Okavango Delta

Overview

Okavango Delta is in the Africa country of Botswana; it is located toward the south of Africa, above South Africa. Okavango Delta is a large inland delta that formed in Botswana. This area is home to a lot of different groups of people coming from a lot of different cultures and backgrounds. Part of the Delta are becoming more and more populated over the years. Botswana is homes to some of the world’s most endangered species, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog, and lion.

Geography

Millions of years ago the Okavango river use to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi (now Makgadikgadi Pans). Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form what is now the Okavango Delta. The Okavango is a large alluvial fan, a broad low gradient conical surface, over which the river discharges. The Okavango Delta consists of two regions, namely the upper linear panhandle sections and the lower delta shaped alluvial fan.

Upper Linear Panhandle Sections:

The Okavango Panhandle is where the Okavango River is channelled between two steep banks before meeting underlying faultiness which cause it to spread out and form the Okavango Delta. This narrow river suddenly spreading to form the Okavango Delta looks a bit like the handle of a frying pan from which the area gets it name. The main attractions of the Panhandle is taking a few lazy days on a house-boat up the river, the excellent fishing and great birding opportunities. Game viewing is not the main focus here as there is little wildlife to speak of.

Lower Delta Shaped Alluvial Fan:

The Okavango Delta is actually a low gradient convex alluvial fan where the Okavango River discharges into a collapsed section of the earth’s crust related to the East African Rift Valley system. The water in lower delta is dispersed through the fan by a complex system of distributary which intersects the delta for form a mosaic of rivers, lakes, swamps, floodplains and islands. An abundant of wildlife is found on this part of the delta.

How do I get from camp to camp?

Most camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta are accessed from the air by light aircraft and helicopters. Specially selected for their robustness, these aircraft are perfect for the airstrips of the Okavango Delta.

How long does it take to get from camp to camp?

The flying time between camps varies with some journeys being a simple hop taking just 5 minutes. Transiting from the east to the west of the delta takes appreciably more time.

Is fuel available in the national parks and game reserves?

There is no fuel available within the National Parks and Game Reserves. It is advised that at least on spare external fuel container is carried for emergencies. It should be noted that driving in thick sand or heavy mud is fuel intensive.

Should I visit the delta with my children?

Visiting the Okavango Delta is perhaps one of Africa’s most authentic safari experiences. For families this presents a great opportunity to spend time together in a unique environment and the experience can be life changing. We do not however recommend that young children visit the delta. Most safari outfitters will not permit children under the age of six and those that do place very heavy restrictions on activities for safety reasons.

What is the nearest airport?

Kasane airport is the nearest.

How long should I stay?

A safari to the Okavango Delta will often be combined with a longer safari to northern Botswana or even southern Africa more generally. The minimum stay in the delta should be three days if staying at a land and water camp. This will ensure that you get the most out of your safari. The average delta safari is between four and six nights.