Okavango Delta
By Jenny M.
What Is Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world’s largest inland deltas. It is a unique ecosystem that attracts wildlife, researchers and travelers from around the globe. Unlike most river deltas that flow into an ocean, the Okavango River spills into the Kalahari Desert, creating seasonal floodplains, lagoons, and islands.
The delta covers an area of approximately 15,000 square kilometers (5,800 square miles) but during peak flooding season it can expand to over 22,000 sq km (8,500 square miles).
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Okavango is home to many of Africa’s large animals as well as a wide range of birds and marine life. While you may not see them all, it is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) along with hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species.
Over 400 species of birds have been spotted there too, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Why is the Okavango Delta a UNESCO World Heritage site?
The Okavango Delta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014 due to its unique ecological and hydrological characteristics, its biodiversity, and also its importance for conservation.
Along with providing critical water resources for the local community, the delta supports a very wide range of flora and fauna. It is, along with Costa Rica and Borneo, among the most uniquely biodiverse locations on earth.
The delta is unique in the way that it transforms the Kalahari Desert into “a scenic landscape of exceptional and rare beauty,” according to UNESCO. The annual flooding supports diverse habitat and wide-ranging species diversity. The delta is an incredibly complex ecosystem in terms of how the flooding and receding waters continually change the features of the landscape: islands, channels, rivers, lakes and so on, demonstrating a range of ecological processes.
It remains one of Africa’s most pristine and valuable wildlife sanctuaries, deserving of global protection and recognition.
What can you expect on a visit to the Okavango Delta?
There are many options available for your visit to the Okavango Delta, from single small-plane flights to multi-day adventures.
You can take a day trip into the delta, but multi-day trips are readily available with the ability to choose the level of comfort you would like. All trips into the delta are focused on learning about what makes the delta so important and, of course, seeing the animals!
How far you go into the delta does have an impact on what you will see and experience. More budget-style camping trips usually mean that you don’t go as deep into the delta as you might on a longer or more customised trip. On the other hand, staying at one of the luxury lodges usually means you will get the benefit of local knowledge and get to experience everything the delta has to offer while enjoying the comforts of home.
Typically you will take a fast boat from Maun to a local village where your delta team is waiting for you. Then you’ll step into a timber boat called a mokoro where you’ll spend the next hour or two poling through the delta to your campsite or lodge. This is one of the best experiences of your time here. It is so serene just gliding through the water looking through the waterlilies for birds and insects.
Book accommodations in Maun for before or after your delta trip.
Animal safaris in the delta
Walking safaris are the usual method used for big-game spotting, but there’s no need to be nervous. The guides are well trained and, while you do get to see some amazing wildlife, they are very conscious of not just your safety, but also minimizing human impact on the very delicate ecosystem.
Yes, there are both hippos and crocodiles in the delta. However, the guides know to avoid the dawn and dusk times when hippos might be around, and they also know which swimming holes are too cold for the crocodiles.
What you see on your walking safari will depend on how deep into the delta you are. We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Sadly, we didn’t actually see a lion, but our guide pointed out some prints that were probably only a day old. It is pretty amazing standing there and watching an elephant walk by.
Your walking safaris are usually 3-4 hours long but at a very casual pace so almost anyone could participate.
Your camp in the Okavango Delta
Usually the camps are set up by your team and consist of a quality tent, a camp bed and mattress and even a loo seat over the latrine. Food is well prepared and would be acceptable to most people. Fish is usually at least one meal a day as the team catches the smaller bream from the delta. It is delicious!
Is Okavango Delta worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is an extremely unique ecosystem and a treasure to find in the middle of what seems like an African desert. It is somewhere that will stay with you forever.
The beauty is incredible and being able to walk in among wild animals is amazing. Poling the mokoros through the water to and from your camp might be the best thing about it.
What sorts of travelers would like the Okavango Delta?
If you have any interest in wildlife or nature the Okavango Delta is for you. It would appeal to most travellers as apart from getting out and seeing the wildlife, it’s also a very relaxing few days. Nothing is rushed, so it’s easy to come back feeling very rested. Photographers, in particular, will love it.
Travellers who like a more out-of-the-ordinary experience will love it, as its pretty rare to be able to camp in the bush, listening to all the night sounds, and then get to walk close to wildlife the next day. Being completely off-grid is a true luxury in our world and spending time in the delta assures you of that.
Tips for visiting Okavango Delta
If you are on a budget, the key is to enquire as to how far you go into the delta. The deeper you are the better your experience. We took a fast boat for 40 minutes to the village and then poled for another hour and a half deep into the delta.
Others who did a more affordable trip didn’t go anywhere near as far into the delta and didn’t see the level of wildlife we did. That doesn’t mean you have to pay for an expensive trip. Camping trips are just as good as luxury lodges when it comes to wildlife spotting. You just have to be sure you are going a decent distance into the delta.
It is worth checking on the drought status in Angola before going. A few years ago, Angola was in a terrible drought and the delta was almost dry. It wouldn’t have been a great time to go and you would also risk damaging the delicate ecosystem, so checking that would be ideal.
Ensure you have a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen with you when you leave camp. Water is purified and usually readily available, so make sure you take a few bottles with you to refill.
Because of the nature of the walking safaris, muted clothing is advised. Red shirts and yellow hats won’t work here. You need to keep with darker and more natural colours so as not to spook the wildlife.
A good book or some crossword puzzles for the down time are very handy, and remember to pack light. You need a few changes of clothes, something to swim in, a hat, sunglasses, any camera gear and your book.
Unlike on jeep safaris in the Serengeti, for example, you are further away from the animals – primarily for your safety – so a good camera with a decent zoom will be an important part of your packing list.
While you’re in Botswana, think about also seeing the UNESCO-listed rock art at Tsodilo.
Where is Okavango Delta?
The nearest major town to the Okavango Delta is Maun, often called the “Gateway to the Okavango Delta.” Maun is the main hub for travelers visiting the delta, with an airport, hotels, safari operators, and supply stores.
Some of the luxury lodges have their own airstrips and you can fly from Maun airport on a small plane.
Typically you would fly to Maun, then take a transfer to your lodge or hotel. Driving in Botswana will often require a 4WD just for the ground clearance, so if you are driving you could expect to travel from Chobe to Maun in 5-6 hours.
Take a look at a variety of tours in Botswana.
Flights into Maun are possible from multiple airports in South Africa or from Gaborone in Botswana.
For more information about Okavango Delta, visit their website, which will assist you in planning and executing your visit.
Have you been to the Okavanga Delta? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!