Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world and THE wildlife destination in Botswana! A safari in the Okavango Delta ranks among the top experiences for discerning safari-goers in Southern Africa. The Delta is formed seasonally when the rain-fed Cubango River flows out from the highlands of Angola, becoming the Okavango River in Botswana. It spills close to three cubic miles of water onto a tectonic depression in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, transforming this arid land into a massive wetland oasis. Across its nearly 6,000 square miles the Delta varies in height by no more than about six feet, making it one of the flattest places on the continent.
Wildlife Of The Okavango Delta
Some 400 bird species and 70 species of fish make this place home, but the larger wildlife are the real stars. Elephant, buffalo, wild dog, lion, leopard, hyena, and giraffe are all found amongst the winding waterways and palm-studded islands in this unique oasis. Rare antelopes like the tsessebe, roan, sable, lechwe, and sitatunga are frequently spotted, and rhino have begun to stage a comeback thanks to a translocation program.
The Moremi Game Reserve Versus Private Concessions
The heart of the Delta is the Moremi Game Reserve, which encompasses about a third of the total Okavango Delta area. In the Moremi, guests can see an amazing array of wildlife from 4×4 safari vehicles and by boat. However, night drives and mokoro activities (a dug-out canoe that glides silently through the channels) are not allowed in the Reserve. Adjacent to the Moremi are private concessions, where safaris are more exclusive and often include off-road drives, walking, mokoro trips, and night game drives.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Okavango Delta?
Flooding of the Delta begins in late March or early April, and wildlife numbers begin to surge at this time. The floods peak from June to August, Botswana’s dry “winter” months. Since the waters of the Delta attract wildlife from all over the region, this is a particularly good time to go. As the water recedes, the wildlife increasingly concentrates around dwindling water resources. By late October, the Delta really heats up, pushing into the triple digits. If you can handle the heat this is peak wildlife viewing season, as water is increasingly scarce with the Delta rapidly drying, and predation is high and grasses and leaves are all but gone.
Extend Your Stay Beyond Botswana
The Okavango Delta combines well with the Victoria Falls area of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Namibia or South Africa can link up well, too. Let me know when you are ready to explore this magical place!
Your friendly safari expert,
