ESSENTIALS

Getting there & around

South African Airways flies from Heathrow to Maun via Johannesburg. flysaa.com

Average flight time: 17h 25m.

While it’s possible to drive from Maun to Khwai Private Reserve in around 2.5 hours, a light aircraft flight, taking under 30 minutes, is the norm, followed by a short drive. Helicopter transfers are available on request.

When to go

The Okavango Delta is a year-round safari destination. May-October is best for wildlife-watching, when the climate is dry, the channels are in flood and daytime temperatures average 18-25C.

More info

Natural Selection runs five safari camps in Khwai Private Reserve. naturalselection.travel

Helicopter Horizons offers private scenic flights in the Okavango Delta from $275 (£212) per person for 30 minutes. helicopterhorizons.com

How to do it

AUDLEY TRAVEL offers a nine-night, tailor-made trip in Botswana with seven nights on safari at Natural Selection’s Sable Alley, The Jackal & Hide and Tuludi, full board, from £7,496 per person (based on two sharing). Includes activities, international flights and light aircraft flights to Khwai Private Reserve. audleytravel.com

In 2020, NATURAL SELECTION is offering a 12-night Source to Sands conservation itinerary, including time with Steve Boyes’ team of National Geographic explorers. The route follows the Cubango and Okavango from the Angolan highlands to Makgadikgadi

Pans in Botswana, via Nkasa Island in Namibia. From $20,500 (£16,000) per person, excluding international flights. naturalselection.travel