NG/11

NG/11 is a protected area in Botswana.

NG/11 at a Glance

Location
Okavango Delta & Moremi, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.515648, 22.419018
IUCN Category
Ia
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to NG/11

Nearest airport: Seronga Airport, 34 km away.

Big Five in NG/11

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in NG/11

The warmest temperatures in NG/11 occur in October, averaging 28.6°C (up to 35.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 39.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.8°C (rainfall: 159.3mm)
  • February: 24.7°C (rainfall: 104.5mm)
  • March: 24.3°C (rainfall: 67.5mm)
  • April: 22.8°C (rainfall: 11.8mm)
  • May: 20.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • June: 18.1°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • July: 18.0°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 21.8°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 26.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 28.6°C (rainfall: 2.6mm)
  • November: 27.6°C (rainfall: 29.5mm)
  • December: 26.1°C (rainfall: 95.5mm)

Best Time to Visit NG/11

The best months to visit NG/11 are May, June, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.84°C, rainfall 159.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 73.2%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.67°C, rainfall 104.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 67%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.27°C, rainfall 67.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 65.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.8°C, rainfall 11.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 56.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.5°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 39.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.05°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 36.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.97°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 30.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.81°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 24.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.13°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 21.4%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.57°C, rainfall 2.6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 25.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.56°C, rainfall 29.5mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 46.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.09°C, rainfall 95.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 59.6%

Wildlife in NG/11

Home to 85 recorded species including 29 waterbirds, 20 iconic birds, 13 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 4 big five, 4 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for NG/11

Based on average temperature of 23.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 45%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in NG/11

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Okavango Delta & Moremi

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

NG/11 FAQs

Given NG/11's status as an IUCN Category Ia Strict Nature Reserve, what kind of visitor experience can I expect, and are there special access requirements?

As a Strict Nature Reserve, NG/11 offers an exceptionally pristine wilderness experience focused on minimal human impact and scientific observation. Access is highly restricted, often requiring special permits obtained well in advance, and typically involves guided expeditions rather than self-drive safaris. Visitors should expect a truly immersive and exclusive encounter with untouched nature, far removed from conventional tourist routes.

What unique wildlife viewing opportunities does the undisturbed environment of NG/11 offer compared to more accessible safari parks?

The extremely low human footprint and minimal crowding in NG/11 create unparalleled opportunities for observing natural animal behaviors without disturbance. You can expect intimate encounters with a wide array of Botswana's iconic wildlife, including large predators and rare antelope, in their most natural state. This pristine setting allows for a deeper appreciation of ecological interactions often unseen in busier reserves.

Considering NG/11's remote and protected status, when is the optimal time to visit for the best wilderness experience, and what logistical considerations should I be aware of?

The dry season (May to October) is generally optimal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around limited water sources, making sightings more predictable. However, due to NG/11's strict protection and limited infrastructure, travel during the shoulder seasons might offer unique insights into its untouched ecosystems without impacting the core experience. Always consult with specialized operators regarding seasonal access and necessary expedition planning.

What factors contribute to the cost of a safari in NG/11, and what level of investment should I anticipate for this exclusive experience?

The higher investment for an NG/11 safari primarily stems from its extreme exclusivity, the specialized permits required for access, and the logistical complexities of operating in a strictly protected, remote area. Costs cover highly experienced guides, often mobile tented camps with minimal footprint, and the unique privilege of exploring one of the world's most pristine wildernesses. Expect a premium price point reflecting the unparalleled, low-impact adventure.

Beyond the low malaria risk, what specific safety measures and preparations are essential for a visit to the highly protected and remote NG/11?

Given NG/11's remote and strictly protected nature, safety protocols extend beyond typical safari precautions. Visitors must adhere strictly to guide instructions, as off-road driving is prohibited and human-wildlife encounters are entirely natural. Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is crucial, and travelers should be prepared for self-sufficient mobile camps with limited external support, emphasizing personal responsibility and preparedness for a true wilderness expedition.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.