Africa & Safari · Best Jun–Oct
Okavango Delta packing list for families
Okavango camps are reached by small plane, so you pack light and pack smart. The Delta also swings from cold winter dawns to very hot spring afternoons, and this list covers both.
Photo by Maria Baltazzi on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Okavango Delta
- Many Delta camps set minimum ages for game drives and mokoro trips, and some welcome only older kids. Check each camp's policy before you fall in love with it.
- Winter mornings in June and July can dip near freezing, then afternoons hit the high 70s. Pack layers you can peel off in the vehicle, plus gloves for the first drive.
- October is hot, often in the mid 90s. If you travel then, choose camps with a plunge pool and plan a real midday rest for the kids.
Best timeJun–Oct
PlugsTypes D, G, and M, bring an adapter
MoneyBotswana pula (US dollars widely accepted at camps)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Okavango Delta
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Thin fleece glovesOur pickWinter dawn drives are colder than people expect.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool3
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Safari8
Neutral clothing in khaki, olive, and tanBright colors stand out to wildlife, and dark blue and black attract tsetse flies in some areas.
Fleece, hat, and gloves for early game drivesOpen vehicles are chilly at dawn, even in Africa.
Binoculars for each family memberOur pickNobody wants to wait their turn when a leopard appears.
Headlamp or small flashlight
Insect repellent
Soft-sided duffel bagLight aircraft usually require soft bags with strict weight limits.
Dry bagKeeps cameras and phones safe on mokoro and boat trips.
Neck gaiterBlocks dust and sun on open drives.
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Cooling towelHelps on hot October afternoons.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterOur pickTypes D, G, and M, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Safari neutrals
Khaki, olive, sand, earth
For the grown-ups
- Breathable long-sleeve shirts in khaki or olive
- A soft fleece for dawn drives
- A wide-brim hat that stays on in an open vehicle
For the kids
- Neutral tees and convertible pants
- A warm layer and beanie for early mornings
- Closed-toe shoes for walking safaris
For photos
- Earth tones blend into the bush and photograph beautifully
- Skip bright white and dark blue on game drives
Month by month
Okavango Delta weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F 32°C | Hot, humid green season with afternoon thunderstorms | Green season with newborn antelope and migratory birds |
| February | 88°F 31°C | Hot, humid green season with afternoon thunderstorms | Green season with newborn antelope and migratory birds |
| March | 88°F 31°C | Hot, humid green season with afternoon thunderstorms | Green season with newborn antelope and migratory birds |
| April | 86°F 30°C | Rains taper off, warm days, cooler nights, and floodwaters begin to arrive | |
| May | 82°F 28°C | Rains taper off, warm days, cooler nights, and floodwaters begin to arrive | |
| June | 77°F 25°C | Dry winter with sunny days and cold nights, sometimes near freezing | Okavango floodwaters peak, the classic season for mokoro rides |
| July | 77°F 25°C | Dry winter with sunny days and cold nights, sometimes near freezing | Okavango floodwaters peak, the classic season for mokoro rides Dry, clear air makes for crisp night skies at remote camps |
| August | 83°F 28°C | Dry winter with sunny days and cold nights, sometimes near freezing | Okavango floodwaters peak, the classic season for mokoro rides Dry, clear air makes for crisp night skies at remote camps |
| September | 91°F 33°C | Hot and dry, with October often the hottest month | Wildlife gathers near permanent water, great for predator sightings Dry, clear air makes for crisp night skies at remote camps |
| October | 95°F 35°C | Hot and dry, with October often the hottest month | Wildlife gathers near permanent water, great for predator sightings |
| November | 93°F 34°C | Hot and dry, with October often the hottest month | Green season with newborn antelope and migratory birds |
| December | 90°F 32°C | Hot, humid green season with afternoon thunderstorms | Green season with newborn antelope and migratory birds |
Questions families ask
Okavango Delta with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Okavango Delta with kids?
The best time is Jun–Oct. Dry winter with sunny days and cold nights, sometimes near freezing
What's the weather like in Okavango Delta?
Typical daytime highs range from about 77°F (25°C) in June to about 95°F (35°C) in October. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Okavango Delta?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Okavango Delta?
Types D, G, and M, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Okavango Delta with kids?
Many Delta camps set minimum ages for game drives and mokoro trips, and some welcome only older kids. Check each camp's policy before you fall in love with it.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.