The Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a large inland delta in Botswana where the Okavango River's waters reaches a lowland in the Kalahari. All this water is ultimately evaporated and transpired. The Moremi Game Reserve, a National Park, lies to the east of the Delta. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and a World Heritage site.

The Okavango is characterized by high and low water levels due to the nature of the Okavango River, which drains the summer rainfall in Angola to be stopped and spraed out over a large area in the Deta. Transpiration and evaporation then cause the water levels to drop until next season when it will rise again. The water level is the highest in winter between June and August. During this period the wildlife are attracted to the water rich area, resulting in very dense concentrations of wildlife.

Species include elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, lechwe, tsessebe, sitatunga, blue wildebeest, giraffe, crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, brown hyena, spotted hyena, springbok, kudu, sable antelope, black and white rhinoceros, zebra, warthog and baboon.

The delta also has over 400 species of birds. With such a wide diversity of species, it is no wonder the Okavango Delta is such a haven for African Safari Lodges.

After the summer rains, most of the animals like elephant and buffalo leave for greener grass and trees elsewhere, just to return when winter comes.

The best time to visit is determined by personal taste. December to February are hot months with temperatures sometimes as high as 42°C. Humidity levels between 50% and 80%. During March to May, temperatures are milder in the vicinity of 30°C and cool nights. June to August are the dry, cold winter months with the days mild and cold nights. Mostly, the climate in the Delta is experienced by visitors as very mild, except maybe the hot summer months.