Highlights of the Okavango

What makes this natural event so dramatic is that it occurs at the peak of the dry season, 4 – 6 months after the last rains have fallen in Botswana. The reason for the water arriving so late is that it travels almost 2000 km over a relatively flat landscape from the highlands of Angola.

Besides the annual flooding of the Delta, other highlights are the various ecosystems found in the Okavango. These ecosystems range from deep permanent water channels to islands of Kalahari Sand, and somewhere in-between lies the magic of the Okavango.

The way the animals of the Okavango have adapted to the wetland environment is another highlight of the area. Species that supposedly do not like water such as the Lions spend a great deal of time with parts of the body submerged. So adapted are they to the wetland conditions, that they often use water to stalk and hunt their prey.

Okavango Activities

Game drives and night drives – offered at most lodges in the Okavango game drives of the most popular choice for visitors to experience the Delta. Night drives provide an opportunity to see the nocturnal wildlife of this fascinating area.

Makoros - these are the dugout canoes, the traditional mode of transport in the Delta. They are used to get up close to the wildlife in the area. Each Mokoro is piloted by an experienced poler.

Boating- motorboats are used for transporting supplies and for activities for tourists. This mode of transport is ideal for water-based lodges as they are situated in such inaccessible areas.

Walking - there can be no better way of getting closer to nature than on a foot Safari with an experienced guide. These walking tours allow you to understand the smaller creatures of the Delta better, with some of the bigger game thrown in too.

Elephant experiences – the Okavango was the original place chosen for Elephant back safaris and they continue to this day. There is also a place where intimate encounters with Elephants can be experienced.

Unique Attractions of Okavango

The high season in the dry season concept is certainly the most unique attraction of the Okavango Delta.

Another unique attraction is the experience of viewing patterns of the Delta from the air in a light aircraft.