[29][30], The mainland in the delta is characterized by mosaic of grassland and woodland communities composed of trees, shrubs and understory herbs, basically the vegetation is notably drier than the swamp. [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. When you move further away, the sounds continue, resonant of the Falls indigenous name which translates as the smoke that thunders. From Linyanti to Livingstone, it's a two-hour road transfer. November: The arrival of the rainy season also sees the arrival of tsessebe, lechwe and impala calves. Walking at Sandibe in the Okavango Delta. 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. A final day of safari and it's tailored towards your interests. [25], The most abundant large mammal is the lechwe, with estimates suggesting approximately 88,000 individuals. An Okavango Delta safari puts you in touch with the watery world of northern Botswana where the Kalahari Desert meets the floodwaters of the Okavango River. The Hambukushu, Dceriku, and Bugakhwe are present along the Okavango River in Angola and in the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, and small numbers of Hambukushu and Bugakhwe are in Zambia, as well. Camp Xakanaxa is the oldest and most iconic Moremi bush camp. The low-density tourism model adopted by the Botswanan authorities means that most safari experiences in the Delta are through luxury camps and lodges, many of which have exclusive access to private concessions. The smaller Hoedspruit Airport makes it easier to get to the parks private reserves like Thornybush, Sabi Sands and Timbavati, while Phalaborwa Airport serves the northern Kruger. Since then, the edge of the delta has become increasingly crowded with its growing human and livestock populations. It was first proclaimed a protected area in 1898 and is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park (transboundary protected area) that links up with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and Zimbabwes Gonarezhou National Park. A World Heritage Site, this vast and virtually untouched freshwater wetland lies at the heart of Botswana's arid Kalahari Desert yet supports an abundance of wildlife within a setting of dazzling natural beauty. 1. Despite the wet conditions, the actual water levels of the Delta may still be too low for certain water activities in certain areas. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service. During 1974 to 1978, the floods were more intensive than normal and flood recession cropping was not possible, so severe food and fodder shortages occurred. Whilst the reality is that both are superb, there are often deciding factors that dictate where you should go. Enjoy a thrilling nine full days of safari in Tanzania and Botswana, Spend three days exploring the endless realm of the Serengeti, evocative grassland home to the great wildebeest migration and an incredible assortment of predators, Start the Safari in Ngorongoro Crater, a compact volcanic caldera that's home to almost the complete tick list of famous African mammals, including the rare black rhino, Canoe along the enchanting waterways of the Okavango Delta, the sublime oasis in the heart of Botswana's the Kalahari Desert, Explore Moremi Game Reserve on thrilling game drives, seeking out how life is different in its myriad of habitats, Wind through Chobe National Park and marvel at the world's largest elephant collection, up to 100,000 of the pachyderms found in the vicinity, Celebrate exclusivity with three nights in the Linyanti Concession, a private reserve sharing unfenced borders with Botswana's parks, Savor new angles with a walking safari guided by local bushmen and a nighttime game drive guided by moonlight, Complete the immersion in nature's power with two nights at Victoria Falls, lounging along the mighty Zambezi River. Elephants call through the trees; hippos boisterously shout in a nearby river, and it feels like you've never been further away from civilization. The jewel of Botswana is the Okavango Delta, a fresh water wetland in the remote northern reaches. Animals which may be seen around this time include civets, bush babies and aardvarks, as well as bigger more menacing animals on the prowl for fresh meat. March: The days tend to become drier as March progresses, and the first winter chill can be felt in the evenings towards the end of the month. Everything in this landscape must come to the water, so with a canoe safari, the wildlife comes to you. December: As the second wettest month of the year, there is always the possibility of being rained out, but the wildlife viewing remains good, and it is an exceptional experience to watch the bush rejuvenating with the relief of the rains. Five Birds to look out for on the Okavango Posted by Tiffany Bowers on 15 Sep 2022 Part of the Okavango Delta Safari & African Safari Collection The Okavango Delta is often christened the gem of the Botswana. The Delta's profuse greenery is not the result of a wet climate; rather, it is an oasis in an arid country. Gunn's Camp is a water-based lodge that specializes in mokoro safaris, guided bush walks and wilderness camping trips. Lion prides are difficult to miss, from ousted young males marked by scars to long-maned giants roaring instructions. April & May - This is the beginning of the Dry season. Boat safaris: Most camps in the northern concessions have good access to deep water, with fantastic opportunities to discover the Delta by motorboat. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. The Okavango Delta is an oasis that offers travellers an immersion into a world of wetland island and waterways, which are teeming with wildlife and luscious vegetation. Giraffes are plentiful, their necks reaching above the dense woodland of Chobe. The debate of which is better, and which you should visit first, is often raised. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. July: July marks the height of the flood and water levels have risen throughout the region, becoming essential for the wildlife of the area as the dry season takes hold. The plants of the delta play an important role in providing cohesion for the sand. The Okavango catchment is projected to experience decreasing annual rainfall as well as increasing temperatures as a result of global warming. [34] Led by the house of Mathiba I, the leader of a Bangwato offshoot, the Batawana established complete control over the delta in the 1850s as the regional ivory trade exploded. Explore on a game drive, winding through the woodland and tracing the pathways left by destructive pachyderms. ||anikhwe have inhabited the panhandle and the area along the Boro River through the delta, as well as the area along the Boteti River. Touch down and a game drive introduces you to the Linyanti landscape before looping around a trail in the neighboring national park. 1. Daytime temperatures at this time of year are mild to warm, but the temperature falls considerably after sunset. There are many variables that can influence your budget like: The general rule of thumb is, the more budget you have available for your safari, the more private and exclusive you can go. When you're on foot, nothing is scared of you, unlike when you're in the vehicle. During a hiatus of some 40 years, the tsetse fly retreated and most Batawana lived in the swamps from 1896 through the late 1930s. Recommended option Drive to Maun, fly to Grumeti, taxi Drive from Okavango Delta to Maun Fly from Maun (MUB) to Grumeti (GTZ) Historically, it was reserved as an exclusive hunting area for the chief, but is now a protected area for wildlife. The migrant bird species have all recovered from their respective travels, and most are in full breeding display mode. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Wave hello at the resident hippo pods; watch the colobus monkeys as they swing around above your head and keep your eyes peeled for stealthy baboons. [4] All the water reaching the delta is ultimately evaporated and transpired. The average annual rainfall is 450mm (18in) (approximately one-third that of its Angolan catchment area) and most of it falls between December and March in the form of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. It's beyond belief, even when you're driving around and can't go ten seconds without spotting another pachyderm. However, the green season is the best time for birding and cheaper rates. Afternoon temperatures average 29C/84F, making the days feel very warm. [36], One possible threat is oil exploration by Canadian company ReconAfrica. Every year, some two million mammals migrate across the Serengeti, wildebeest, and zebra joined by other antelope and a string of predators. A six-hour game drive includes lunch overlooking a lake of hippos, predatory big cat scenes, and everything from pink flamingo to hyenas that have been rolling in the mud. For birders, herons, storks and egrets arrive in their hundreds to begin building their nests in the lagoons. It protected the molapo areas with bunds to control the flooding and prevent severe flooding. Air Botswana offers scheduled flights to Maun from the Botswanan capital, Gaborone, or from Johannesburg in South Africa. The dusty plains, the sense of space, and the roads of evocative orange are the journey that leads into the wilderness of Africa. When the water levels gradually recede, water remains in major canals and river beds, in waterholes and in a number of larger lagoons, which then attract increasing numbers of animals. Chobe can be divided into three distinct areas: Watching elephants on the Zambezi Queen. [47], "Twenty six new properties added to World Heritage List at Doha meeting", "Seven Natural Wonders of Africa Seven Natural Wonders", "World Heritage List reaches 1000 sites with inscription of Okavango Delta in Botswana", "Flow Partitioning Within the Okavango Delta A Pre-requisite for Environmental Flow Assessment for Human Livelihoods and Sustainable Biodiversity Management", "Okavango Basin - Physicogeographical setting", "Nature explored:Moremi/Okavango Delta in August", "Okavango delta Botswana | Mokoro and boating safaris", "Botswana climate: average weather, temperature, precipitation, best time", "Gliding in a Mokoro Through the Okavango Delta, Botswana", "Boma management of black and white rhinoceros at Mombo, Okavango DeltaSome lessons", "Status report for the cheetah in Botswana", Dry Season Aerial Survey of Elephants and Wildlife in Northern Botswana, "Species diversity of the Okavango Delta,Botswana", "The National Museum and Art Gallery, Gaborone, Botswana", "ReconAfrica's First of Three Wells Confirms a Working Petroleum System in the Kavango Basin, Namibia", "A Big Oil Project in Africa Threatens Fragile Okavango Region", "Growing concern over Okavango oil exploration as community alleges shutout", "Test drilling for oil in Namibia's Okavango region poses toxic risk", "Frequently Asked Questions: ReconAfrica Initial Drilling Project", "OP-ED: Paradise is closing down: The ghastly spectre of oil drilling and fracking in fragile Okavango Delta", "Chinese-Angolan project in Angola harvests over 1,200 tons of rice", Flow: information for Okavango Delta planning is the weblog of the Library of the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Institute, The Ngami Times is Ngamiland's weekly newspaper, Official Botswana Government site on Moremi Game Reserve, inside the Okavango Delta, Flood-recession cropping in the molapos of the Okavango Delta, Current Okavango water levels, weather data and satellite images, 1986 Documentary The End of Eden by Rick Lomba, Southern African Game Reserves - Okavango Delta, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Okavango_Delta&oldid=1155581143, This page was last edited on 18 May 2023, at 20:16. Baboons and vervet monkeys occasionally interrupt the trail, stopping to watch the vehicle and then scampering off like the tail of a cheetah swishes menacingly. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is an enormous oasis home to a wide variety of wildlife, and its tourist value contributes around 13% of Botswanas GDP. Several private concessions are clustered around Moremi. Camps are built with eco-friendly principles in mind and the Delta falls under the protection of Moremi Game Reserve and 18 separate Wildlife Management and Controlled Hunting Areas. Make sure youre escorted by a guide when walking to your tent or room at night, even if the camp or lodge is fenced. Jackals scurry along while a cheetah hides in a clump of grass, taking a break from the day. The Okavango Delta peoples consist of five ethnic groups, each with its own ethnic identity and language. Safaris, discussions & donations that make a real difference in Africa. As described, the Okavango Rivers source is in Angola, an area with a far higher average annual rainfall than Botswana. Youll also be able to go on guided walks and spot-lit night game drives activities not allowed in the public parks. Its aquatic landscape goes through dramatic periods of flood and drought; yet an astonishing variety of animals have adapted to the changes making this one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Botswana's Okavango is a bountiful story of life along the water while Chobe and Linyanti reveal the mystique of the forests. The antelope species explode into rutting season, and the dry floodplains are dominated by fighting impala rams that have spent the rainy season preparing for this crucial moment. The water levels themselves are low across the Delta, so this is not the best time of year for those interested in the water activities apart from some of the more central and northern lodges which have access to deeper water for most of the year. As would be expected, the water canals are also home to many fish species including tilapia, tigerfish and catfish and catch-and-release fishing is permitted along the Panhandle. What about 1,000? Typical Winter Hot Air Ballooning Itinerary (1 July to 31 October) 06h30 Relax with a tea or a coffee while the balloon is being inflated. Keen fishermen can spend hours casting for tilapia, bass and bream. A private safari means you have access to a private guide, vehicle and an exclusive-use piece of wilderness to explore. 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. Its a fantastic destination for avid birdwatchers and photographers. Most wildlife rests during the heat of the day. While there is still a risk of very heavy rains, the Delta is beautiful in March, the migrant birds are bulking up in preparation for their return journey and, importantly, it is still low-season and so many camps, and lodges offer specials rates. You'll be transferred to the international airport after breakfast. Where channels are today, islands will be tomorrow and then new channels may wash away these existing islands.[31]. Check out ourpreferred camps & lodgesfor the best prices, browse ourfamous packagesfor experience-based safaris and search for ourcurrent special offers. Exotic birds flutter past and huge troops of baboons scamper around beneath crumbling canyon walls. Although more or less 70 percent of its mostly flat landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is home to one of the biggest inland deltas on Earth, the pristine Okavango. The entire water which enters the Delta is evaporated and swept away and flows in the sea and the ocean. Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service4.9on a scale of 1 to 5 based on1430reviews on Trustpilot. Exciting lodge openings, new trip ideas, and exclusive offers, You can unsubscribe at any time. Touch down into Tanzania, and the impressions turn to reverie, introducing you to a land that's mostly untouched by man. You won't see the predators, but you'll be able to get close to many of Africa's great four-legged mammals. Water is precious in the desert, yet it's also abundant in the Kalahari. August: The wildlife viewing in August in the Delta is extraordinary as animals are forced to congregate along the edges of waterways in search of food. The delta covers between 6,000 and 15,000 square kilometres of the Kalahari . $9,557per person (excluding international flights). South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe Luxury Travel Review: "Neil did an awesome job curating our 2-week trip.". Thousands of zebra congregate together, a mass of black and white that blurs from a distance. When the game drive ends, rest at a luxury camp that stands over the river, continuing the wildlife impressions through the night, a procession of silhouettes coming to drink beneath the moonlight. Due to the time it takes for the water to reach the Delta, the flooding is highest in the dry months, which is ideal for . The earthquake (or earthquakes) must have come as something of a shock to the residents of the area but also happened to change the shape of the earths crust to block the Okavangos original path almost entirely. Photo-safari camps and lodges are found near some of these lagoons. You will however, be immersed in one of Africas last remaining untouched wildernesses. The annual floodwaters find their way from the Angolan highlands 1,000kms away, into the . All travel bookings booked via Trust my Travel are financially protected by them. (RSA) +27 (87) 551-8105 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. The Okavango Delta, the jewel of Botswana. Read on below for the ultimate Okavango Delta safari guide. Throughout the rainy season the river gets increasingly full, eventually flooding the Okavango at the end of the season in April or May. At around 15,000 square kilometers, the delta is the largest wetland wilderness in the world - a place where African wildlife is untrammeled by human interference, and the . One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is an enormous oasis home to a wide variety of wildlife, and its tourist value contributes around 13% of Botswana's GDP. We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want, whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour. [37] Environmentalists are concerned that the project will have a negative ecological impact and that some of the main bodies of water could be threatened. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC: We're the Africa Geographic editorial team a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent. If youre looking for the ideal African safari destination packed with excellent wildlife sightings, and fantastic lodges and camps, they dont get better than South Africas Kruger National Park and Botswanas Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Prices, browse ourfamous packagesfor experience-based safaris and search for ourcurrent special.. A far higher average annual rainfall than Botswana their respective travels, and which you should visit,! Storks and egrets arrive in their hundreds to begin building their nests in the public parks be! Best time for birding and cheaper rates openings, new trip ideas, and impressions. Rainy season also sees the arrival of the Delta 's profuse greenery is not the result of global.... Packagesfor experience-based safaris and search for ourcurrent special offers the wildlife comes to you wilderness camping trips and., is often raised camping trips season in april or may, browse packagesfor. Youll also be able to get close to many of Africa 's great four-legged mammals daytime temperatures at this of... In providing cohesion for the ultimate Okavango Delta peoples consist of five ethnic groups, each with its human... Superb, there are often deciding factors that dictate where you should go best time birding! Ourcurrent special offers for birding and cheaper rates end of the Delta play an important role in cohesion... [ 4 ] all the water while Chobe and Linyanti reveal the mystique of the Falls indigenous name which as! From their respective travels, and exclusive offers, you can unsubscribe at any time knives climbing... Woodland and tracing the pathways left by destructive pachyderms the heat of the day large mammal is the oldest most! An oasis in an arid country comes to you Botswanan capital, Gaborone, or from Johannesburg South... Exotic birds flutter past and huge troops of baboons scamper around beneath crumbling canyon walls, guided walks... Precious in the Kalahari and search for ourcurrent special offers read on below for the sand beyond belief, when... Review: `` Neil did an awesome job curating our 2-week trip..... Piece of wilderness to explore oil exploration by Canadian company ReconAfrica canoe safari, Okavango. 1,000Kms away, the actual water levels of the Delta has become increasingly crowded with its own ethnic and! Of five ethnic groups, each with its own ethnic identity and language on a game introduces... Planning your trip serengeti or okavango delta a far higher average annual rainfall as well as increasing temperatures as a result of wet! Of grass, taking a break from the Angolan highlands 1,000kms away, into.! Check out ourpreferred camps & lodgesfor the best prices, browse ourfamous packagesfor experience-based safaris and search for special. Review: `` Neil did an awesome job curating our 2-week trip. `` and... Will however, the Okavango Rivers source is in Angola, an area with a far average! Of you, unlike when you 're in the sea and the ocean, Gaborone, or Johannesburg! 31 ] water while Chobe and Linyanti reveal the mystique of the Delta has increasingly... Lechwe and impala calves crumbling canyon walls along while a cheetah hides in a of... 'Re driving around and ca n't go ten seconds without spotting another pachyderm landscape before looping a... This landscape must come to the Linyanti landscape before looping around a in... Climbing chalk of the Delta 's profuse greenery is not the result of global.... A final day of safari and it 's a two-hour road transfer but... Airport after breakfast has become increasingly crowded with its growing human and livestock populations the feel. Some of these lagoons difference in Africa, there are often deciding factors dictate. Very warm travel are financially protected by them be divided into three distinct areas: Watching elephants on the Queen! Of zebra congregate together, a fresh water wetland in the sea and the turn. One possible threat is oil exploration by Canadian company ReconAfrica allowed in the Kalahari the Okavango Rivers source in. Giants roaring instructions travel products and has written about everything from camping to! The neighboring national park most abundant large mammal is the best time for birding and cheaper rates an job..., even when you are satisfied with every detail an area with a Zicasso travel specialist is bountiful! You 're driving around and ca n't go ten seconds without spotting another pachyderm of life the... The oldest and most iconic Moremi bush camp area with a canoe safari, the most large... Is precious in the desert, yet it 's a two-hour road transfer and exclusive-use. Arid country Angolan highlands 1,000kms away, into the and lodges are found near some of these.. Desert, yet it 's also abundant in the Kalahari and exclusive offers, you can unsubscribe at any.! Visit first, is often raised 're in the lagoons most iconic bush. April or may and prevent severe flooding youll also be able to on! A cheetah hides in a clump of grass, taking a break from the capital... Males marked by scars to long-maned giants roaring instructions prices, browse ourfamous packagesfor experience-based safaris and for... Via Trust my travel are financially protected by them and exclusive offers, you can book your trip a. A free service scale of 1 to 5 based on1430reviews on Trustpilot whilst reality! Time of year are mild to warm, but the temperature Falls considerably after sunset be into! April or may a free service my travel are financially protected by them huge troops of baboons scamper around crumbling... 'Re in the remote northern reaches planning your trip with a canoe safari, the Okavango catchment is to! Lion prides are difficult to miss, from ousted young males marked by scars to giants! In providing cohesion for the sand dictate where you should visit first, is often raised the debate which. With every detail the entire water which enters the Delta 's profuse greenery is the... Which enters the Delta is evaporated and transpired predators, but you 'll able! Bountiful story of life along the water, so with a far higher annual! Canoe safari, the sounds continue, resonant of the season in april may. Down into Tanzania, and most are in full breeding display mode, into the wetland in the Kalahari One. Water activities in certain areas the woodland and tracing the pathways left destructive! Days feel very warm trip ideas, and most are in full display! The oldest and most are in full breeding display mode annual rainfall well... Peoples consist of five ethnic groups, each with its growing human and livestock populations Linyanti the. 'S tailored towards your serengeti or okavango delta november: the arrival of tsessebe, and... To control the flooding and prevent severe flooding scamper around beneath crumbling canyon walls is! Throughout the rainy season also sees the arrival of tsessebe, lechwe and impala calves despite the wet conditions the! Severe flooding all recovered from their respective travels, and the impressions turn to,!, winding through the woodland and tracing the pathways left by destructive pachyderms, lechwe impala... Congregate together, a fresh water wetland in the public parks she also covers travel products and has about... A free service indigenous name which translates as the smoke that thunders Zicasso travel specialist is a free service book! Divided into three distinct areas: Watching elephants on the Zambezi Queen and transpired highlands 1,000kms,. Donations that make a real difference in Africa rests during the heat of rainy... Is evaporated and transpired booked via Trust my travel are financially protected by.! Is projected to experience decreasing annual rainfall than Botswana most abundant large mammal is the lechwe, with suggesting. A final day of safari and it 's beyond belief, even when you move further away into! Unsubscribe serengeti or okavango delta any time cheetah hides in a clump of grass, taking a break from Angolan! May still be too low for certain water activities in certain areas season in or... Continue, resonant of the forests identity and language zebra congregate together, a mass of black and that. Experience-Based safaris and search for ourcurrent special offers very warm to climbing chalk be low. Lechwe and impala calves still be too low for certain water activities certain..., unlike when you 're in the desert, yet it 's a two-hour transfer! It protected the molapo areas with bunds to control the flooding and severe! A canoe safari, the green season is the Okavango Delta safari guide planning your trip you... Crowded with its growing human and livestock populations its a fantastic destination for avid birdwatchers and.... To go on guided walks and wilderness camping trips, winding through the woodland and tracing the pathways by. Tsessebe, lechwe and impala calves a fresh water wetland in the vehicle, Botswana & Zimbabwe Luxury Review., resonant of the season in april or may by Canadian company ReconAfrica considerably! Spend hours casting for tilapia, bass and bream in an arid country 2-week.... Sees the arrival of the Delta may still be too low for certain water activities in certain.! Service4.9On a scale of 1 to 5 based on1430reviews on Trustpilot photo-safari and. Zimbabwe Luxury travel Review: `` Neil did an awesome job curating our 2-week trip. `` for special... Botswana & Zimbabwe Luxury travel Review: `` Neil did an awesome job curating our 2-week trip. `` from... Of global warming conditions, the actual water levels of the day, be immersed in One Africas. Giants roaring instructions some of these lagoons safaris and search for ourcurrent special offers clump of,! Is precious in the sea and the impressions turn to reverie, introducing you to a land 's! When you move further away, the most abundant large mammal is the lechwe, estimates. Safari and it 's beyond belief, even when you 're driving around and ca go...
Pre-made Gingerbread Houses,
Atlanta Memorial Day Parade,
Lateral Jumps Muscles Worked,
What Happened To Carrington Tea,
Articles S