Okavango Delta
A visit to the Okavango Delta is an absolute highlight of a trip through Botswana. It is undoubtedly one of Africa's most special places. The Okavango Delta is formed where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert. The delta does not flow into the sea but onto land and is therefore known as "the river that never finds the ocean". The Okavango Delta is affected by seasonal floods in which flood waters from Angola, after a journey of more than 1,000 kilometers, via the Okanvango River, reach the Delta between March and June, peaking in July. This peak coincides with Botswana's dry season, resulting in large migrations of game from the dry hinterland to the delta. The resulting fan-shaped delta covers up to 15,000 km² and consists of sparkling lagoons, winding channels surrounded by papyrus and overgrown islands. Botswana's Okavango Delta lies like a sparkling jewel in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. It is a phenomenon that can be seen from space by astronauts. This unique and diverse ecosystem houses a large number of wildlife and more than 400 different bird species. In addition to four members of the Big Five, hippos, crocodiles and birds such as African scissorbills, owls, wattled cranes and ospreys are often seen. This World Heritage site also houses many endangered species, such as the red lechwe, swamp antelope, lyre antelope and wild dogs. Discover by car, helicopter, foot, boat or mokoro (local canoe) why the Okavango Delta has been declared one of Africa's seven natural wonders.
Okavango Delta Highlights.
Moremi Game Reserve
The Moremi Game Reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Okavango Delta. The approximately 4900 km² area has a varied landscape consisting of savannah landscape, grasslands, lagoons and dense forests. Thanks to this varied landscape and the presence of permanent water sources, the Moremi Game Reserve is the best place in southern Africa to see wildlife. There are many antelope species, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and elephant, and more than 400 different species of birds. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and the endangered wild dogs are also often seen. Particularly in the eastern part of the Moremi Game Reserve there are a number of campsites where you can stay overnight with a 4x4 camper. Booking these campsites in advance is necessary throughout the year. Outside the Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta is divided into a number of unfenced concession areas, each managed by a local community or private safari operator.
Xakanaxa Lagoon
At the heart of Moremi Game Reserve lies the famous Xakanaxa Lagoon. The Xakanax area consists of mopane forests, large ferns, deep waterways and shallow flooded areas. The lagoon is a true paradise for birdwatchers. Among others, herons, saddle-bill storks, egrets, marabu and ibis flock to the fish-rich waters. Many animals can also be found on land, including antelope, leopards and cheetahs. It is possible to take a mokoro or boat trip across the lagoon.
Chief`s Island
Chief`s Island is 70 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, making it the largest island in the Okavango Delta. The island is part of the Moremi Game Reserve and so named because it was once the personal hunting grounds of the local chief. Many wild animals retreat to this island as soon as the water level rises. As such, you will find one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Botswana on the island. The reed-lined waters, grasslands and thin forests provide the perfect environment for wildlife viewing. The exclusive island is the only place in Botswana where you have a good chance of seeing rhino.
Okavango Panhandle
The northernmost part of the Okavango Delta, from where the Okavango River enters Botswana to where the river fans out, is called the "Okavanga Panhandle. This area consists of forested riverbanks, islands, lagoons and reed beds. Because of the many especially deeper waterways, less wildlife can be found in this area. However, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and birds are common. The permanent waterways lend themselves perfectly to mokoro and (residential) boat trips. The area is also very popular with sport fishermen. Accommodations in this area are more affordable than in other places in the Delta.
Tsodilo Hills.
50 kilometers west of the Okavango Panhandle, lie the Tsodilo Hills. The Hills consist of four mystical rock hills that rise suddenly from the flat Kalahari Desert. The hills are one of the San Bushmen's most sacred sites. More than 4,500 rock paintings have been preserved at 500 individual sites, some more than 20,00 years old and others only a century old. Tsodilo Hills, because of its large concentration of rock paintings, is also called "The Louvre" of the desert. It is recommended that you take a local guide to see this world heritage site.