Biodiversity of the Okavango River Delta
Listed under Wildlife in NW Botswana, Botswana.
The Okavango River flows through the Kalahari Desert, until it reaches a certain point along its route, then splits into a maze of channels, lagoons and islands, like that of a river delta. On the other side, at only three percent of its original size, the Okavango leaves this strange inland delta to travel another 300 miles across the Kalahari and enter Lake Xau.
More than two million tonnes of silt deposits arrive at the delta each year creating an ever changing, but nutrient rich oasis. Animals who find themselves amongst the Okavango River forests are cut off from other areas by the desert, and the delta and its surrounds are home to antelope, lions, cheetahs, leopards, wilderbeest, buffalo, impala and hyenas. There are thought to be around 80 different species of fish living in the Okavango Delta.
The best way to experience the delta is in a traditional dug out canoe, but be careful, the waterways are filled with crocodiles and hippos. Alternatively try a horseback safari, you'll get closer to the animals than you can in a car, and yet still burn a quick get away if you need to.
Written by 
Jodie Kimbah.
Other expert and press reviews
“Mokoro Rides in the Okavango Delta”
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta. Traditional wooden canoes, called mokoros, are used as a means to travel from the mainland to the various islands within the Delta. They can hold 3-4 people apiece. And unless … Read more...
Written by 
David Lee.
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Comments, reviews and questions by other travellers
Staying in Manu
Maun is the gateway to the famous Okavango Delta. Everyone asks how there can be a delta in the middle of the Kalahari desert. Good question. The sea that the river flowed into has gone missing, but does reappear from time to time in what is now called the Pans. Basically the river flowing down from Angola seeps and eventually disappears into the Okavango, creating something unique; a huge oasis that supports a varied and populous wildlife.
The Botswana government have long realised the value of this and protect it and exploit it in equal measure. As an African destination it is outstanding, and every imaginable type of safari is catered for, usually expensively. Tied as we were to airport proximity, we stayed at a very pleasant and reasonable lodge a short drive from Maun, on a stretch of river with good food and service called the Thamalakane River Lodge.
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Related links
- NW Botswana travel guide
- Botswana travel guide
- Botswana travel specialists
- The best Wildlife
- The best Safari
How many species of macroinverbrates,Fish,amphibian,Reptiles and Mammals live in Okavango wetlands