Okavango Delta Botswana

Information guide to the Okavango Delta situated in Botswana.

The Okavango is a unique ecosystem of papyrus-lined waterways, knee-deep floodplains, water-lily lagoons, shady forest glades and rich savannah grasslands. All this fecundity lies in the middle of the largest continuous stretch of sand in the world - the Kalahari Desert Basin. Seen from space as an emerald swirl surrounded by a parched landscape, the Okavango Delta is an incredible source of life in a country that is 80% arid.

Rather than a delta, it is in fact an alluvial fan of sediment and debris, which filled a trough formed by the sinking of the earth's crust, between a series of parallel faults across the Okavango River.

The fan (or delta as it is more commonly called), resembles the shape of a hand. The palm is a permanent delta of constant water, and the fingertips are seasonally flooded swamps and lush floodplains. The water of the Okavango literally floats on a saturated sea of sand.

The Delta is fed by the Okavango River originating over 800 miles (1,280 km) away in the highlands of Angola. The Angolan highlands have an average rainfall of between 1,200 and 2,000mm per year, compared to around 400-600mm in the Okavango. The delta therefore fluctuates in size depending on local rains and the Angolan floodwaters.

The spill over from the rising river starts pushing gently into the Okavango in January and reaches a peak at the top of the Okavango in about May. By June or July each year (depending where you are within the Okavango), the water levels are at their maximum.

The Okavango region contains the state-run Moremi Game Reserve surrounded by a number of strictly controlled, privately managed wildlife concessions. The game viewing in all of these areas is no less than outstanding and activities can either be undertaken on foot, in a game-viewing vehicle or in a mokoro (dug-out canoe) or motorised boat. Such varied opportunities in a beautiful and diverse range of habitats, makes the Okavango the best all-encompassing safari destination in the world.

PRIVATE RESERVES OF THE OKAVANGO
Chitabe in the south of the delta has classic Okavango scenery of rivers, waterways and marshlands with season flood plains contrasting with dry acacia woodland and open grasslands. Safari activities are more land than water based and provide exceptional opportunities for photography. Wild Dog sightings are the special treat of this area.

The Duba Plains in the furthermost reaches of the delta are famous for high concentration of lions. They are sleek fit and well fed from the huge herds of buffalo that graze these seasonal flood plains. Floodwaters provide the opportunity for mokoro (dugout canoe) trips from May to September, which is the most romantic way to experience a safari.

The Jao Reserve in the western delta is a water wonderland where you float through a fairytale of water lily lagoons. It is here that you will find the rarely seen sitatunga - an aquatic antelope that may submerge under water if disturbed. There is a variety of terrain and almost all the big game is here plus a bewildering selection of birds.

In the Vumbura Concession you will undoubtedly see what appears to be giant salamis hanging from trees. The 'sausage tree' epitomises this area which contains both wetland and savannah. As such the range of animals and birds is extensive with considerable numbers of elegant chocolate-coloured sable antelope with majestic sweeping horns.

The Pom Pom private concession is in the central reaches of the Okavango Delta and will warm the heart of the safari traditionalist. Here you can indulge in every kind of safari including fishing and nature walks with spectacular bird and animal watching.

ANIMALS & BIRDS

SEASONS
Wet Season: November to March is the hot rainy season and the roads can be quite bad. The advantage of this time of year is that most of the animals give birth, providing a wonderful game watching experience. The landscape is lush and green and there is an abundance of wild flowers.

Dry season: April to October is the dry season and the drier it becomes the easier it is to spot animals close to permanent water holes. At this time much of the Okavango dries out, apart from permanent rivers in Moremi Game Reserve and the northern reaches of the Okavango. The heat starts to build in earnest from October onwards.

OKAVANGO & MOREMI SPECIALITIES
· Being poled in a dugout canoe through lagoons crammed with water lilies
· Tracking big game on foot
· Peaceful fishing excursions
· Choice of game drive, game walk, canoe or motor boat safari
· Exceptional animal watching
· Abundant birdlife
· Exquisite thatched lodges and tented camps providing unsurpassed luxury in the bush
· Watching animals at waterholes
· Exceptional variety of scenery
· Perfect honeymoon destination

FACTS
Moremi Game Reserve was first established in 1963 but during the 1970's it was enlarged to include most of Chief's Island. In 1991 another area was added bringing the total area to 1,880 sq. miles (4,871 sq. km).
The only free-roaming rhino in Botswana are those recently introduced in the Mombo area of Chief's Island.
Moremi Game Reserve covers one third of the entire Okavango Delta
This is a malarial area

Accommodation ranges from upmarket lodges to rustic self-catering, tented camps:

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Okavango Delta

Geology