Travel Guide

Place to Visit: Okavango Delta

World’s Largest Inland Delta

Northern Botswana, Botswana

The Okavango Delta (or Okavango Swamp) is the world's largest inland delta and undoubtedly one of the natural wonders of the world. This enormous wilderness area was once part of Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient lake that dried up some 10,000 years ago. Today, the Okavango River has no outlet to the sea. Instead, it empties onto the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating 15,000 km² of the desert. Each year some 11 cubic kilometres of water reach the delta. The water entering the delta is unusually pure, due to the lack of industrialization along the Okavango River.

Great Reasons To Visit

  • Take a panoramic flight over the Okavango Delta for a unique bird’s eye view
  • Explore this watery paradise by motor boat or local mokoro (canoe) for a close-up experience
  • Get active and watch for wildlife on the back of an elephant, horse or in a 4WD

Background

The waters of the Okavango Delta are also subject to seasonal flooding, which begins about mid-summer in the north and six months later in the south. The water from the delta is evaporated relatively rapidly by the high temperatures, resulting in a cycle of cresting and dropping water in the south. Islands can disappear completely during the peak flood, and then reappear at the end of the season.

Relaxing

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is home to prosperity of wildlife and attracts thousands of visitors a year. Luxurious wilderness camps within the delta region cater to travellers. The delta provides a seasonal habitat to numerous different species. Among these are elephant, African buffalo, hippopotamus, red lechwe, tsessebe, Blue wildebeests, giraffe, Nile crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, wild dog, greater kudu, sable antelope, black rhino, white rhino, water monitor, zebra, warthog and chacma baboon.

Chief’s Island

Leopard on Tree

Northern Botswana, Botswana

Chief’s Island derives its name from its earlier use as the Botswana royal household’s private hunting ground. It was donated to Moremi Game Reserve in 1973. It is a sand and Mopani tongue that exten...

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Xakanaxa

Elephants at Sunset

Northern Botswana, Botswana

Probably the most diverse area in Botswana, Xakanaxa is situated where permanent and seasonal delta meets. The area attracts a myriad of game species and game viewing is always spectacular throughout ...

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