Discover Africa
7 Reasons to Visit the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is clearly visible from space. The entire wetland is born from a trickle in Angola’s remote highlands which forms the beginning of an epic 1,000-kilometre long river that spans three countries and culminates into the iconic Okavango Delta.
The existence of the Okavango Delta in itself is a miracle. Most deltas are formed at the mouths of rivers as they empty into the sea. However, the Okavango Delta is a thriving 18,000 square kilometre wetland in a desert basin in landlocked northern Botswana. It is the largest inland delta in the world!
If this isn’t reason enough to visit the Okavango Delta, here are 7 more.
1. High-Value Low-Volume
Botswana is one the few countries in Africa to have a high-value, low-value approach to tourism. This was done so as to minimise the negative environmental impacts of overtourism while maximising socioeconomic benefits for the population. This makes the Okavango Delta a premier sustainable tourism destination.
A high-value, low-tourism strategy simply means there is limited availability with small and intimate lodges. This results in a sustainable holiday without the crowds. It gives you the chance to truly immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the Delta.
2. Superb Wildlife
Another reason to visit the Okavango Delta is the superb wildlife. Some of the world’s most remarkable and endangered wildlife call the Delta home. You can see 200 mammals moving between the plains and papyrus lined waterways. In addition to this, there are also 150 species of reptiles, the Big Five and some of the world’s largest herds of giraffe, buffalo and elephant. There are also some of Africa’s rarer species to be sighted, such as African wild dog, and the black and white rhino.
The wildlife has also adapted to the waterways which makes for spectacular sightings such as lions swimming and red lechwe bounding through the water.
3. Complex Eco-System
As we mentioned earlier, the Delta is one of the few deltas to be cut off from the ocean, this makes it an ecological marvel. What better reason to visit the Okavango Delta than to visit one of planet earth’s miracles? The verdant plant and wildlife of the Delta are sustained by seasonal flooding – a wonder in itself. The area is drastically affected by the seasons which results in incredible landscapes that change with the seasons.
4. Birders’ Paradise
It is easy for birders to find reason to visit the Okavango Delta. Despite having relatively low bird densities, it is home to a number of unique bird species so that many consider it a significant ornithological area. 450 Species of birds have been recorded in the Delta, including a large variety of rare wetland species. The mokoro also makes for unusual and special bird watching as the birds allow you to get much closer than usual.
5. Boat Safaris
Vehicle-based safaris are common throughout Africa, but a boat-based safari is more unusual. The mokoro is iconic and arguably one of the main reasons to visit the Okavango Delta. A guide will lead you in these dugout canoes through the labyrinth of waterways created by the flooded of plains. Game viewing from a mokoro is tranquil yet thrilling and gets you close to a variety of wonderful wildlife.
6. Horseback and Walking Safaris
For those of you prefer to stick to solid ground, there are a several alternatives to the mokoro. The most popular include walking safaris and horseback safaris. Either of these will allow you to explore the drier reaches of the Delta. They might not guarantee the best wildlife sightings, but they do guarantee the chance to reconnect with nature. Take this with the adrenaline of being in the wild without the protection of a vehicle and you have another reason to visit the Okavango Delta.
7. Luxury Accommodation
The Okavango Delta, despite being in the middle of an Africa wilderness, is not a place where you go to rough it. The Delta is dotted with private camps offering exclusive comfort and luxury. These range from tented camps to five-star lodges, all offering a chance to relax and experience the bush without compromising on the elegant and romantic aspect of the safari.
