making it appear clean and refreshing. Swimming in the Okavango Delta is possible with the right guide.

Some experienced guides know the best safe spots to swim in the Delta. These spots are carefully selected and have little to no wildlife activity. Even guides are careful and allow only brief swims to minimise the risk.

Why You Should Not Swim in the Okavango Delta

Wildlife

Okavango Delta is full of some of the most dangerous wildlife in Botswana. On a normal day, you will find large Nile crocodiles around the water resting. Crocodiles can reach over 5 meters (16 feet) in length, and they are apex predators known for their incredible bite force.

The water is their territory, so going into the water means looking for trouble.

Hippos are another large animal that can be a threat to people in the Okavango Delta. Although hippos are herbivores, they can be dangerous when they are protecting their territory.

Hippos, just like crocs, are very fast in water. Even with their large size, you would not want to mess with them in the water.

Depths and Current

Okavango Delta is not your normal pool, so the depth and current can be unpredictable. If you are not familiar with the delta, you might enter an area with fast currents, sometimes strong enough to trouble expert swimmers.

Alternatives to Swimming in the Okavango Delta

For some tourists who still want to have a good time at the Okavango Delta without swimming, there are a few alternatives you can try.

Mokoro Ride

Instead of engaging in risky swimming in the Delta, you can take a Mokoro ride across the water. This is a local canoe safari that is unique to the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

The ride is led by an experienced poler. He stands at the back of the canoe and propels it with the help of a long wooden pole. The majority of these guides have navigated the delta for a long time, so they know what they are doing.

The mokoro moves slowly on the water, making it easier to spot wildlife like elephants, crocodiles, hippos, dragonflies, and the nature of the delta.

Guided Boat Tours

These boat tours are different from Mokoro rides since canoes are not used, but instead motorised boats. With this boat, tourists can go deeper into the delta and access remote areas.

Some of the areas to explore are where you see hippos and crocodiles, or even elephants, antelopes, or big cats.

This tour can last from 2 to 3 hours, and sometimes be a half-day or full-day excursion depending on the operators.

The Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta

The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is when more wildlife can be observed, and this is during the dry season. The dry season, which is usually from May to October, is the best time to visit.

Another good time to visit is during the annual floods, which occur between March and June. During this time, the Delta is flooded into a network of waterways and lagoons.

Although there is less wildlife, the landscape with lush greenery makes for a good experience.

Conclusion

Now you know that swimming in the Okavango Delta is possible but can still be risky due to the presence of wildlife. In this article, I provided answers to your questions and provided alternatives to swimming in the Okavango Delta.

In summary, yes, you can swim in the Okavango Delta in a safe spot with an experienced guide. Swimming at random is risky due to the wildlife like crocodiles and hippos that live in the delta.

FAQs

Is it safe to swim in the Okavango Delta?

It is not safe to swim at random in the Okavango Delta. Experienced guides have safe swimming spots that are more secure for swimming.

Are there crocodiles in the Okavango Delta?

Yes, there are crocodiles in the Okavango Delta. Nile crocodiles are found in deep channels, lagoons, and floodplains in the delta.

Are there any safe swimming spots in the Okavango Delta?

Yes, some tour operators have safe swimming spots in the Okavango Delta. These safe areas have minimal wildlife activities.