NG/23A

NG/23A is a protected area in Botswana.

NG/23A at a Glance

Location
Okavango Delta & Moremi, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.944216, 22.662394
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/23A

Nearest airport: Kadizora Airstrip, 9 km away.

Big Five in NG/23A

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

Weather & Climate in NG/23A

The warmest temperatures in NG/23A occur in October, averaging 28.6°C (up to 36.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 25.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.1°C (rainfall: 167.1mm)
  • February: 25.2°C (rainfall: 86.3mm)
  • March: 24.5°C (rainfall: 78.2mm)
  • April: 23.3°C (rainfall: 7.9mm)
  • May: 20.8°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • June: 17.9°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • July: 17.6°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • August: 21.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 26.0°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 28.6°C (rainfall: 3.0mm)
  • November: 28.1°C (rainfall: 29.1mm)
  • December: 26.3°C (rainfall: 104.0mm)

Best Time to Visit NG/23A

The best months to visit NG/23A are April, May, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.12°C, rainfall 167.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 71.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.23°C, rainfall 86.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.53°C, rainfall 78.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 63.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.26°C, rainfall 7.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 51.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.75°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 35.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.88°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 35.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.61°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 31.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.54°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 25%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.96°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 22.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.61°C, rainfall 3mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 25%
  • November: Great, temperature 28.11°C, rainfall 29.1mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 43.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.31°C, rainfall 104mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 58.5%

Wildlife in NG/23A

Home to 114 recorded species including 41 waterbirds, 26 iconic birds, 24 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 5 antelope & gazelle, 4 big five.

Recommended Packing List for NG/23A

Based on average temperature of 23.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 44%.

  • 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/23A

5 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

Other

Similar Parks in Okavango Delta & Moremi

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

NG/23A FAQs

When is the best time to visit NG/23A for an optimal wildlife experience, and what makes a safari here distinct from other reserves?

The dry season, typically May to October, offers prime wildlife viewing as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Due to its IUCN Ia status and extremely low visitor numbers, NG/23A provides an unparalleled, pristine wilderness experience with minimal human disturbance, offering a truly exclusive safari.

What is the typical cost range for a safari to NG/23A, considering its remote location and strict conservation status?

Safaris to NG/23A are generally at the higher end of the spectrum due to limited access, specialized permits, and the exclusive nature of its operations. Expect costs to reflect fly-in access, expert guiding, and premium, low-impact accommodations, often starting from several thousand USD per person for multi-day trips.

What specific wildlife can I expect to see in NG/23A, and how does its designation as a Strict Nature Reserve influence animal behavior and viewing opportunities?

NG/23A is home to a diverse array of iconic African wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and various antelope species, thriving in an undisturbed environment. The reserve's IUCN Ia status means animals are less habituated to human presence, offering incredibly authentic, natural encounters that require patience but reward with truly wild observations.

Are there any specific safety protocols or visitor regulations unique to NG/23A that travelers should be aware of, given its protected status and minimal human footprint?

Visitors to NG/23A must adhere to strict environmental guidelines, including staying with accredited guides and designated routes, to minimize impact on this pristine ecosystem. Safety protocols emphasize preparedness for a truly wild environment, with guides providing essential instructions for close encounters and ensuring adherence to the reserve's conservation mandate.

How does the extremely low crowding and IUCN Ia status of NG/23A impact booking and travel logistics for visitors?

Access to NG/23A is highly restricted, often requiring special permits and exclusive arrangements through a limited number of approved operators. Due to the minimal visitor numbers, advance booking, sometimes a year or more in advance, is essential to secure a spot for this unique and sought-after wilderness experience.

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.