The Okavango Delta fondly known for its charming names such as, “the tabernacle of Botswana tourism, the piercing eye of Botswana and the motherland to mountainous mammals in Africa,” is a wonder not to be missed. It is located in the Northern part of Botswana and the nearest town to it is Maun. The Okavango Delta is one of the largest vast inland delta known for its sprawling grassy plains which flood seasonally and is a sight for sore eyes.
It covers up to 16 000 square kilometers of the land with 2 500 species of plants, 65 fish species, 122 mammals and 450 species of birds. It is a home to famous likeable animals such as leopards, buffalos, red lechwe, lions, crocodiles, giraffes, elephants amongst many other. As a result of spectacular wildlife inhabiting the delta, game viewing is excellent throughout the year.
The head waters of the Okavango Delta start in Angola’s western highlands and flows through Namibia and finally enters Botswana. It is truly the heart of Botswana as it gives life to people and wildlife around the area.
The formation of the delta is quiet captivating. Millions of years ago the Okavango river used to flow in an inland lake called Makgadikgadi which is now known as Makgadikgadi salt pans. Tectonic activities and faulting interrupted the process causing it to backup resulting in the formation of the Okavango Delta. Rains start in October at Angola flooding the Okavango and reaching Maun sometime in July.
Besides the beautiful wetland environment, Moremi Game Reserve is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, with vast private reserves (known as concessions) surrounding and extending from it. African safari companies rent these concessions from the Botswana government, which enforces strict regulations on them according to guidelines and guest limits.
These vast private reserves offer a safari experience like no other, complete with top-quality service. Tourists can explore expansive untouched wildlands and enjoy a feeling of isolation that is uncommon in modern Africa. Throughout the day, visitors can go on game drives or mokoro excursions and not come across any other safari vehicles.