‘It is impossible to predict how high water levels will be, or even the course of what is rather dramatically called the flooding’

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Take it from me. If you haven’t been to Botswana, you haven’t yet experienced the ultimate southern African safari. This is the year to change that – after all, it isn’t going to get any cheaper and the camps are better than ever.

Head south from May, when the Okavango River, swollen by rainfall in the Angolan highlands, starts its slow seep into the shallow tectonic trough in the Kalahari desert, the fingers of water then spreading into a great alluvial fan to create a fragile wonderland best seen from the air (the only way to get around). That this happens in Botswana’s dry winter, making wildlife easier to spot, is an annual occurrence of incredible serendipity.

It is impossible to predict how high water levels will be, or even the exact course of what is rather dramatically called the “flooding”. If you are travelling as early as May, north is where the waters reach first – recently opened Duke’s East, Sitatunga and North Island are all highly recommended.

Meanwhile, Atzaro Okavango, the latest from African Bush Camps, opens in the southern-eastern corner in March and Natural Selection’s Tawana Camp, enjoying a prized location on the Gomoti river in the Moremi Game Reserve, opens in May.

For a more rustic, immersive camping experience, Wild Expedition’s Karangoma (also opening in May), is located in the north-eastern corner of the delta and is accessible only by helicopter. Meanwhile, guests wanting to overnight in Maun finally have a boutique option there: Grays Eden Sanctuary will open in April.

How to do it

Audley Travel (audleytravel.com; 01993 838530) can arrange a tailor-made trip with options to stay at each of the new camps. A nine-night itinerary including Tawana, Khwai and Victoria Falls costs from £13,800pp including flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions.

Pippa de Bruyn is a travel writer who has authored several guide books on southern and East Africa. The Okavango Delta is her favourite safari destination.