There are two gates: the North Gate for drivers coming from Chobe National Park and the South Gate, located 56 miles/90 kilometers from Maun. For those looking for an authentic and adventurous safari, a mobile safari is a great option. Specialist disability safaris are also offered, ensuring the Okavango is open to all. Light-filled tented rooms boast private plunge pools and . Balloon Safaris have been operating in the northern Okavango since 2014 and offer a unique perspective on this stunning landscape. Okavango River | Wildlife, Delta, Botswana | Britannica As we were in our boat, just as the sun was going down, a male elephant came out of the reeds and crossed the lagoon right next to us - simply Where channels are today, islands will be tomorrow and then new channels may wash away these existing islands.[34]. Okavango Delta | Botswana Safari Tours A successful rhino reintroduction programme in the Okavango now puts White Rhino's population at approximately 35 and Black Rhino at 4. Concerns have been noted regarding fluctuating populations of large animals. Veterinary cordon fences are known to cause significant disruption to wildlife at individual, population and species levels. Driving off-road and after dark are forbidden. Rated: TV-PG. The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Other experiences include trans-Okavango boating safaris or houseboat stays in the Okavango panhandle. 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. Its teeming wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, buffalo, wildebeests, hippopotamuses, zebras, wild dogs, crocodiles, and other species. Kwetsani Camp | Okavango Delta |Botswana | Expert Africa As the Okavango river flows into the Kalahari Desert, it comprises three main geographical areas. Il sagit dun des trs rares grands systmes de deltas intrieurs nayant pas de dbouch dans la mer et dun systme de zones humides quasi intact. You probably have a lot of questions. Before the permanent camps of the delta, at the genesis of the safari industry came the mobile safari. Still have questions? [25], Both white and black rhino has been reintroduced by Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Okavango-River. Welcome to one of Africas most extraordinary places. On a peninsula, beneath a majestic stand of trees, with uninterrupted panoramic vistas of the Okavango Delta, there is a beautiful, new and intimate camp: Kadizora Camp. Trips to the Okavango are all about looking for animals and reveling in the region's natural splendor. Mobile safaris allow guests to immerse themselves in the wilds of Botswana with specialist guides and specially adapted equipment. Kwando Safaris operates two wonderful safari camps in the heart of the Okavango. One of the unique characteristics of the site is that the annual flooding from the River Okavango occurs during the dry season, with the result that the native plants and animals have synchronized their biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods. It is relatively small in size yet covers some of the most pristine and ecologically diverse areas of the eastern part of the Delta. The flood peaks between June and August, during Botswana's dry winter months, when the delta swells to three times its permanent size, attracting animals from kilometres around and creating one of Africas greatest concentrations of wildlife. The delta was named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, which were officially declared on 11 February 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. During a hiatus of some 40 years, the tsetse fly retreated and most Batawana lived in the swamps from 1896 through the late 1930s. Facilities are carefully monitored for compliance with environmental standards and have minimal ecological impact. award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert Many private camps are permanently surrounded by water and only offer boat-based game viewing. [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. The Okavango catchment is projected to experience decreasing annual rainfall as well as increasing temperatures as a result of global warming. The Okavango Delta: An African Oasis - The Nature Conservancy 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. My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in July 2022 and this gave us the perfect excuse to finally go. In the distance grazing zebras, right behind you a beautiful, luxurious safari suite. 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 . . Skip to main content . [38] Most Batawana, however, have traditionally lived on the edges of the delta, due to the threat that the tsetse fly poses to their cattle. Riding safaris have operated in various Okavango locations since 1986. The Okavango River drains the summer (JanuaryFebruary) rainfall from the Angola highlands and the surge flows 1,200km (750mi) in around one month. Experience The Okavango Delta In Botswana | andBeyond $4,833 to $7,372 pp (USD) Botswana & Zimbabwe: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp. [40] Environmentalists are concerned that the project will have a negative ecological impact and that some of the main bodies of water could be threatened. The Delta's profuse greenery is not the result of a wet climate; rather, it is an oasis in an arid country. You can look for animals from your own vehicle and spend the night in some stunning public campsites. km during wetter periods. The largest intact inland delta in the world, the Okavango Delta is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin. DIRECTOR'S NOTES:Hey! Since I was a kid I've been fascinated by the wildlife around us. Oil drilling, possible fracking planned for Okavango regionelephants Within the past 20 years many people from all over the Okavango have migrated to Maun, the late 1960s and early 1970s over 4,000 Hambukushu refugees from Angola were settled in the area around Etsha in the western Panhandle. Enchanting, quiet, and relaxing: Camp Okavango is an unaffected paradise, located on a remote island in the delta. The natural phenomenon of the annual flood in the dry season and the distinct rainy season in time of low rain is the result of the exceptionally high plant diversity within the delta.[32]. However, game viewing can be seasonal, depending on the time of year and subsequent water and food availability. The weather is also cooler, drier and less humid at this time of year with plenty of sunshine during the day. Nxabega means Place of the Giraffe, but besides the giraffe, there is big variety of wildlife to be seen around this luxurious, yet warm and neighborly &Beyond Okavango Delta / News / Sleeping soundly- Botswana safari camps with air-conditioning Going on safari during the warmer months does not mean giving up the comfort of a good night's sleep. Afternoon temperatures climb to a pleasant 26 . Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. And the Nile crocodile is no different. wish for Don't miss the mokoro ride, it's a great opportunity to experience the area a different way. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the backdrop to wild Africa's grand spectacle, presenting unparalleled wilderness experiences in a serene inland delta unlike anywhere else on Earth. [30], The Okavango Delta is home to 71 fish species, including the tigerfish, species of tilapia, and various species of catfish. The Okavango Delta Of Botswana - WorldAtlas The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most famous destinations. Here, the air is filled with tranquility, The exquisite food, privacy, the elephant experiences, private game drives and top-notch accommodation, staff (especially manager Aaron) left nothing for us to crocodile, hippo, many birds. The lagoons and waterways of the Delta are what makes it unique, and water safaris are an unmissable experience. It is the fourth-longest river system in southern Africa, running southeastward for 1,600 km (1,000 mi). Elevated in the treeline, with views over a floodplain, the camp blends almost seamlessly into its surroundings. 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. Island camping, motorboat excursions, sunset cruises become part of the bustling river life at this quaint, new gem in the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta peoples consist of five ethnic groups, each with its own ethnic identity and language. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. 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. There is something elemental about the Unesco World Heritagelisted Okavango Delta: the rising and falling of its waters; the daily drama of its wildlife encounters; its soundtrack of lion roars, saw-throated leopard barks and the crazy whoop of a running hyena; and the mysteries concealed by its papyrus reeds swaying gently in the evening breeze. Wild and beautiful landscapes, bountiful game, excellent and knowledgeable guides and well schooled horses make for the perfect riding holiday. 4WD Tours. small scale and personal you just have to kick back and go with the flow. At Belmond Eagle Island Camp you will feel like Road conditions vary depending on the season and you will need a 4x4. [4] All the water reaching the delta is ultimately evaporated and transpired. 188. Through careful wildlife management it is one of the best places to see wildlife in their natural habitat in Africa. Gunn's Camp. Cette plaine situe au nord-ouest du Botswana est compose de marcages permanents et de prairies saisonnirement inondes. Here, safari living has been refined to an art. The riverformerly sometimes called the Okovangotakes its name from the Okavango (Kavango) people of northern Namibia. Okavango Delta Safaris - Info, lodging and tours The diversity and numbers of animals and birds are staggering. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Contained within two parallel faults in the Earth's crust, the river runs deep and wide, with surrounding swamps flooded annually. Rich in wildlife, this World Heritage Site is a sanctuary to some of the world's most endangered animals and birds. Service 4.7. April & May - This is the beginning of the Dry season. Due to the flatness of the delta and the large tonnage of sand flowing into it from the Okavango River, the floor of the delta is slowly but constantly rising. At ground level, the silhouettes of dead trees in the dry season give the delta a hint of the apocalypse. Soon after entering Botswana the Okavango begins to widen as it enters the flat, swampy tract in which it terminates. Mokoro and more: safari activities in the Okavango Delta The best way of getting an idea what the Okavango Delta is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. Activities are often seasonal and water dependent. boat and canoe rides to see elephant, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, wild dogs, lion, cheetah. The Northern Buffalo Fence, also within the alignment of the property buffer zone, is known to disrupt connectivity in particular for the regions Roan and Sable Antelope populations. Into the Okavango | National Geographic Documentary Films She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. Okavango Delta - For a soulful luxury safari in Botswana Which Safari Lodges & Camps To Choose In Okavango Delta - TheTravel Keep an eye out for specials like the African skimmer and the Pel's fishing owl. During peak flood season, the Delta covers over 8,500 square miles/22,000 square kilometers of the Kalahari Desert. Understanding the Okavango Delta - Africa Geographic The Okavango Delta World Heritage property displays an extraordinary juxtaposition of a vibrant wetland in an arid landscape and the miraculous transformation of huge sandy, dry and brown depressions by winter season floods triggers spectacular wildlife displays: large herds of African Elephant, Buffalo, Red Lechwe, Zebra and other large animals splashing, playing, and drinking the clear waters of the Okavango having survived the dry autumn season or their weeks long migration across the Kalahari Desert. Criterion (ix): The Okavango Delta World Heritage property is an outstanding example of the complexity, inter-dependence and interplay of climatic, geo-morphological, hydrological, and biological processes. 9. The Okavango Delta is a 360 panoramic Garden of Eden, with fairytale lagoons, dense forest, extensive savannahs, superb wildlife and over 400 bird species. Botswana Tourism 2021, Eco - Tourism Certification Application Process, Boma (around the fire setting) night experiences. However, the Southern Buffalo Fence defines the southern boundary of the World Heritage property and whilst damage has compromised its effectiveness in disease control, it acts as a locally known demarcation to stop cattle grazing within the property. more specific information about the different lodges? [16], The Okavango Delta is both a permanent and seasonal home to a wide variety of wildlife which is now a popular tourist attraction. To the southeast, the third vegetation region of true drylands become evident. Okavango Delta travel - Lonely Planet | Botswana, Africa [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 high temperature of the delta causes rapid transpiration and evaporation, resulting in 3 cycles of rising and falling water level[9] that were not fully understood until the early 20th century. Only here. The Okavango Delta has been under the political control of the Batawana (a Tswana nation) since the late 18th century. Book This Camp At Okavango Delta Explorations we specialise in crafting safaris to this unique ecosystem. There are several private reserves in the Delta, as well as Moremi Game Reserve. The rains quickly dry up leading into the dry, cool winter months of June to August. On the islands and mainlands edges above the flooded grasslands different communities of flora are found. Generally, most deltas empty themselves in an ocean. This delta in north-west Botswana comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. Guests benefit from the continuity a dedicated specialist guide brings, and many departures focus on particular interests such as birding. About 70 miles inside Botswana, the river spreads out to form a triangular-shaped delta, the base of which extends for about 150 miles (240 km). Get in touch to begin your Okavango Delta Exploration Enquire Now Child Policy Walk the Okavango Delta A bonus: all tents have recently been refurbished! Het is de thuisbasis van enkele van 's werelds meest bedreigde grote zoogdieren, zoals de cheetah, witte neushoorn, zwarte neushoorn, de Afrikaanse wilde hond en de leeuw. 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. OKACOM has formally supported the inscription of the Okavango Delta on the World Heritage List. [6], The Moremi Game Reserve is on the eastern side of the delta. All accommodations are From private candle-lit dinners floating through a lily covered lagoon to helicopter safaris with champagne stops on palm islands and sleeping beneath the stars on private star beds. For the best wildlife sightings, visit the Okavango Delta during the May to September dry season. The State Party is encouraged to address a range of other protection and management issues to improve integrity. This land is locally known as molapo. The only way to reach many parts of the Delta is by small aircraft and most of the camps are high-end. June, July & August - It is very dry and somewhat cooler now. you are walking on air, but realise quickly that floating on water is even better. Lechwe graze on aquatic plants and, like the waterbuck, take to water when threatened by predators. Wherever you want to go in the Okavango Delta, it all starts at Maun: a small but bustling town and the capital of the Kalahari Desert. Huge herds of elephant traipse down to the water's edge, submerging themselves and rolling on the muddy banks. Le delta de lOkavango entretient des populations de certains des grands mammifres les plus en danger du monde tels que le gupard, le rhinocros blanc et le rhinocros noir, le lycaon et le lion. A recent overview of the Okavango region recorded 122 species of mammals, 71 species of fish, 444 species of bird, 64 species of reptiles and 1,300 species of flowering plants. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Some of Africas best game viewing is found on these floodplains and islands. The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the planet's most beautiful wilderness areas. Finally Botswana supports the worlds largest population of elephants, numbering around 130,000: the Okavango Delta is the core area for this species survival. THE 10 BEST Okavango Delta Lodges - Tripadvisor guidance. Although activities in this concession are primarily water-based, there are options for game drives and - with advance notice - walking safaris. 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. This camp combines the From March to May, the temperature reduces, with a maximum of 30C (86F) during the day and mild to cool nights. 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. Causes of decline are attributed to seasonal variability, poaching (for example of giraffe for meat) and veterinary cordon fencing used to manage animal sanitation and control the spread of disease between wildlife and domestic stock. Okavango River - Wikipedia Mixed camps provide both land and water activities. As this, Botswana government moved out all rhinos from Okavango Delta. The Cubango-Okavango River Basin covers 125,000 square miles in Angola, Namibia and Botswana and provides water for 1 million people. The camp is extremely well maintained, the rooms are luxurious, the staff is lovely, and the setting . [31], The Okavango Delta is home to 1068 plants which belong to 134 families and 530 genera. All of our accommodations are luxurious, eco-friendly and provide a true Okavango Delta experience. A safari is innately romantic and the perfect choice for a honeymoon. "Kwetsani was everything we could have hoped for when visiting the Okavango Delta. In some areas it's also possible to fish for the ferocious tigerfish - but remember, all fishing in the Okavango Delta is catch-and-release. You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start), Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End) Wayfairer Travel. 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. 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. The two wonderful Oddballs Okavango camps have something to offer for everyone. Botswana Photographic Safari with James Gifford, Wheelchair Accessible Safari Private Mobile Safari. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 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. Visitors traverse the Delta's meandering waterways, passing palm- and papyrus-fringed islands, thick woodland, resplendent with lush vegetation, and teeming with rich wildlife. Since the river flows through the desert, most of the water is lost through evaporation and transpiration. 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. The Okavango is produced by seasonal flooding. The former is a magnificent option located on Chief's Island with a gourmet kitchen and spa. Dec Excellent Good Fair Poor A visit to the Okavango Delta is rewarding any time of the year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is from July to October. 10 reasons to visit the Okavango Delta - National Geographic The Okavango Delta comprises a mosaic of protected lands. Cest un exemple exceptionnel de linteraction des processus climatiques, hydrologiques et biologiques. The Okavango River, at 1,500kms, is the third largest in southern Africa. Historically, it was reserved as an exclusive hunting area for the chief, but is now a protected area for wildlife. perfect for everlasting memories: welcome to Selinda Camp. To enjoy a night drive, you'll need to stay in a private concession. 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. The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the planet's most beautiful wilderness areas. 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. Each of these habitats has a distinct species composition comprising all the major classes of aquatic organisms, reptiles, birds and mammals. Let Fred, Julia and the dedicated staff embrace you with hospitality and become part of the warm Xugana family. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Conservationists and community leaders in the spectacular Okavango wilderness region of Namibia and Botswana are raising alarms over oil and gas exploration and.