Okavango Delta
This Delta in Botswana, surrounded by the Kalahari desert is fed by the Okavango river which starts in the mountains of Angola. Instead of flowing to the Atlantic coast it runs inland, before becoming trapped a complex network of geological faultlines. The Okavango Delta is a miraculous living thing, replenished spectacularly between April and June following rains in Angola. Then, you can see this “flood” of fresh waters spreading visibly at a mile a day through the narrow channels and lagoons, creeping into the edges of floodplains and islands. The water is so pure that you can safely drink it.
Thousands of elephant, mighty herds of buffalo and a dozen different antelope species thrive in this rich Delta joined by majestic giraffe, zebra and a host of plains game. The Okavango Delta is also prime territory for the big cats. Powerful lions, graceful leopard and cautious cheetah families compete with hyena and packs of wild dog. The birdlife is astonishingly diverse, with many eagles, large heronries included in over 400 species. The Okavango Delta is home to 164 species of mammals and 157 types of reptile!
To protect this fragile place the Botswana Government wisely limits tourism, so there are just a few small luxurious camps, each set in a series of enormous private wildlife reserves linked by small planes. This makes it an expensive place to visit, yet one where you can enjoy some of Africa’s finest safaris with a sense of peace and great space. Expert guides will take you along the winding water channels by boat and traditional mokoro canoe, and you can explore the larger islands by open vehicle and on fascinating walking safaris. Some such as Mombo Camp and Little Kwara are located on large islands while others such as the luxurious Jao Camp are in more watery “inner delta” settings. Baines Camp takes just 10 guests who can enjoy a unique opportunity to interact with orphan elephants, while at Macatoo you can ride thoroughbred horses across the plains. Vumbura Plains has special two bedroom suites with a private pool – ideal for a spectacular family safari.
The Okavango Delta is unique and complex with a variety of seasons so call us to plan your perfect safari to one of Africa’s most wonderful places.
