The Okavango Delta - Botswana
It is the largest inland delta and one of the few
unspoiled Wildlife areas in Africa. The water comes from Okavango river of
Angola's western highlands. The water does not flow into the sea, instead it
flows in Kalahari dessert via numerous of its tributaries, channels, lakes and
lagoons covering an area of over 15,000 square kilometer during floods.
Okavango delta region does not receive a lot of rainfall on its own, therefore flood levels depend on the amount of rainfall in Angola, and shrinks to 9000 square kilometer during the low season. This place is a magnet for wildlife, fish and birds who depend on these waters, small islands which have been formed support diverse ecosystems and the river brings a staggering 660000 tons of sediment a year. Often called Okavango swamp, but the water is really clear is should not be confused with a real swamp.
Apart from 450 bird species, 1000 plant species there are lot popular animal which are found in Okavango including hippo, crocodile, red lechwe, hyenas, antelope, sitatunga, elephant, giraffes, wild dogs, buffalo, wattle crane and and other smaller animals - warthog, mongoose, spotted genets, monkeys, bush babies, termite hills and tree squirrels. The best time for bird watching and vegetation is during the rainy season (Nov.- April), the best time for game viewing is during the months between May-October when vegetation has dried out and the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas. Although fishing can be done almost anywhere in Okavango , but you can always tend to be more adventurous as major fishing camps in the north of the Delta, where you can catch bigger fish too. The center of delta can be reached only by air.
