The Okavango Delta
Encapsulating the heart of wild Africa with its evocative scenes of wildlife and natural beauty, a journey into the untouched Okavango Delta is one of jaw-dropping big game viewing, peace and tranquility. The delta itself is a beautiful fan-shaped wetland and labyrinth of islands and lagoons, all fed by the third largest river in Southern Africa – the Okavango. It has gradually developed and formed over the millennia by millions of tonnes of sand carried down the river from Angola, eventually forming the wildlife-rich oasis it is today.
Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Kalahari', it seems truly extraordinary that the Okavango exists at all, deep within the arid Kalahari Basin. Flowing from Angola, it enters Botswana at Mohembo, before spilling into the delta. The annual floods occur, ironically, just after the rains in Botswana begin to ease, around April or May, at which time the floodwaters of the Okavango gather pace and breathe new life into the delta’s unique ecosystem.
Journeying through the delta - from wetland to dryland - is a truly unforgettable experience. By motorboat, you can enjoy spectacular views from the upper decks and perhaps spot fish eagles and watch the sun disappear on the horizon with a sundowner. Alternatively, ply through the atmospheric still waters by mokoro, a dugout canoe traditionally made of wood (nowadays usually fiberglass). The mokoro gently glides and meanders through the clear waters, passing papyrus and palm-covered islands and dense woodland. Here the variety of birdlife you will see is impressive, particularly in the summer months, including colourful species like kingfisher and ibis.
The Flood Phenomenon
Every year, the Okavango Delta undergoes a remarkable transformation from desert to wetland, starting in Angola's highlands where the Okavango River originates. During the rainy season, water rushes down, forming the Okavango River.
As the river flows southward, it encounters the Kalahari Desert's flat terrain. Instead of flowing into the sea, it spreads over sands, forming channels, lagoons, and islands. Elephants, the savannah's architects, carve paths through dense vegetation and mud, creating natural spillways. These "elephant highways" facilitate water and nutrient movement. Hippos also contribute to spillway creation.
Annual floodwaters replenish the delta's waterways, nourishing floodplains and forests. This sustains diverse wildlife and aquatic life. It's a vital cycle in one of Earth's few intact inland deltas. The Okavango Delta's flooding isn't just natural—it's crucial for countless species and showcases nature's resilience and ecosystem balance in southern Africa.
