North West

The North West District is Botswana's premier tourism region, encompassing the Okavango Delta — one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas — the Moremi Game Reserve, and the Linyanti and Savuti wetlands. The district's administrative centre is Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana and the gateway to the delta. The North West District covers a vast area of northern Botswana, from the Okavango River in the west to the Chobe boundary in the east, and from the Namibian border in the north to the edge of the Kalahari in the south. The landscape ranges from permanent waterways and papyrus-fringed channels to mopane woodlands and seasonally flooded grasslands. It is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard, African wild dog, and hundreds of bird species.

The dry winter months (June–October) are the peak season, when wildlife concentrates around permanent water and the delta is at its highest flood levels. The green season (November–March) offers lower prices, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching. The delta floods are at their peak from June to September.

Maun is the main entry point, with regular flights from Gaborone, Johannesburg, and other regional hubs. Light aircraft charters connect Maun to safari lodges and camps throughout the delta and Moremi. Most safari areas are accessed by 4x4 vehicle or boat. Self-driving in the delta is not possible without a high-clearance 4x4 and detailed route knowledge.

• Maun — The tourism capital of Botswana, gateway to the Okavango Delta.
• Shakawe — A town on the Okavango River near the Namibian border.
• Gumare — A village in the western Okavango Panhandle.
• Nokaneng — A settlement in the eastern Okavango region.
• Sehithwa — A village on the edge of the Ngami Basin.
• Etsha 6 — A Bayei settlement on the western edge of the delta.
• Shorobe — A village on the eastern fringe of the delta.
• Sepopa — A village in the Okavango Panhandle.
• Seronga — A village on the northern edge of the delta.
• Mababe — A settlement near the Mababe Depression.
• Toteng — A village on the Nhabe River.
• Moremi Game Reserve — A world-renowned wildlife reserve on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta.

Maun has Botswana's most diverse dining scene outside Gaborone, with restaurants serving game meats, fresh fish from the delta, and international cuisine. Traditional Bayei and Hambukushu dishes are available in villages along the Okavango River.

The North West District is home to the Bayei, Hambukushu, and Herero people. The Maun International Arts Festival is an annual event celebrating music, dance, and visual arts. Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) racing is a popular spectator sport in the Okavango villages.

• Okavango Delta mokoro safari — Glide through the delta channels in a traditional dugout canoe.
• Moremi Game Reserve game drives — World-class wildlife viewing in a pristine wilderness.
• Scenic flights over the delta — Light aircraft flights from Maun offer breathtaking aerial views.
• Maun cultural tour — Visit the Nhabe Museum and the Maun craft market.
• Birdwatching in the Okavango Panhandle — Over 400 species recorded, including Pel's fishing owl and African skimmer.