Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. It's known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. The Moremi Game Reserve occupies the east and central areas of the region. Here, dugout canoes are used to navigate past hippos, elephants and crocodiles. On dry land, wildlife includes lions, leopards, giraffes and rhinos.

A maze of glistening lagoons, meandering papyrus-lined waterways and rich savanna grasslands that are teaming with wildlife, this natural wonder is best experienced in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Gently glide alongside the delicate waterlilies in complete serenity and observe the aquatic creatures in their natural habitat.

The delta itself takes the shape of a hand; the palm is permanently filled with water and the fingertips seasonally flood to form canals. In a country that is 80% arid, the Okavango is an incredible source of life. Many travellers prefer to visit the delta in the drier season, from May to October, when the best wildlife encounters are almost always guaranteed. The green season, from December through to March, also offers spectacular highlights, from the lush vegetation and fauna that springs up, to the pleasure of so many mammals giving birth during this time.