A plethora of information has been written and conveyed through movies and platforms like YouTube about the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. It creates an oasis in an otherwise inhospitable terrain, offering a remarkable haven. The wildlife viewing experience it provides is among the finest in Africa.
SIZE
Dry Season 15,000 km²
Wet Season 22,000 km²
OKAVANGO RIVER SIZE
1,500 kms
WILDLIFE AREAS
The major tourist attractions in both the Delta and the dry land areas encompass game viewing, birding, and boating, often carried out in traditional mokoros. The sheer diversity and abundance of animals and birds can be overwhelming. A recent comprehensive survey of the Okavango has documented 122 species of mammals, 71 species of fish, 444 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles, and an impressive 1,300 species of flowering plants. Notably, a successful rhino reintroduction initiative within the Okavango has been incredibly successful.
The Okavango Delta’s size varies within the region, spanning from 15,000 square kilometres during drier periods to an astonishing 22,000 square kilometres during wetter phases. Its prominent plant species include reeds, mokolwane palms, Acacia, sycamore fig, sausage trees, rain trees, and African mangosteen.
Encompassed within an area of approximately 3,900 square kilometres, the convergence of land and Delta gives rise to a remarkably picturesque expanse of floodplains, which can be either seasonally or perennially saturated. Additionally, a network of waterways, lagoons, pools, pans, grasslands, and riparian, riverine, and mopane forests grace this captivating territory.
Within the Okavango Delta lies the Moremi Game Reserve, initially established in 1963.
Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango, and includes the Moremi Tongue and Chief’s Island, boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the continent- the Moremi is a place to visit.
Presently, the total surface area of the Moremi Game Reserve spans 4,871 square kilometres, which is approximately one-third of the Okavango Delta’s expanse. In the southern part, the entrance through South Gate leads to areas encompassing Xinie Pan, Bodumatau, Forth Bridge, and 3rd Bridge. These areas showcase a blend of riverine woodland, marsh, and marginal woodland.
The northern section is dominated by the Xakanaxa region, boasting expansive floodplains and vast lagoons, alongside woodland forests and floodplains.
Towards the east lies Khwai. Remarkably, nearly 80% of the reserve’s dry land is characterized by Mopane veld. Notably, the colossal Mopane trees that form the woodland canopy between Xakanaxa and Khwai are a particularly captivating feature.
The Khwai Floodplain area begins to the east of Hippo Pools and extends towards Mababe. This expansive floodplain, along with its adjoining marginal woodlands, serves as a superb locale for wildlife viewing.
A land of extreme contrasts – from stark nothingness to vast green fields as far as the eye can see – some experts have claimed that you haven’t truly experienced Botswana until you’ve visited the Makgadikgadi Pans.
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