Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. More correctly an alluvial fan, the delta covers between 6 and 15 000 square kilometres of Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango (Kavango) River which flows from the Angolan highlands, across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and into the harsh Kalahari Desert. Each year the Okavango River discharges approximately 11 cubic kilometres (1.1 × 10¹³ litres) of water into the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is affected by seasonal flooding with flood water from Angola reaching the Delta between March and June, peaking in July. This peak coincides with Botswana’s dry season resulting in great migrations of plains game from the dry hinterland. The Okavango Delta is an important wildlife area protected by both the Moremi Game Reserve, on its eastern edge, and the numerous wildlife concessions within Ngamiland.

An oasis in an otherwise extremely dry environment the Okavango Delta is known for its superb wildlife, with large populations of mammals and excellent birding particularly in the breeding season.

For us, the remote Okavango Delta is the absolute prime Safari destination of Botswana. Because of the completely different environment, as well as the limited number of mostly more or less exclusive camps, it’s making for a very different experience when comparing with a typical Kruger Nationalpark Safari. You feel like you’re alone in the middle of the nowhere, and technically you are ;-) Whenever you plan to travel to Botswana, the Okavango Delta should definitely be part of your itinerary. We would recommend to at least stay for two, or better three nights, you won’t regret this unbelievable experience.