THE THIRSTY DESSERT
The world's largest inland delta: witness the bizarre spectacle of the great Okavango emptying into the dry sands of the Kalahari Dessert, irrigating 5700m2 (15000km2) of desert and bringing with it a remarkable array of life.
This vast plane lies in the Kalahari Desert which, in turn, is situated in the Kalahari basin (an area about 5 times the size of France) - the oldest and most extensive stretch of sand on earth. The bizarre coming-together of the desert and the Okovango river is best appreciated from the air. Aurel Schultz, one of the earliest Europeans to ever see the delta, noted: "Where all this water goes is a mystery". What is certain is that, in this context, water means life. Here you will find a proliferation of life including unique human cultures and traditions (the 5 ethnic populations including the ancient San bushmen). In addition, the living desert also supports an astounding diversity of animals. In the delta, you will find African bush elephants, lions, cheetah, blue wildebeest, giraffe, hippo and sable antelope to name but a few species. Birdlife is equally plentiful, particularly after the flooding that follows rain. African Fish Eagle and Sacred Ibis are amongst the frequent visitors here.
Okavango Delta highlights
- Travel along the meandering Okavango river by boat, plane or Mokoro
- Because of the rare water source, the opportunities for quality birding are many
- Visit nearby Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage for its ancient rock paintings (around 4500 of them)
- Discover more about the world's oldest existing culture: the San (or bushmen)
- Spot the endangered African Wild Dog
Okavango Delta accomodation
Jao Camp
Jao Camp is in the central region of the concession, vast open floodplains and beautiful islands fringed with riverrine forests provide some of the most stunning scenery Botswana has to offer.
