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Okavango Delta National park

Okavango "the river that never finds the sea"

The Okavango Delta is one of the world's great natural phenomena - a series of permanent and fleeting waterways and floodplains, which occupy an otherwise sandy corner of northern Botswana. Okavango delta aerial picture

One of the best ways to get a true feeling for the vast spaces of the delta, which spans an area the size of Wales, and teems with African animals is to see it from above.

Rivers and pools strewn with lily pads sparkle like ribbons interspersed by wild animals. You can even see the fish as
they wiggle through the crystal-clear water below. Photo: wilderness safaris

Home to the full spectrum of African big-game animals, the Okavango delta has earned its reputation as one of the world's premier wilderness areas.

Maps

- Map of Delta
- Okavango
- Lodges
- Botswana Map
- Moremi Map
- Okovango Delta
- Chobe Park

Customs officers :-))
Photo: wilderness safaris

Maun

The gateway to the Okavango is via Maun by air on the southern extremity of the delta.

Maun International Airport is serviced by Air Botswana and there are direct flights to Johannesburg in South Africa.

The modern town has all the supplies and equipment for the intrepid traveller — stores shopping centre's, filling stations selling fuel, with a range of hotels, lodges and restaurants.as well as a variety of car and 4 x 4 vehicle hire ompanies

Annual Flood

The floods approach the mouth of the Okavango delta in Botswana, at the end of February.

In the basin, the incoming floods (Feb to April) split to form a maze of thousands of tiny islets teeming with wildlife, fish and over 450 birds.

This flood forms the miracle of the Okavango delta - a vast, oasis which results in a pan-shaped delta, with a handle to the north and to the south the kalahari desert.

The Okavango can be divided into three main habitats:
# The Main River
# The Permanent Waters
# The Dry lands

The 3 habitats provide a variety of accommodation options, which range from the most primitive safari camps, to luxury lodges and camps.

Game Reserves making up the Greater Okavango complex include Moremi and Linyati

Game Viewing

The best time is from May-October when the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out.

See and Do

In this untamed heart of Africa

# Be punted over the water in mokoro canoes by a guide
# The Okavango offers a profusion of birds. Bird watching is superb, some 450 species of birds have been recorded
# Fish are plentiful for dedicated fishermen including Tiger fishing
# In dry areas game and predators abound in their thousands
# Game drive in safari vehicles
# Some Safari camps offer night drives
# Walking safaris with trained guides who know the behaviour of animals

Daily Excursions - 90 km by road from Maun

Spend a few hours sampling the wonders of the Delta. The boats' platformed roof tops afford an excellent opportunity for viewing the prolific wildlife of the Moremi Reserve. A sundowner cruise is highly recommended. Trips depart from Xakanaxa camp site;

Self-catered camping safaris (2 - 4 days)
These trips are suitable for those arriving in Maun by 4 x 4 vehicle. A boat and driver/guide are provided, but guests need to be completely self-sufficient. Gcodikwe Lagoon (two sites) and Xobega Lediba (one site) are the two remote camping destinations offered within the Reserve's waterways, they are one-party exclusive, so prior booking is essential.

Fully-catered camping safaris (2 - 4 days)
For those arriving in Maun with neither 4 x 4 vehicle nor camping equipment, we provide a safari guide, with all equipment necessary for your trip. An unforgettable scenic transfer flight over the Delta either at the start or end of your safari is also included in this trip.

Getting There

By Air to Okavango: : Botswana air flights

For Botswana access is normally from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gaborone (capital of Botswana), Victoria Falls or Livingstone and Windhoek (Namibia).

Air Botswana operates daily return flights from Johannesburg to Maun (some via Gaborone depending on the season) and three return flights weekly to Kasane from Johannesburg as well as 3 times a week direct from Cape Town to Maun.

Seats can be limited in high season (1 July to 31 October) so early booking is advised through Flame of Africa / Afrizim.com as we often get better fares and can determine all the options on our computer screens.

Experience the wonders of Moremi on a hassle-free fly in safari. Viewed from the air the Okavango delta is awesome; seen from the waterways it has a peace and tranquility that is magical. Contact us for a quote .

Please take soft bags as the charter aircraft has a a 12 kg limit