The
Okavango River empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert,
creating an oasis for wildlife and forming the world's largest inland
river delta. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and other
predators thrive in this remarkable ecosystem that supports over 450
species of birds.
The
panhandle of the delta floods during the wet season, and the Okavango
River may rise
by six feet or more. By May, the waters are generally clear and
travelers can use wooden poles to push their canoes through reed
beds. Beneath the surface swim fifteen foot Nile crocodiles
sporting bone-breaking teeth.
Magnificent hippos - males weighing
up to 7000 pounds - help carve new channels through the reeds. |
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But the plentiful
water does not last, and by October, both residents
of the delta and wildlife struggle through heat and drought
as they wait for November rains to
begin.
Although the government of
Botswana has recognized the Okavango
Delta as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar
Convention, the delta is not protected in Namibia and Angola.
Access
to
much of this area is by
small plane, making travel more
expensive. Lodging choices vary from tent
camps and thatched bungalows to a houseboat and luxury lodges costing
as much as $1500
a night.
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WHEN TO GO:
Wildlife is more concentrated and easier to see during the dry season.
(July-October.)
Bargains can be found during the wet season (January - March) and
transitional season (April-June and November.)
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LINKS
Lodging
in the Okavango |
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