With a personal guide (who grew up in the area) devoted to you throughout your stay, this camp offers a tailor-made safari experience and a homey and laid-back [16], The Okavango Delta is both a permanent and seasonal home to a wide variety of wildlife which is now a popular tourist attraction. [26], The most abundant large mammal is the lechwe, with estimates suggesting approximately 88,000 individuals. Tourism in Botswana's Okavango Delta generates revenue that directly funds conservation. From National Geographic Documentary Films, Into the Okavango chronicles a team of modern-day explorers on their first epic four-month, 1,500-mile expedition across three countries to save the river system that feeds the Okavango Delta, one of our planet's last wetland wildernesses. Along its middle course the Okavango forms part of the Angola-Namibia border. 167. For those looking for an authentic and adventurous safari, a mobile safari is a great option. THE 10 BEST Okavango Delta Lodges - Tripadvisor The Okavango Delta is one of a very few large inland delta systems without an outlet to the sea, known as an endorheic delta, its waters drain instead into the desert sands of the Kalahari Basin. April & May - This is the beginning of the Dry season. from. The plants capture the sand, acting as the glue and making up for the lack of mud, and in the process creating further islands on which more plants can take root. Where all the splendors of nature come together water, lush land and African skies - is an exclusive camp. There are several private reserves in the Delta, as well as Moremi Game Reserve. Of all the things to do in the Okavango, this has to be one of the most rewarding. Its aquatic landscape goes through dramatic periods of flood and drought; yet an astonishing variety of animals have adapted to the changes making this one of the best safari destinations in Africa. The inscribed World Heritage property encompasses an area of 2,023,590 ha with a buffer zone of 2,286,630 ha. [18], Other species include giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, hippopotamus,[19] impala, common eland, greater kudu, sable antelope, roan antelope, puku, lechwe, waterbuck, sitatunga, tsessebe, cheetah,[20] African wild dog, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, caracal, serval, aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African savanna hare, honey badger, crested porcupine, common warthog, chacma baboon, vervet monkey and Nile crocodile. From Banzai, Simba and Shenzi to Pumbaa, Timon and Zazu, the characters of The Lion King have captivated millions, both young and old, since the original. This vast African eden is a quintessential safari destination, with abundant wildlife, wonderful people and camps to suit every kind of traveller. However, the green season is the best time for birding and cheaper rates. The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the planet's most beautiful wilderness areas. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). THE 10 BEST Okavango Delta Tours & Excursions for 2023 - Tripadvisor [25], Both white and black rhino has been reintroduced by Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project. No extractive activity is undertaken in the property, and no new licenses will be issued within the property. All accommodations are Ongoing vigilance is critical to ensure mining developments do not adversely impact the property. In the delta the dense growth of papyrus reeds is continually blocking the rivers channels, thus changing the pattern of flow. The Okavango Delta is a large low gradient alluvial fan or Inland Delta located in north-western Botswana. The geology of the area, a part of the African Rift Valley System, has resulted in the capture of the Okavango River that has formed the Delta and its extensive waterways, swamps, flooded grasslands and floodplains. His documentary The End of Eden portrayed his lobbying on behalf of the delta. Find a question unanswered? safari bed and a complimentary professional camera to use: they shouldnt change a thing. of Botswana's Okavango Delta. The river spills out over the fan-shaped Delta at Seronga, rejuvenating the landscape and creating stunning mosaics of channels, lagoons, pools, flooded grasslands, and thousands of islands. 4WD Tours. The site is an outstanding example of the interplay between climatic, geomorphological, hydrological, and biological processes that drive and shape the system and of the manner in which the Okavango Deltas plants and animals have adapted their lifecycles to the annual cycle of rains and flooding. [15], The September to November span has the heat and atmospheric pressure build up once more, as the dry season slides into the rainy season. The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Generally, most deltas empty themselves in an ocean. wish for Don't miss the mokoro ride, it's a great opportunity to experience the area a different way. Photo-safari camps and lodges are found near some of these lagoons. . Initial exploration in April 2021 revealed oil deposits in sedimentary rock. from . Botswana's Okavango Delta - Heaven on Earth - YouTube . 2. Since the river flows through the desert, most of the water is lost through evaporation and transpiration. Book This Camp At Okavango Delta Explorations we specialise in crafting safaris to this unique ecosystem. The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the planet's most beautiful wilderness areas. With an emphasis on a soulful nature experience, the vintage, well-appointed, tented camp Pom Pom Camp couldnt be in better location: in the heart of the delta, Trees and grasses grow in the sand around the edges of the islands that have not become too salty yet. The vegetation in the Delta is still green. The Okavango Delta[2] (or Okavango Grassland; formerly spelled "Okovango" or "Okovanggo") in Botswana is a vast inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough at an altitude of 9301,000 m[3] in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari. detail. They are Hambukushu (also known as Mbukushu, Bukushu, Bukusu, Mabukuschu, Ghuva, Haghuva), Dceriku (Dxeriku, Diriku, Gciriku, Gceriku, Giriku, Niriku), Wayeyi (Bayei, Bayeyi, Yei), Bugakhwe (Kxoe, Khwe, Kwengo, Barakwena, G/anda) and ||anikhwe (Gxanekwe, //tanekwe, River Bushmen, Swamp Bushmen, G//ani, //ani, Xanekwe). surrounded by crystal clear channels where you will find a tranquil, intimate safari spot. [49] The effects of global warming are likely to result in reductions in the extent of floodplains in the Okavango Delta, which will have significant impacts on water availability as well as livestock rearing and agricultural activities in the region. Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp. It was much different than the other safari's we were on, with the safari trips being on water (canoe and boat) or on foot, so we could really examine the Cheetah, hippos, crocodiles, zebra and giraffe are all accounted for, while antelope species include the red lechwe, the sable and the vulnerable topi. Specialist family safaris will allow you to get the most out of your safari when travelling with children. For those planning a self-drive safari, Moremi is your gateway to the Okavango. Where channels are today, islands will be tomorrow and then new channels may wash away these existing islands.[34]. [17] All of the big five game animalsthe lion, leopard, African buffalo, African bush elephant and rhinoceros (both black and white rhinoceros)are present. The former is a magnificent option located on Chief's Island with a gourmet kitchen and spa. All rights reserved. The waters then spread over the 250 by 150km (155 by 93mi) area of the delta over the next four months (MarchJune). A bonus: all tents have recently been refurbished! de-stressing, plus the best wildlife viewing in Botswana's spectacular Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta offers a wide variety of accommodation in three broad categories - water, land and mixed camps, depending on the activities they offer. You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start), Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End) Wayfairer Travel. The rains quickly dry up leading into the dry, cool winter months of June to August. You can explore it on foot or in a 4x4 safari vehicle, or from the water in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). There are also numbers of ducks, geese, and quail. It also boasts some of the most varied safaris in Africa with a great range of safari activities on offer including walking safaris, riding safaris, mokoro safaris, boating safaris, balloon safaris, helicopter safaris and more. Kwetsani Camp | Okavango Delta |Botswana | Expert Africa Top 10 Unbelievable facts about the Okavango Delta in Botswana Afternoon temperatures average 29C/84F, making the days feel very warm. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Trunks, tusks and trumpeting: Abu Camp is where you want to be for a true elephant experience. Sanctuary offers delightful luxury Guest participation and comfort levels vary from operator to operator, but these can be an extremely cost-effective way of exploring the Okavango Delta. Elevated in the treeline, with views over a floodplain, the camp blends almost seamlessly into its surroundings. Okavango Delta Safaris - Info, lodging and tours It now provides the core area for much of the resident wildlife when the waters rise.[14]. The Okavango Delta is a large low gradient alluvial fan or 'Inland Delta' located in north-western Botswana. Best Lodges in Okavango Delta, Botswana: See traveler reviews, candid photos and great deals on lodges in Okavango Delta on Tripadvisor. We so enjoyed the boat trips, big and small, the helicopter ride was the BEST and a must, and sundowners on the overlooking the delta were Make use of the contact form below and we will be happy to assist you! $3,550.00. To the southeast, the third vegetation region of true drylands become evident. 2015 - 2023. Okavango Delta is a large inland delta and is one of the most popular Botswana safari tours destinations. Authentic African Safari Experience. Within the Okavango Delta, over the past 150 years or so, Hambukushu, Dceriku, and Bugakhwe have inhabited the panhandle and the Magwegqana in the northeastern delta. As soon as your small aircraft lands in this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will see for yourself what makes this part of Africa truly unique. Trips to the Okavango are all about looking for animals and reveling in the region's natural splendor. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Each of these habitats has a distinct species composition comprising all the major classes of aquatic organisms, reptiles, birds and mammals. Mining activities including prospecting will not be permitted within the property. The Latest Botswana Travel Advice - Coronavirus - Okavango Delta The two wonderful Oddballs Okavango camps have something to offer for everyone. ReconAfrica has stated, "There will be no damage to the ecosystem from the planned activities. 10 reasons to visit the Okavango Delta - National Geographic The largest inland delta in the world, the broad Okavango River sinks into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush and waterlogged oasis with crystal clear . [24], Since 2005, the protected area has been considered a Lion Conservation Unit together with Hwange National Park. At 16 000 sq. Contact us for more information and to start planning your Okavango safari. Camp Xakanaxa is the oldest and most iconic Moremi bush camp. We love to help El delta del Okavango constituye adems un ejemplo, nico en su gnero, de interaccin de procesos climticos, hidrolgicos y biolgicos, y alberga en su territorio poblaciones de algunos de los grandes mamferos que mayor peligro de extincin corren actualmente, a saber: rinocerontes blancos y negros, licaones, leopardos y leones. Okavango.com I All rights reserved I Disclaimer I Privacy policy I Sitemap. Okavango Delta Weather & Climate (+ Climate Chart) - SafariBookings Best Lodges in Okavango Delta: See traveller reviews, candid photos and great deals on lodges in Okavango Delta, Botswana on Tripadvisor. The Okavango Delta can vary in size from 15 000 square kilometres during drier periods to a staggering 22 000 sq. This scenic natural wonder can be reached by road or air safaris that offer spectacular views of the Okavango Delta. The Okavango - Okavango Delta While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Five reasons why you have to visit the Okavango Delta The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a large land-locked complex river-floodplain ecosystem, with a diverse biota, and high environmental heterogeneity due to periodic drying and flooding along a space and time gradient. Criterion (x): The Okavango Delta World Heritage property sustains robust populations of some of the worlds most endangered large mammals such as Cheetah, white and black Rhinoceros, Wild Dog and Lion, all adapted to living in this wetland system. We all react differently to warm climates and for some of us this means cool air is the only way to ensure a comfortable night. Family Adventure Safari and Victoria Falls, Family Adventure Safari in the Okavango & Kalahari. These ecological processes provide a scientific benchmark to compare similar and human-impacted systems elsewhere and give insight into the long-term evolution of such wetland systems. Sleeping soundly- Botswana safari camps with air-conditioning Abu Camp, Okavango Delta | Botswana Camps | Wilderness The Okavango Delta is one of the most exclusive wilderness destinations in the world. World Heritage partnerships for conservation. The Okavango Delta is a 360 panoramic Garden of Eden, with fairytale lagoons, dense forest, extensive savannahs, superb wildlife and over 400 bird species. Located on a Delta island is a wholehearted camp, with the serenity and calmness of a water lily floating in clear Botswana waters: this is Xaranna Okavango Delta Furthermore, potential impacts from mining including concessions in the buffer zone and outside the buffer zone need to be carefully monitored and managed to avoid direct and indirect impacts to the property, including water pollution. It is Africas third largest alluvial fan and the continents largest endorheic delta. The Okavango Delta is an iconic safari destination in northern Botswana that boasts the largest inland river delta in the world. It is the only river in Southern Africa that flows through the Kalahari Desert. How to see the animals from 'The Lion King' for real in Africa, Mokoro and more: a safari like no other in the Okavango Delta, From delta to desert, with a river in between: a tale of three safaris in Botswana, The ultimate playground: plan a Botswana safari for kids, Botswana: the rewards of self-drive safaris, The Okavango: why you need a safari in Botswana's delta, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Widespread poverty plagues the upper basin, and the majority of people rely on livelihoods like agriculture, fishing, forestry and tourism that draw on the region's natural resources. Some of the best lodges include luxury Khwai River Lodge (on the Khwai concession), Gunn's Camp (on the Xaxaba concession) and Duba Plains Camp (on the Duba Plains concession). More correctly an alluvial fan, the delta covers between 6 and 15 000 square kilometres of Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango (Kavango) River which flows from the Angolan highlands, across Namibias Caprivi Strip and into the harsh Kalahari Desert. Shinde - Ker & Downey Botswana. The Okavango catchment is projected to experience decreasing annual rainfall as well as increasing temperatures as a result of global warming. December to February are hot wet months with daytime temperatures as high as 40C (104F), warm nights, and humidity levels fluctuating between 50 and 80%. , , . Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa's wild spaces. Large numbers of mammals retreat during the drier winter months to this region. A warm place for families, couples and groups, and Huge herds of elephant traipse down to the water's edge, submerging themselves and rolling on the muddy banks. Abu's dramatically scenic private reserve in the Delta's west contains a number of distinct but interwoven ecosystems, from seasonally submerged floodplains, channels and palm islands in the north-east to the dryer Kalahari Sandveld tongue in the west. They are long and thin and often curved like a gently meandering river because they are actually the natural banks of old river channels which have become blocked up by plant growth and sand deposition, resulting in the river changing course and the old river levees becoming islands. Dominant plant species include reeds, real fan palm, acacia, sycamore fig, sausage trees, rain trees and African mangosteen. As this, Botswana government moved out all rhinos from Okavango Delta. As noted above the underlying causes of wildlife population declines are not clear, but an imposed hunting ban will further strengthen conservation measures in the property. At Zarafa Camp, this statement is overthrown. Breathtaking, wonderful staff, best safari experience so far these phrases are just a selection of the reviews written about Duba Plains Camp in the Okavango. Daytime temperatures at this time of year are mild to warm, but the temperature falls considerably after sunset. Ongoing efforts should focus upon sensitively accommodating traditional subsistence uses and access rights consistent with the protection of the propertys Outstanding Universal Value. Tourism to the inner Delta is limited to small, temporary tented camps with access by air. from . Where to begin? A major problem for the Tswana (Batswana) people, the main inhabitants of the Okavango delta, has been control of the tsetse fly. [4] All the water reaching the delta is ultimately evaporated and transpired. The Okavango Delta is a vast ecosystem created as the Okavango River flows into the parched Kalahari Desert, a sanctuary for a myriad of species. Also known as: Cubango River, Kubango River, Okovango River. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the few interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is largely intact. May 1, 2018 7 min read Sliding peacefully through the reed-lined channels of the delta in a mokoro is the quintessential Okavango experience Matt Phillips / Lonely Planet Botswana's mighty Okavango Delta, which expands annually up to a size of almost 20,000 sq km, is one of Africa's greatest and most pristine wildernesses. Data is variable, subject to different survey techniques and uncoordinated surveys undertaken by different institutions all contribute to an unclear picture of the Okavango Deltas wildlife. [7] On 22 June 2014, the Okavango Delta became the 1000th site to be officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.[8][4]. Elephant numbers have been increasing whilst other species are reported as exhibiting significant declines. Okavango Delta | Botswana Safari Tours The swamp-dominant species, which are usually found in the perennial swamp, also extend far into the seasonally inundated area. The Okavango Delta is home to some of the worlds most endangered species of large mammal, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion. This delta region, less than half of which is swamp year-round, covers an area of about 6,500 square miles (16,800 square km). The best way of getting an idea what the Okavango Delta is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. Okavango Delta | Botswana Tourism Organisation The Okavango is produced by seasonal flooding. Cest un exemple exceptionnel de linteraction des processus climatiques, hydrologiques et biologiques. This land is locally known as molapo. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Accommodation options in the Okavango Delta range from public campsites to private tented camps and luxury lodges. Xigera Safari Lodge. Okavango Delta - Wikipedia This residual moisture is used for planting fodder and other crops that can thrive on it. Facilities are carefully monitored for compliance with environmental standards and have minimal ecological impact. Choosing multiple lodges also allows However, game viewing can be seasonal, depending on the time of year and subsequent water and food availability. The natural habitats of the nominated area are diverse and include permanent and seasonal rivers and lagoons, permanent swamps, seasonal and occasionally flooded grasslands, riparian forest, dry deciduous woodlands, and island communities. / 19.296000S 22.91000E / -19.296000; 22.91000. Situated on the banks of the Khwai River, it offers 12 Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathroom facilities in addition to a thatched dining room and plunge pool. Riding safaris have operated in various Okavango locations since 1986. great. Camp. An outdoor shower to start the day in crisp morning dew? Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in todays complex world, where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development, unsustainable tourism practices, neglect, natural calamities, pollution, political instability, and conflict. 154. per adult. The continuous transformation of geomorphic features such as islands, channels, river banks, flood plains, oxbow lakes and lagoons in turn influences the abiotic and biotic dynamics of the Delta including dryland grasslands and woodland habitats. Okavango Delta 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor