If you are dreaming of an intimate safari wedding surrounded by raw natural beauty, an Okavango Delta elopement might just be the answer to your ‘Where to?’-question. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to document Alia and Kagiso’s elopement in this breathtaking wilderness. Their love story unfolded amidst the winding waterways, golden grasslands, and unforgettable sunsets of Botswana’s most iconic landscape. And oh my, the modes of transport we got to use … It still doesn’t feel real! This is their story, and a guide for couples looking to embark on their own adventure elopement wedding into the Okavango Delta. At the very bottom of this post you’ll find a large selection of images of this elopement’s documentary.

Eloping in a UNESCO heritage site

Alia and Kagiso’s elopement was an experience straight out of a dream. From the moment we touched down with our small Cessna charter airplane, adventure was in the air. The couple chose to celebrate their love in one of the most remote and pristine ecosystems in the world, making their experience an exhilarating journey of love, nature, and exploration. And with such a famous background (the Okavango is one of the largest inland deltas in the world and a UNESCO heritage site), why only bring one dress? We joked about the low weight limit of our little airplane: as a result, I would probably end up with just my cameras and a toothbrush, whereas Alia would only be able to take her wedding dresses. Margins for toothbrush; debatable.

Mokoro canoes in the Okavango

The adventure began straight off the airplane. There are no roads where we were going, as Xugana Island Lodge is only accessible by water. And so it happened that we got loaded into a small speedboat together with our luggage – and off we went. A waterway safari, on the way to our Okavango Delta home. After exploring the lodge and surroundings, it was time to get ready for the first part of Alia & Kagiso’s Okavango elopement. The traditional mokoro canoes were waiting for us. On the way there, we saw swimming elephants from our little speedboat. Unbelievable! I still can’t believe that I got to photograph them in such a setting, while sitting in a canoe myself. To top it all off, Alia matched her wedding dress up with an incredible Rue de Seine veil. The queen of the Okavango. I thought I was dreaming! 

Saying your vows in the Okavango

On our second day, we started with a speedboat safari on the way to our walking safari. In the afternoon, Alia and Kagiso held their vow ceremony on the banks of one of the Okavango’s main waterways. Kagiso waited for Alia as she took her private speed boat to their vow location. The most beautiful bride, wearing a dress covered in ostrich feathers – perfect for the occasion.

Helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta

After saying their vows and enjoying some cake and bubbles, we topped it all of with a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Delta. From above, the waterways carved intricate patterns across the floodplains, teeming with wildlife. As we soared over herds of elephants, giraffe, crocodiles and pods of hippos, it was clear that this was no ordinary elopement. This was an experience that few get to witness. Tears were streaming down my face. This small-town National Geographic nerd got to live her childhood dream, of seeing the Okavango from above like this. And having Alia and Kagiso with me, made it all the more special. The appreciation they have for the natural world is nothing but heartwarming.

Qualified wildlife guide

The helicopter touched down on a secluded island, where we had our sunset photo session with a large pod of hippos in the background. It was a privilege to be standing on such a remote little island in the middle of the Delta and see the sun set behind these two love birds. NB: When eloping in the wild, always make sure you do so with a photographer who is experienced in dealing with wildlife. As a qualified big-5-guide with over a decade of experience, I went out of the helicopter first, to assess the situation. To see if these hippos would tolerate us. Making sure we had enough distance, enough cover around and an escape route if we needed one. It is essential to be able to read animal behavior, therefore it’s not advised to take photos with wildlife without a qualified professional to keep you safe. 

Speedboat safari wedding

On our third and last day, we decided to take some photos from a different perspective. I stayed behind on Xugana’s viewing deck for a bit of a bird’s eye view, while Alia & Kagiso took their private speedboat for some last sunrise images on the water. After that we had one last water safari while we were on our way to the airstrip where I was going to catch my flight out. Alia and Kagiso stayed a bit longer, soaking up the Delta to the fullest. That concluded our three-day elopement documentary. We were there, that’s how we know it truly happened. That’s how we know, it was real. We really did experience this together.  And what a dream it was. 

Why Choose an Okavango Delta Elopement Wedding?

For couples who crave adventure and want a wedding day filled with unique experiences, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a dream destination. Here’s why it’s the perfect place to say your vows:

• Unparalleled Scenery: The Delta offers stunning landscapes that change with the seasons, making each elopement unique.
• Seclusion & Intimacy: With its remote location, couples can exchange vows without crowds or distractions. The islands we land on, are so remote that the chances are high we’re even the first humans to ever set foot onto it.
• Unforgettable Experiences: From helicopter rides to water safaris, every moment is infused with adventure and beauty.
  

Planning Your Own Okavango Delta Elopement

If this wild and romantic setting speaks to your heart, here are a few things to consider:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May/June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing and accessibility. The rains have stopped and the floods have arrived which has the area teeming with life. 
• Logistics & Permits: Some areas require special permissions, so work with safari professionals who know their way around. As an elopement photographer specialised in safari elopements, I can give you expert and personal advice on where to go and what to do for the most incredible elopement experience.
• Accommodation: There is a large variety of lodge accommodations in the Okavango Delta. From remote tented camps to full on luxury lodges. All of them have a high standard, making sure your trip is a five star-experience all the way.

Let’s plan your Okavango Delta Elopement Wedding!

Alia and Kagiso’s Okavango Delta elopement was nothing short of magical. If you’re an adventurous couple looking for a wedding experience that’s far from the ordinary, this might be the perfect destination for you. Ready to start planning your dream elopement? Let’s make it happen! 

Have a look at a selection of photos from Alia and Kagiso’s Okavango elopement documentary below.