Okavango Delta Travel Guide
Travel to Okavango Delta - World’s Largest Inland Delta
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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.
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.
Attractions in 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.
Activities in Okavango Delta
The delta also includes over 400 species of birds, including fish eagles, crested cranes, and sacred ibis. As well as game-viewing by safari vehicle, exploration by local mokoro (canoe), motor boat and on a foot safari also offer exciting wildlife experiences. Fishing, elephant-back and horse-back safaris are operated by specialist local companies. Helicopter and light airplane flights operate out of Maun, providing a memorable bird’s eye experience of this watery paradise.
Getting Around
Access to the majority of camps and lodges is restricted to light airplanes, with the added benefit of a spectacular overflight as part of the journey. Once in the delta safari vehicles, mokoro or motor boats are typically used for moving around.
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