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.
An emerald-green paradise in the middle of the red Kalahari, the Okavango Delta forms the centre-piece of most Botswana wildlife experiences. One of the world’s most mesmerizing natural destinations, its labyrinthine channels, open floodplains and tangled woodlands really do teem with all the animals found in Botswana.
The Okavango Delta or Okavango Grassland is a vast inland delta in Botswana formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough at an elevation of 930–1,000 metres (3,050–3,280 feet) in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari Desert.
It is one of the few interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is largely intact. All the water reaching the delta is ultimately evaporated and transpired. Each year, about 11 km3 (2.6 cubic miles) of water spreads over the 6,000–15,000 km2 (2,300–5,800 square miles) area. Some flood waters drain into Lake Ngami. The area was once part of Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient lake that had mostly dried up by the early Holocene.
The Moremi Game Reserve is on the eastern side of the Okavango delta which was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and officially declared on 11 February 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania.
There’s no denying that an Okavango Delta safari is a thrilling adventure. It offers a wide range of safari activities including game drives, nature walks, boat rides and canoe safaris. Much of the Okavango Delta is protected by the legendary Moremi Game Reserve; privately managed conservation concessions take care of much of the rest.
The Okavango Delta provides some of the best safari experiences in Africa with first-rate wildlife, accommodation and guiding. It also boasts some of the most varied safaris in Africa with a great range of safari activities on offer including walking safaris, riding safaris, mokoro safaris, boating safaris, balloon safaris, helicopter safaris and more.
Introduction
The wildlife of the Okavango Delta is varied and plentiful thanks to the rich ecosystems and protection. The Okavango Delta supports large concentrations of animals on both a permanent and seasonal basis. Through careful wildlife management it has become perhaps one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa.
There is a dynamic seasonal shift of animals between the arid region that surrounds the delta and the Okavango Delta itself. During the wet season most large animals move away from the delta to take advantage of the lush grazing that surrounds it. As this grazing begins to die in the winter, animals move back to the delta.
The Wildlife of the Okavango Delta includes a myriad of species including African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Lechwe, Topi, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Nile crocodile, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, Warthog and Chacma Baboon. Notably the endangered African Wild Dog still survives within the Okavango Delta and exhibits one of the richest pack densities in Africa.
In addition to the large animals the wildlife of the Okavango Delta includes over 500 species of birds and 85 recorded species of fish including Tigerfish, Tilapia and Catfish.
The Diversity of the Okavango Delta
The incredibly varied and rich eco-systems found in and around the Okavango Delta attract a stunning variety of wildlife. It is the incredible variety and concentration of animals and birds which has earned it the reputation as one of the top safari destinations in Africa.
Keystone Species
The Okavango Delta would not exist as we know it without the help of a number of keystone species which help to shape the environment and habitats in and around the Delta. These eco-system engineers include the elephant, hippo and termites.
Flora and Fauna of the Okavango Delta
The aquatic environment of the Okavango has helped to develop a rich and complex eco-systems with thousands of tree and plant species which support the diverse wildlife found in the Okavango.
The diversity of the Okavango and surrounding areas is quite staggering. From Papyrus lined waterways peppered with lilies to open grass plains dotted with palm trees and wild sage, mopane forests and the ancient baobab trees and acacia.
Common trees include the Candle Pod Acacia (Acacia hebeclada), Leadwood (combretum imberbe), Jackalberry (Diospyros mespiliformis), Marula (Sclerocarya birrea), Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana) and the Knobthorn tree.
For those contemplating the ultimate African epic, a self-drive safari often combines the Okavango Delta with other destinations within the region. The delta itself does not lend itself to exploration by vehicle, but the Moremi Game Reserve provides access and the opportunity to conduct both boat and mokoro excursions.
The remote and aquatic nature of the Okavango Delta means self-drive safaris can be challenging but hugely rewarding and an excellent way for intrepid and independent travellers to see the delta. Camping is available within the Moremi Game Reserve as well as some of the surrounding concessions such as the Khwai Community Concession where visitors can also experience gliding along the waterways in a traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe). For self-drivers looking for a classic Okavango Delta boating safari excursions deeper into the Delta are available from Mboma Boat station in the Moremi.
It must be noted that the Okavango Delta is logistically challenging and safaris need to be well planned in advance and it is advisable to contact a specialist local tour operator and take basic safety measures. You must have a good reliable 4×4 with at least one spare tyre. You will need plenty of supplies, fuel, a good map and means of communication. Always ensure that someone knows where you plan to go and that you take some means of communications. It is sensible to travel with two vehicles.
A number of local operators provide well kitted out 4×4 vehicles for hire as well as support services such as campsite bookings and directions. Travel Adventures Botswana in Maun is particularly recommended.
So where do you intend going for your next Trip to Africa? I endear you to add a trip to the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Additional Source: Okavango Delta, Go2Africa
