January in the Okavango Delta marks the height of Botswana’s green season, a time when the landscape transforms into a lush, shimmering mosaic of floodplains, tall grasses and vibrant skies. While many travellers associate the Delta with its winter flood peak, the summer months deliver an entirely different - and often deeply rewarding - safari atmosphere. With warm temperatures, dramatic thunderstorms, newborn wildlife and an explosion of birdlife, January brings the Okavango Delta to life in ways that few visitors ever witness.
Weather & landscape
The Okavango Delta in January is warm, humid and alive with summer rain. Early mornings usually begin clear and bright, bathing the floodplains in golden light before gathering clouds build into towering, dramatic formations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often delivering short but powerful downpours that refresh the air and intensify the colours of the landscape. Temperatures frequently rise above 30°C, and nights remain pleasantly mild, rarely dropping below 20°C.
Despite the rainy season, the Delta's water levels remain relatively low during January because the main floodwaters - which originate from rains in Angola - have not yet arrived. Instead, the landscape is shaped by local rainfall: shallow pools, seasonal pans and fresh green grasses dominate the scenery. This creates a softer, more intimate version of the Okavango Delta, with dense vegetation, wildflowers and shimmering reflections that make January exceptionally photogenic. Photographers will appreciate the dramatic contrasts between storm clouds, sunbursts and an emerald-green wilderness thick with life.
Fauna
January is one of the most dynamic wildlife months in the Okavango Delta. Although animals are more dispersed thanks to abundant water and vegetation, the region’s biodiversity remains rich and compelling. This is peak birding season, with migrant species filling the skies, wetlands and tree canopies. Many birds are in full breeding plumage, and the Delta becomes a chorus of calls, dances and nesting activity - a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife photographers.
Resident mammals, including elephants, lions, lechwe, hippos, giraffes and various antelope species, remain present across the Delta's permanent water areas and open woodlands. While the thick vegetation can make spotting big game slightly more challenging, it also allows for more nuanced, close-up wildlife encounters. You may find elephants feeding among flowering bushes, herds of zebra moving through tall green grasses, or hippos grazing under the cover of dusk. The abundance of fresh vegetation often leads to healthier, more active animals, creating a vibrant sense of summer energy.
Animal behavior & sightings
January coincides with the birthing season for many herbivores, and the Okavango Delta feels alive with new life. Young impala, tsessebe and other antelope can often be seen tottering beside their mothers or playing in small nurseries. These newborns naturally attract predators, and lion and leopard sightings can be especially dramatic at this time of year as they take advantage of the increased availability of prey. While the tall grasses and dense vegetation may occasionally make sightings a bit more challenging, they also contribute to more immersive experiences, where you sense wildlife before you see it.
The rainy season also brings a surge in insect and amphibian activity, from the steady hum of cicadas to the choral calls of frogs after dark. This, in turn, creates a thriving ecosystem for birds - particularly raptors and storks - which are drawn to the abundance of food. Even though water levels in January are relatively low, permanent channels still host hippos and crocodiles, although water-based activities such as mokoro excursions may be limited depending on the camp’s location.
Travel tips
Travelling to the Okavango Delta in January is all about embracing the rhythm of the wet season. Afternoon storms are part of the experience, and planning activities for early mornings and late afternoons ensures the best wildlife viewing and photography conditions. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing and a waterproof jacket are essential for comfort, while a good camera with protective gear is invaluable for capturing the vibrant summer skies and lush scenery.
Because many seasonal channels are still shallow, some water-based activities may not be available at all camps. Travellers who want a mix of land and water experiences should choose lodges near deep, permanent waterways or those with year-round access to open lagoons. The upside of the season is that January falls within the Delta's low tourism period, meaning far fewer visitors, more personalised guiding, and often significantly reduced accommodation rates - an excellent opportunity for travellers who value tranquillity and privacy.
While wildlife may be more spread out due to plentiful water, patient travellers are rewarded with intimate sightings and unique behaviours rarely observed during the dry season. January showcases a quieter, greener and more atmospheric version of the Okavango Delta - a time when the landscape breathes freely, new life emerges everywhere, and nature feels both raw and celebratory.
Final thought
January in the Okavango Delta is not about the classic postcard safari of dry, open plains and concentrated wildlife - it is about experiencing the Delta at its most alive, its most vibrant and its most unpredictable. The green season reveals a wilder, more intimate character of this iconic ecosystem: one shaped by summer storms, newborn animals, lush vegetation and the rich soundtrack of birds and insects. For travellers willing to embrace nature’s rhythm and the quiet charm of the off-season, January offers a rare opportunity to witness the Okavango Delta in full renewal - a reminder that Africa’s most celebrated wetlands are just as magical when seen through the lens of summer.
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