The Okavango Delta has been ranked no.4 of 500 ultimate travel destinations to visit by Lonely Planet. This famous travel list aims to identify “the 500 most thrilling, memorable, downright interesting places on this planet ranked in order of their brilliance”.

The eagerly awaited travel list for holiday inspiration has been compiled by the Lonely Planet’s team of writers and travel experts as well as leading industry experts.

This year the team of experts have also taken into account each destination’s commitment to sustainability. Extra points were allocated for strong sustainability credentials while places suffering from ‘over tourism’ had points deducted. In this respect the Okavango Delta scores highly, with safari camps operating under strict environmental standards. The Okavango Delta pioneered the ‘high yield low impact’ tourism model for African safaris and the results have ensured a reputation sustainable low impact tourism.

The Okavango Delta was selected as an ultimate travel destination for it’s pristine eco-system, low visitor numbers and abundant wildlife – a place to truly escape and immerse in nature. While noting the Okavango is one of the most exclusive safari destinations it adds that adventurous travellers can still experience the wonders of the Okavango on affordable mobile safaris through the parks.

The travel list is aimed at inspiring travel for 2021 and beyond, a bucket list of destinations to be visited in your lifetime.

Which destinations were in the top 10?

The top ten list included the Galápagos, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Lake Bled, Iguazú Falls, Angkor Wat, Salar de Uyuni and the Annapurna Circuit. The ‘lost city’ of Petra makes number one. All these destinations, except for Nepal’s Annapurna trekking circuit, are protected by World Heritage status.

Undoubtedly 2020 was a difficult year for travellers. However with travel restrictions beginning to lift and airlines reintroducing scheduled flights this book arrives just in time to start planning travel for 2021. The Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List and book can be seen here.

For more information and to start planning your Okavango safari contact us.