Unrivalled beauty. Unscripted adventure. Unforgettable safaris.
​
Hidden in the heart of Botswana, where the Kalahari Desert meets the pulse of life, the Okavango Delta unfurls like an oasis of wildlife dreams. A vast inland delta and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango is a place where elephants wade through lilies, lions prowl papyrus-fringed islands, and the only sounds are birdsong and the ripple of water under a mokoro (dugout canoe).
​
With its seasonal floods, maze of lagoons and islands, and exceptional biodiversity, the Okavango Delta is unlike any other safari destination in Africa. And with Indigo Safaris, you can experience it in all its pristine, wild glory.

Where the desert breathes life through water.
​
Unlike rivers that run to the sea, the Okavango River spills out onto the sands of the Kalahari, creating one of the world’s largest inland deltas--a miracle of nature visible even from space. This phenomenon occurs every year, as rain from Angola’s highlands floods the region from May to September, transforming dry plains into a thriving wetland wilderness.
This seasonal flooding means that the best time to visit is during the dry season (July to October) when the waters are at their highest and wildlife is most concentrated around permanent channels and islands.
The Delta’s hydrology creates a unique safari rhythm: no fences, no fixed routes, and no crowds. Just raw, untamed wilderness waiting to be explored.

Glide. Stalk. Track. Witness. Breathe.
 - Mokoro Safaris – Drift Through Nature’s Silence
Traditional mokoro journeys are the signature experience of the Delta. Pushed along by skilled polers, these dugout canoes float silently through shallow, reed-lined channels, allowing for intimate encounters with wildlife--from frogs perched on reeds to elephants bathing at a safe distance With no engine noise, the Delta reveals its most tranquil self.

 - Game Drives – Big Game, Big Views
While much of the Delta is waterlogged, seasonal floodplains and permanent islands offer thrilling game drive terrain. Expert guides from our partner camps lead twice-daily drives in open 4x4s, where you might spot lion prides on the hunt, elusive leopards, or a clash of buffalo and wild dog.
​
 - Walking Safaris – Discover the Small Things
Walking safaris bring you back to the roots of exploration. Guided by local trackers, you’ll learn the secrets of animal spoor, the calls of birds, and the medicinal uses of plants—all while keeping an eye out for elephants and giraffe just beyond the tree line.

A biodiversity hotspot teeming with life.

The Okavango Delta is home to over 130 mammal species, 480 bird species, and countless reptiles, fish, and amphibians. It’s one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five, plus rare and endangered species like the sitatunga antelope and the African wild dog.
Animals you’re likely to encounter include:

• Elephants with frequent regularity
• Lions adapted to swampy terrain
• Leopards slinking between fever trees
• Hippos and crocodiles in deep lagoons
• Red lechwe and sitatunga antelopes splashing through floodplains
• Malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, and Pel’s fishing owls

Comfort in the wild, with nature on your doorstep.
​
Indigo Safaris offers tailor-made itineraries featuring a handpicked selection of eco-friendly lodges and luxury tented camps across the Okavango Delta. Whether you’re looking for a rustic bush camp for a raw connection with nature or a high-end lodge with plunge pools and fine dining, we have the perfect base for your Delta adventure.

View more: Okavango Delta Accommodation with Indigo Safaris

Moremi. Chobe. Kalahari. Khwai. Mababe. Victoria Falls. Cape Town. The possibilities are endless.

The Okavango Delta works beautifully as part of a multi-stop safari, and Indigo Safaris can craft seamless itineraries that combine the Delta with:

• The Chobe Riverfront for huge elephant herds
• Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans for surreal landscapes combining salt pans with the Boteti River, and a seasonal Zebra migration
• The Central Kalahari Game Reserve for its dramatic landscapes, black-maned lions, and vast herds of antelope in the green season
• Khwai Private Game Reserve for its abundant wildlife and excellent wild dog action
• Mababe on the edge of the dry Savuti marshes for open vistas and elephants
• A visit to Victoria Falls for a relaxing finish. or the gateway to more amazing safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
• A stop in Cape Town for city, coast, and wine

Travel with a purpose.
​
Indigo Safaris is deeply committed to responsible tourism and supporting conservation efforts. The camps we work with are community-owned or support local villages through employment and development. By travelling with us, you directly contribute to the preservation of this fragile ecosystem.
Learn more: Giving Back

The Maasai Mara. The very name conjures images of vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, the dramatic Great Migration river crossings, and the iconic silhouette of acacia trees against breathtaking sunsets. For many, a safari in this legendary ecosystem is a lifelong dream. While the Mara National Reserve holds a prominent place in this dream, a closer look reveals that the adjacent Mara conservancies offer a more profound, sustainable, and ultimately superior safari experience

The conservancies, a network of privately and community-owned lands bordering the Mara National Reserve, represent a progressive model of conservation-linked tourism. Unlike the Reserve, which operates under county government and Kenya Wildlife Services management with unrestricted visitor numbers from the outside and around 150 hotels, tented camps, and lodges inside, holding over 5,000 beds, the conservancies prioritize low-impact tourism. This fundamental difference manifests in several key advantages that elevate the conservancy experience far above that of the National Reserve.

​One of the most significant draws of the conservancies is the promise of a more exclusive and intimate wildlife encounter. By design, the conservancies enforce stricter limits on the number of lodges, camps, and vehicles allowed within their boundaries. The conservancies, limiting their guest numbers to 1 per 350 acres in order to reduce the impact on wildlife and the environment, only offer around 1 room per 700 acres. The five best conservancies have no properties with more than 10 rooms, and a small number of properties. Olderkesi only has two!
 
They also have strict rules on the number of vehicles allowed at a sightings, a maximum of three, unlike the MNR which has no limits and regularly leads to 30 vehicles or more at a cat sighting, and three times as many at one of the Mara River crossing points in high season when the wildebeest and zebra migration is in the area. This translates to no crowds at wildlife sightings, allowing for a more personal and less intrusive observation of animal behaviour. Imagine witnessing a lion pride without a dozen other vehicles jostling for position, or silently observing a cheetah stalk its prey without the constant hum of engines. This tranquillity enhances the sense of being truly immersed in the African wilderness.

​The regulations within the conservancies permit activities that are prohibited in the National Reserve, leading to richer and more diverse safari experiences. Night game drives, for instance, offer a glimpse into the nocturnal world of the Mara, revealing elusive creatures rarely seen during the day. Guided walking safaris provide an opportunity to connect with the smaller wonders of the ecosystem, from tracking animal prints to learning about the intricate details of the flora and fauna. Off-road driving, when conducted responsibly, allows for closer access to wildlife and unique photographic opportunities, venturing beyond the limitations of designated tracks, unlike in the MNR.

​Choosing a conservancy directly supports a pioneering model of conservation that benefits both wildlife and the local Maasai communities. These conservancies are often established through agreements where Maasai landowners lease their land to tourism partners in exchange for regular income. This provides a sustainable economic alternative to traditional land uses like cattle grazing, which can sometimes conflict with wildlife conservation. A portion of the tourism revenue generated within the conservancies is reinvested into conservation efforts, anti-poaching initiatives, and community development projects, including education and healthcare. By staying in a conservancy, visitors become active participants in this virtuous cycle, ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem and the well-being of its people.

​The low-impact tourism model championed by the conservancies is inherently more sustainable than the high-volume approach within the National Reserve. Limited vehicle numbers reduce habitat disturbance, minimize noise pollution, and lessen the stress on wildlife. The emphasis on responsible tourism practices within the conservancies ensures that the ecological integrity of the area is prioritized, safeguarding it for future generations. This commitment to sustainability aligns with a growing desire among travelers for experiences that minimize their environmental footprint and contribute positively to the destinations they visit.

​The diverse range of conservancies within the Greater Mara ecosystem offers a greater degree of flexibility and variety in terms of landscape, accommodation style, and activities. Each conservancy possesses its unique character, from the rolling hills of Mara North to the open plains of Naboisho. Accommodation options range from intimate, high-end tented camps to more rustic and community-run establishments, catering to different preferences and budgets. This variety allows visitors to tailor their safari experience to their specific interests and desired level of exclusivity.

​The conservancies play a crucial role in expanding the protected areas of the Mara ecosystem and acting as vital buffer zones for the National Reserve. They provide critical dispersal areas for wildlife, allowing animals to roam freely beyond the Reserve boundaries, especially during the migration. This wider protected landscape reduces human-wildlife conflict and contributes to the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.

​While the Mara National Reserve undeniably offers spectacular wildlife viewing, its popularity and management structure lead to overcrowding, less intimate experiences, and a less direct connection to conservation efforts. The Mara conservancies, with their commitment to low-impact tourism, exclusive encounters, community engagement, and diverse activities, offer a more enriching and sustainable way to experience the magic of the Maasai Mara. For the discerning traveller seeking a deeper connection with the African wilderness and a desire to contribute directly to its preservation, the conservancies represent not just a different option, but a decidedly better one. They offer a glimpse into a future where tourism and conservation work hand-in-hand, ensuring that the wonders of the Mara endure for generations to come.

When planning your safari to a Conservancy, consider the following:
 * Your Wildlife Interests: If witnessing the Great Migration is a priority, plan your visit between June and October. For excellent resident wildlife viewing and a quieter experience, January and February are ideal.
 * Your Budget: Peak season months (June-October) typically have higher prices for accommodation and tours. Traveling during the shoulder seasons (January-February and November-December) or the long rains (March-May) may offer more budget-friendly options.
 * Your Preferred Weather Conditions: The dry seasons offer sunny days and cooler nights, while the wet seasons bring rain and lush landscapes.
 * The Type of Experience You Seek: Conservancies offer a more exclusive and intimate experience compared to the main reserve. Choose a lodge or camp that aligns with your preferences, whether it’s a luxurious tented camp or a more rustic eco-lodge.
 
Conservancy safaris are more than just a safari vacation; it’s a testament to the power of conservation and community partnership. It offers a chance to witness the raw beauty of Africa’s wildlife in a pristine and exclusive setting, while contributing to the long-term sustainability of this vital ecosystem. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration or simply immersing yourself in the untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife, a safari to a conservancy promises an adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Let Indigo Safaris guide you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of this African paradise.
​

The African continent is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders and unparalleled wildlife spectacles. Among the premier safari destinations, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya stand out as iconic landscapes teeming with life. While both offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and play a crucial role in the Great Migration, a closer examination reveals why the Serengeti National Park ultimately provides a superior and more profound African safari experience.

In fact, they are part of the same eco-system, divided by a border. The Mara can be divided further, with the Kenyan goverment-run Mara National Reserve (MNR) and the community run adjacent conservancies. The Great Migration doesn’t venture into the conservancies, but that is part of their indisputable charm (to find out more, please read this article). While the Serengeti and the MNR offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and play a crucial role in the Great Migration, a closer examination reveals why the Serengeti National Park ultimately provides a superior and more profound migration safari experience compared to the MNR.

One of the most significant distinctions lies in their sheer size. The Serengeti covers a staggering 14,750 square kilometres (5,700 square miles), dwarfing the Masai Mara National Reserve’s 1,510 square kilometres (583 square miles). This vastness translates into a profound sense of untamed wilderness and offers a more immersive and remote safari adventure. In the Serengeti, the seemingly endless plains stretch to the horizon, punctuated by iconic acacia trees and rocky kopjes. This immense scale allows for a greater diversity of landscapes, including savannah grasslands, riverine forests, and woodlands, each supporting unique ecosystems and wildlife.

The Masai Mara National Reserve, while beautiful and replete with wildlife, feels way more crowded and concentrated due to its smaller size and the plethora of lodges, hotels and camps. The Masai Mara National Park has over 140 tourist properties with 5,000 beds available. While this can lead to more frequent sightings in certain areas, it comes at the cost of a truly wild and solitary experience. The Serengeti, approximately 10 times larger than the MNR, has a hosting capacity of 1700 beds.

The Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Reserve are integral to the Great Migration, the annual movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates searching for fresh grazing. However, the Serengeti plays host to the majority of this awe-inspiring event. The vast herds roam the Serengeti’s plains for most of the year, engaging in dramatic river crossings, particularly the Grumeti and Mara rivers. While the Mara River crossings are undoubtedly spectacular and often featured in wildlife documentaries, the sheer scale and duration of the migration within the Serengeti are unmatched.

From the calving season in the southern Serengeti (January-March), where thousands of wildebeest are born daily, attracting a multitude of predators, to the dramatic Grumeti River crossings (June-July) and the eventual movement towards the Mara River (July-August), the Serengeti offers a more comprehensive and extended opportunity to witness the various stages of this natural wonder. The sheer number of animals involved and the vast distances they cover within the Serengeti create a spectacle of unparalleled magnitude.

Most people go to see the Mara River crossings as that is all they have heard about. The Gruneti River crossings in June and July, in the Seregeti’s Western Corridor, can be spectacular too, with far fewer people. When it comes to the Mara River, there are limited crossing points, 13 in Tanzania, and only six in the Mara National Reserve in Kenya. When you combine high tourist density in the MNR with the proximity of the properties to the handful of crossing points, the result is a huge number of vehicles hanging around waiting for the animals to cross. 80 to 100 vehicles at one crossing point in the MNR is not uncommon in peak Migration season.

Sometimes the animals cross, sometimes they don’t. Human attention spans being what they are, people start chattering, vehicles come and go, and then if something does happen, the sound of camera shutters going off is like a volley of silenced machine guns, followed by whooping and jubilation. Not our favourite wilderness experience, and one we no longer arrange for clients.

While the Masai Mara boasts impressive wildlife densities, the Serengeti’s larger size and diverse habitats support a greater overall biodiversity. The Serengeti is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) in significant numbers, often with better chances of spotting the elusive leopard and endangered rhino. Furthermore, the Serengeti boasts a higher diversity of antelope species, as well as other unique wildlife such as the African wild dog.

The predator dynamics in the Serengeti are also particularly captivating. With the largest lion population in Africa, along with substantial numbers of cheetahs and hyenas, the interactions between predator and prey are frequently observed and often more dramatic due to the sheer volume of herbivores. The vastness of the Serengeti allows these predator populations to thrive and maintain their natural behaviours on a grand scale.

The Serengeti can be visited as a stand-alone destination on a fly-in fly-out safari, often combined with some beach time on Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia islands, or incorporated into "Northern Circuit" itinerary, visiting the excellent, totally different Tarangire National Park, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest volcanic caldera on the planet, home to many hooved mammals and many predators. For cultural enlightenment, there are the fascinating Hadzabe and Dagtoga tribeson the shores of Lake Nyasi, the flamingos of Lake Natron, and the active volcano OI Doiny Lengai to summit. And if you like a challenging hike, there is Mt Meru at 4566 metres above sea level, and of course the highest point of the continent, Uhuru peak, atop Mt Kilimanjaro, to be conquered.

The Serengeti generally offers a more exclusive safari experience. Due to its size and the distribution of lodges and camps, there are often fewer vehicles in any given area compared to the more concentrated Masai Mara. This contributes to a more intimate and less crowded wildlife viewing experience.
Furthermore, the Serengeti offers a wider range of safari options to cater to different preferences. From classic game drives and walking safaris to hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking aerial views of the plains, the Serengeti provides diverse ways to explore its wonders. The option to stay in remote and luxurious lodges or mobile camps further enhances the sense of wilderness and exclusivity.

The sheer scale and untamed nature of the Serengeti foster a deeper connection to the natural world. The vast horizons, the sounds of the African bush stretching across immense distances, and the feeling of being a small part of a grand ecosystem create a truly transformative experience. While the Masai Mara offers incredible wildlife encounters, the Serengeti’s vastness allows for a more profound sense of immersion and solitude in nature.

While the Masai Mara National Reserve is a sought-after safari destination, certainly amongst the most well-known, the Serengeti National Park ultimately offers a superior Migration viewing and more comprehensive African safari experience. Its immense scale, the unparalleled spectacle of the Great Migration across its vast plains, greater biodiversity, enhanced exclusivity, and the profound sense of untamed wilderness combine to create an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s natural wonders.