Okavango Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills
Okavango Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills, Botswana
A different kind of Okavango experience
Peak time
July to October
Best time to visit
May to October (dry season with pleasant weather)
Known for
The deep, clear channels of the upper Okavango; ancient Bushman rock art
Also known for
Superb fishing; being a sacred spiritual site
About the Okavango Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills
This is where the magic of the Okavango begins. The Panhandle is the primary artery of the great delta, a deep, wide, clear channel that flows down from the highlands of Angola before fanning out into the world-famous floodplains. This is a different kind of Okavango, a world not of shallow, winding waterways, but of a vast, tranquil river flanked by dense forests of papyrus reeds and riverine trees.
The experience here is defined by water and a deep sense of peace. The Panhandle is a paradise for birdwatchers and anglers, a place where the primary mode of exploration is by boat. It is a journey into a water-logged world, gliding past floating islands of papyrus, spotting rare waterbirds and fishing for the formidable tigerfish. It offers a quieter, more relaxed and more water-focused experience than the game-rich southern parts of the delta.
Did you know
There are over 4 500 individual rock paintings at Tsodilo, spread across more than 400 sites
Rising dramatically from the flat Kalahari landscape nearby are the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of immense spiritual significance. This cluster of rocky outcrops is an ancient outdoor art gallery, home to one of the highest concentrations of rock art on Earth. Walk the trails with a local Bushman guide and witness the thousands of paintings that adorn the rock faces, connecting with human history that stretches back 100 000 years.
Get to know the destination
The Panhandle experience is relaxed and water-centric. The area is home to a number of small, intimate lodges and camps situated on the banks of the river. The atmosphere is generally more rustic and focused on the natural experience than the ultra-luxury lodges found deeper in the delta.
A typical day revolves around the river. Activities are almost exclusively by boat, including motorised boating trips to explore the main channel, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips into the quieter backwaters and dedicated fishing excursions. Birdwatching is a major focus, and the area’s rich avian life is a constant highlight. A visit to the Tsodilo Hills is an essential full-day excursion from the Panhandle, combining a scenic flight or drive with a guided walk to see the ancient rock art.
History
The history of the Tsodilo Hills is one of the deepest in all of humanity. Archaeological evidence shows that the hills have been a site of human settlement and spiritual significance for at least 100 000 years. The thousands of rock paintings, created by the Bushman people over many millennia, are a sacred archive of their beliefs, rituals and relationship with nature. For them, this is a deeply spiritual place where the spirits of their ancestors reside.
The history of the Panhandle itself is one of trade and settlement along a vital waterway. For centuries, various communities have used the river for fishing, transport, and as a source of water and food. Tourism is more recent, with the area developing a reputation as a world-class destination for birding and fishing, offering a quieter alternative to the exclusive camps of the inner delta.
More unforgettable activities
Turtle egg laying and hatching
Traditional Bo-Kaap cooking experience
Tracking Africa’s most elusive species on foot
SkyBoma, Etosha
Rhino darting and chipping experience
Picnicking on islands in the Zambezi
Paddle with penguins
Live-aboard luxury Zambezi safari
Hiking Table Mountain with a botanist or forager
Voices of our guests
Okavango Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills FAQs
It is better suited for seasoned travellers, birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts. For a classic first-time safari focused on Big Five viewing, the concessions deeper in the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park are a better choice.
The Panhandle is a deep river, and the experience is almost entirely water-based (boating and fishing). The delta is a mix of shallow floodplains and islands, offering a combination of water- and land-based game drives and exceptional Big Five viewing.
Yes, it is located in a high-risk malaria zone. It is essential to consult your doctor about appropriate anti-malarial medication before you travel.
The best way is via a light aircraft flight from Maun or Kasane to an airstrip near your lodge in the Panhandle.
It is considered some of the best freshwater sport fishing in Southern Africa. The primary targets are the aggressive tigerfish and various species of bream (tilapia). Most lodges practise a strict catch-and-release policy.
Yes, a day trip to the Tsodilo Hills is an essential and highly recommended excursion. It is typically a full-day trip, arranged by your lodge, and involves a combination of driving and guided walks along the rock art trails.
A stay of two to three nights is perfect for experiencing the key highlights of the Panhandle, including boating, birding and a day trip to the Tsodilo Hills.
Pack lightweight clothing, including long sleeves for sun and mosquito protection. A good rain jacket and a warm fleece for cool mornings are essential. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, polarised sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
No. The Panhandle is not a Big Five destination. The focus here is on the riverine ecosystem, birdlife, fishing and the cultural history of the Tsodilo Hills.
They are a group of four rocky hills that rise dramatically from the Kalahari plains. They are a sacred site for the Bushman people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for hosting one of the highest concentrations of ancient rock art in the world.
