Okavango Delta (or Okavango Swamp) – Botswana (Southern Africa)

The Okavango Delta, also known as the Okavango Swamp, is an extensive inland delta in Botswana, which came to existence when the Okavango River reached a tectonic trough in the central part of the endorheic basin in the Kalahari. The entire massive volume of water which flows into this stunning delta is either eventually evaporated or transpired; considering that it does not flow into any ocean. The Moremi National Park spreads across the eastern part of the Delta. Situated deep into the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta is often referred to as the “jewel” of Africa, due to the area’s unique ecological splendour and gripping natural drama. The delta has been declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

The Okavango Delta is fed by the Okavango River, the third largest in Southern Africa. The delta has progressively developed over millennia, by millions of tonnes of sand carried down by the River Okavango, and deposited at the area of the Delta. The Okavango River sets on course from the Angolan highlands, and enters Botswana at Mohembo.

The flow of water, distribution and drainage systems are constantly altering, as a result of tectonic activity underground. As an extension of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the Okavango is set within a geographically unstable area of faults; and is frequently susceptible to land movements, tremors and minor quakes. By the time the water makes its way to Maun, at the delta’s southern fringes, over 95% of it has been lost through evaporation and transpiration.

The Okavango territory encompasses three geographical areas, comprising: panhandle, the delta and dryland.

The Panhandle starts at the Okavango’s northern section, in Mohembo; continuing downward for approximately 80 km (50ml). Its corridor-like character is contained within two parallel faults in the earth’s crust. At this juncture, the river runs deep and wide, and the swamps are perpetually flooded. The vegetation is dominated by vast papyrus beds and large stands of phoenix palms. Among the interesting features of the panhandle are; birding and the colourful villages that line its western fringes.

At Seronga, a rather fan-shaped delta emerges, as the water spills over it, reviving the landscape and creating an astounding mosaic of channels, lagoons, ox-bow lakes, flooded grasslands and essentially thousands of islands; in an endless assortment of shapes and sizes. Many of the smaller islands are grandiose termitaria, built by fungus-growing termites, one of the 400 termite species in Africa.

The delta region of the Okavango can vary in size from 15 000km²(5792ml²) during drier periods to an astounding 22 000 km² (8494ml²) during wetter periods. Its dominant plant species are reeds, mokolwane palms, acacia, sycamore fig, sausage trees, raintrees and African mangosteen.

At the delta’s lower zone, the perennial swamps are replaced by seasonal swamps and flooded grasslands. To the south-east, the third form of vegetation becomes evident, as it changes to vivid dryland. That area embodies three major land masses; comprising: the Matsebi Ridge, Chief’s Island and the Moremi tongue. Here, the vegetation is predominantly mophane, acacia and scrub bush, and the land is punctuated by pans. It is in this region that large numbers of mammals retreat during the dry winter months.

Species of wildlife to be viewed at Okavango Delta include African bush elephant, African buffalo, hippopotamus, lechwe, tsessebe, sitatunga, blue wildebeest, giraffe, Nile crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, brown hyena, spotted hyena, springbok, greater kudu, sable antelope, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, reedbuck, duiker, impala, plains zebra, warthog and chacma baboon etc.

A majority of the estimated 200,000 large mammals dwelling in and around the delta are not perennial residents. During summer rains, they often depart for replenished fields of grass to graze on; and generally resurface in the delta upon the emergence of winter. Papyrus and reed rafts constitute much of the Okavango's vegetation. During the flood season, they float well above the sandy river bed with roots dangling free in the water. This gap between the river bed and roots is utilised for shelter by crocodiles.

There are numerous lodge concessions in the Okavango delta to cater for visitors.