Botswana and The Okavango Delta

Visiting the Okavango Delta In Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country on the Northern Border of South Africa. Namibia lies to the West and North, and Zimbabwe to the Northeast, meeting this country to a single point. This is a relatively flat country, consisting of around 70% the Kalahari Desert. Unlike many other countries in Africa, Botswana is a leader in economic freedom. The country has flexible employment, the financial sector is well developed, and property rights are strongly protected. This country is one of the few that welcomes business from other countries to come in and establish themselves. In 1966 Botswana became an independent country, and enjoys a level of peace and prosperity. This was one of the most impoverished countries before its independence, so you can see how successful they have become.

You may ask yourself why you would want to come and visit a country that is 70% desert. The answer is the Okavango Delta. This delta is the largest inland delta in the entire world. The Okavango River empties into it, forming a large swamp in the endorheic basin in the Kalahari basin. What happens is the water here starts to evaporate, and doesn't empty into the ocean. About 11 cubic kilometers of water drain here, with 15,000 km  being irrigation, and some draining into Lake Ngami. The Moremi Game Reserve, established as a National Park occupies the eastern side of the massive delta.

Again you are probably thinking why would you want to visit the world's largest delta and swampland. The Okavango Delta is both a permanent as well as a seasonal home to some of the grandest animal species in Africa. If you are looking to see the big five that Africa is famous for, you need to come here. There are lions, cheetahs, black and white rhinos, elephants, and the Plains Zebra here, but this is just the start to the wonders you will find here. Even the highly endangered African Wild Dog lives in and around the Okavango Delta, in one of the richest pack densities in all of Africa.

In additions to the big five, you will also find hippopotamus, giraffe, hyenas, warthogs and all the other game species this region of Africa is renowned for. There are even buffalo and blue wildebeest, as well as one of their biggest natural predators, the Nile Crocodile. In addition, you will also experience more that 400 different species of birds, the Lilac-breasted roller, sacred ibis, the African fish eagle, and even ostriches call this area home.

There are an estimated 200,000 large mammals in and around the Delta, but not all of them are full time residents. Most of them leave in the summer to find better grazing, but always come back during the winter months. The largest herds are buffalo, as well as elephants, numbering around 30,000. If you really want to experience all that Africa has to offer, then coming to the Okavango Delta should be the first on your list, and the Moremi Game Reserve is the place to start.

Botswana is a true success story in Africa. Tourism play a key role in the countries infrastructure. With natural wonders such as the Okavango Delta, the people of Botswana have doen really well to turn this into a tourist haven, offering visitors a truly unique african experience, while at the same time benefiting the local people and conservation efforts.

Each lodge of safari package offers it's own unique africa experience, and you will be spoilt for choice. In order to get the most out of your time here, plan ahead and chose the lodge and safari most suited to you, the links on this page offer you more detail on some of the famous lodges throughout this beautiful country.