After years of drier than usual conditions, the 2025 Okavango Delta annual inundation has returned in force.
Speaking to Tourism Update, Walter Smith, Sales Director for Ker & Downey Botswana, shared insights on the current situation and its implications for camp operations and ecological resilience. “This year’s annual Okavango Delta flood is a unique welcome, considering the dry conditions experienced in past years,” he said.
According to Smith, the combination of local rainfall between November and March, and above-average rainfall in Angola’s eastern highlands, where the Okavango River originates, has contributed to “a marked higher annual flooding” in 2025.
The eastern channels of the Delta have been the first to show signs of flooding, affecting the Shinde private concession – one of Ker & Downey Botswana’s core areas. “We have had to make some adjustments to our daily operations – mostly related to logistics, supplies and accessing certain areas,” Smith confirmed.
Chris Roche, Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Wild Expeditions Africa, said there is logistical complexity mostly around airstrips, road networks and sometimes the camps in the region. “Some camps have logistical constraints that will come and go over the next couple of months but we aren’t experiencing any dramatic challenges because we have a good balance of seasonally flooded areas and dry land areas. However, this is variable across the Delta.”
Kevin Riley, GM of Desert & Delta Safaris, said the floods have brought welcome relief after years of reduced inundation. “The recent arrival of the annual floods to all stretches of the Delta has seen some floodplains and channels receive water for the first time in a number of years,” he said. “Our water-based lodges are located in permanent water regions so we were able to maintain mokoro and boating activities throughout the previous low-flood years but the arrival of water in significant fashion has expanded the regions we can explore.”
Riley said guest sightings during water activities have improved noticeably. “Vast, full floodplains with herds of lechwe, elephant and other Delta inhabitants walking across their crystal-like tops has made for some very picturesque scenes.”
Ecological revival
From an ecological perspective, the floodwaters are already playing a revitalising role. “Water is life and the impact of the good local rainfall has been instrumental in reviving the vegetation of the Okavango Delta,” Smith said, noting the extended presence of water in seasonal and perennial waterholes.
“Higher flood waters also allow extensive breeding opportunities for fish, frogs and the smaller participants of the greater Okavango ecosystem,” he added. The resurgence is also producing shifts in water flow, likely influenced by tectonic plate activity. “In some places, we are observing flooding that has not occurred there in previous years,” Smith noted.
“The ecological balance is restored as this is a cyclical kind of phenomenon resulting in a recharge of groundwater,” added Roche. “When there’s 10 years of drought or low floods, the watery and swampy inland Delta variety loses its allure so this is very positive. We’re back to a time of abundance but the drought is also just part of nature and isn’t a catastrophe.”
Riley has observed changes in animal movement and behaviour in response to the high water. “Large herds of buffalo find themselves isolated on islands, which they graze until food runs out. Predators are seen swimming more often, crossing channels to pursue prey or find new territory.”
Future flood patterns
On the subject of trends, Riley said flood cycles are difficult to predict. “Many will argue whether it’s eight, 10 or 15-year cycles but the truth is it’s unpredictable. However, we’re encouraged by this year’s flood and expect that it will be succeeded by years of average or above-average Delta levels.” Underground water tables, which are also influenced by flooding, may contribute to future water availability, he added.
Guest access remains a focus. Riley said some airstrip routings have changed. “Most camps with affected airstrips will re-route arriving clients to nearby strips so travellers will barely notice. Some game drive routes may be inaccessible but this often results in more concentrated wildlife sightings and greater emphasis on water-based experiences.”
From a guest experience perspective, Smith said the feedback has been positive. “In essence, this is possibly one of the most incredible years to observe and experience the Okavango Delta for what it is.”
