Biodiversity of Okavango River Delta
Okavango River flows through Kalahari Desert in Africa before splitting into a maze of channels, lagoons and islands at some point en route, just like any other river delta. Later, the river, though in a much smaller size, travels another 300 miles across Kalahari and enters Lake Xau. Moremi Game Reserve national park is located to the east of the delta. The delta region is home to several ethnic groups like Hambukushu, Dceriku, Wayeyi and Bugakhwe.
The river deposits more than two million tones of silt deposits at the delta region every year thus creating a dynamic nutrient-rich oasis. The Okavango River forests are home to various wildlife that is isolated from other areas by the desert while the delta region and its surroundings are inhabited by antelopes, lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas and hyenas. There are thought to be around 80 different species of fish living in the Okavango Delta. The dug-out canoe is the best way to experience the Okavango delta, although the tourists must remain aware as the waterways are filled with crocodiles and hippos. The other alternative is a horseback safari and it will help the adventurers to get closer to the animals than in a vehicle.
The summer time rainfall that the Angola highlands experience feed Okavango as a result of which the river swells up for a month’s duration and subsequently the water spills over the flat delta area spreading across 15,000 square kilometres.
Travel itinerary at Okavango:
Day 1: Moving from Livingstone to Kasane. Early morning departure from Livingstone and travelling across Kazangula Ferry to Botswana where the tourists would stay in a lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.
Day 2: From Chobe River to Kasane. The adventurers would embark on early morning game drive in the Chobe National Park along with a sunset game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River.
Day 3: The tourists drive via Nata to reach on the edge of Makgadikgadi Pans. Accommodation arrangement is made in Bakalanga huts. They relax in the afternoon while enjoy a campfire in the Lapa.
Day 4: Reaching Okavango Delta: The tourists arrive in Maun and by lunchtime they fly into the Okavango delta by a light aircraft. The 20 minute scenic flight gives an amazing panorama view of the Delta. The camp is based in the heart of an untouched and pristine wilderness area here. Overnight stay at Oddballs camp.
Days 5-6: A private guide leads the tourists to explore the wonders of the Okavango delta by mokoro, a local boat and on foot. Early morning and late afternoon excursions to get a taste of the beauty. Listen to the sounds of the African bush while relaxing in the evening.
Day 7: Returning to Maun by light aircraft. Relaxing for the rest of the day.
Days 8-9: The tourists enter the Caprivi Strip where they spend the night amongst the lush vegetation overlooking Okavango River. Optional excursions like bird walks, game drives and mokoro excursions the next day.
Days 10-11: The team continues through the Caprivi Strip. They spend the next two nights at the lodge overlooking the wild Kwando River. Elephant and Hippo can be viewed from the deck overlooking the river.
Days 12-13: At Livingstone/Victoria Falls ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’. The tourists travel across the Zambian border into Livingstone to view Victoria Falls, one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa.
Day 14: Departure from Livingstone.
