Dombo Hippo Pools

Okavango Delta


The drive between North Gate (including Khwai) and Xakanaxa Lediba follows one of Botswana’s more scenic tracks, although the exact route changes with the years, depending on flood levels. A worthwhile stop en route, Dombo Hippo Pool (about 14km southwest of North Gate) is where hippos crowd along the shore. Their shenanigans can be enjoyed in relative safety from an elevated observation post.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Okavango Delta attractions

1. Moremi Game Reserve

4.77 MILES

Moremi Game Reserve, which covers one-third of the Okavango Delta, is home to some of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Best of all, it’s…

2. Paradise Pools

13.06 MILES

One of the prettiest corners of Moremi, the area known as Paradise Pools is as lovely as the name suggests. In the dry season, trails lead past forests of…

3. Xakanaxa Lediba

15.21 MILES

With one of Africa’s largest heronries, Xakanaxa Lediba is renowned as a birdwatchers’ paradise. In addition to herons, potential sightings here include…

4. Fourth Bridge

15.8 MILES

Quite a long, wooden crossing on the trail between Third Bridge and Xakanaxa.

5. First Bridge

17.26 MILES

Blink and you'll miss it. First Bridge is more useful than interesting – depending on its state of repair, an alternative track alongside may serve the…

6. Second Bridge

18.14 MILES

Not long before Mboma if you're coming from Maun. In fairly poor condition last time we visited.

7. Third Bridge

18.54 MILES

Literally the third log bridge after entering the reserve at South Gate (although First Bridge and Second Bridge were, at the time of writing, easy to…

8. Mboma Island

21.16 MILES

The grassy savannah of this 100-sq-km island, a long extension of the Moremi Tongue, contrasts sharply with the surrounding landscapes and provides some…