The most famous geological feature in Botswana is without any doubt the Okavango Delta, listed as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ in 1997 by the Ramsar Protocol on Wetlands. The water in the delta originates in the highlands of western Angola, flows through Namibia as the Kuvango River and enters Botswana as the Okavango River at Mohembo in the north before it finally spreads over the sandy soils of the Kalahari to form a maze of lagoons, channels, palm-fringed islands and fertile floodplains. The varied habitats offer an incredibly diverse range of fauna and flora.
Image supplied courtesy of Pom Pom Camp
This is southern Africa’s largest wetland, spread over an area of around 12,000 square kilometres and has been described as “the river that never finds the sea”. Formed by persistent seismic shifting of the earth’s surface, the area is a magical oasis surrounded by the sands of the Kalahari semi-desert. The river system annually brings more than 2 million tons of sand and silt into the delta.
Less than three percent of the water flowing into the delta emerges at the other end to either flood Lake Ngami or cross another 300 miles of the Kalahari, to enter Lake Xau and the Makgadikgadi Pans. The biggest percentage of delta water is lost to the atmosphere through evapo-transpiration. Unfortunately the delta is getting smaller and smaller with global warming.
As a reliable source of permanent water, the delta attracted the San or Bushmen, one of the oldest tribes in Africa. In fact archaeological evidence suggests that the Okavango region has been inhabited for more than 30,000 years. It has historically been less densely settled than other riverine areas on the continent, probably because of insect borne diseases caused by tsetse fly and mosquito. Consequently, the Okavango Delta is arguably the most pristine wetland in the world.
The delta is a natural refuge and giant water hole for the larger animals of the surrounding dry areas such as Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari desert. The water gives rise to many forms of life unexpected in a "desert". Hippos open channels through the papyrus on their nocturnal forays to graze, recycling nutrients from land into the water. The water loving sitatunga and red lechwe traverse across the swamps, which are fringed with the tall trees of garcinia livingstonii, giraffe thorn, knob thorn acacia, jackal berries and African ebony - giving shade to herds of larger game.
It is in these forest fringes and savanna grasslands that larger game such as elephants, buffalo and giraffes can be found, alongside a wide variety of antelope including wildebeest, kudu, sable, roan and impala. Of course the predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and wild dog are never far away. The area also supports an abundance of bird life and a high diversity of fish.
The delta is a fragile and unique example of dynamic equilibrium at work in nature. Gliding silently through the reeds and water lilies in a traditional mokoro canoe is the best way to appreciate its extraordinary beauty, watching the birds and the fish and the animals as they come down to the waters to drink. You can fish in the clear water or game view by boat, 4x4 vehicle or on foot.
The Kwando Concession comprises 2,320 square kilometres of unfenced wilderness in the north of Botswana, bordering Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. Famous as a big game area, this private concession boasts 80 kilometres of exclusive river frontage.
Image supplied courtesy of Kwando Safaris
The perennial and southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshes before emerging as the Linyanti River, flowing in north-easterly and south-westerly directions. The triangle formed in Namibia by this direction change is home to the Mamili National Park.
The Kwando area is home to huge herds of elephant and buffalo. There are few places in Africa where such concentrated numbers of these animals exist, especially in the dry season.
Kwando is also well known for its high density of predators, including lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The lions of Kwando are famous for their elephant, hippo and buffalo kills. The wild dog viewing is amongst the best in Africa.
Other wildlife in the concession includes hippo, lechwe, zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, kudu and tsessebe. The endangered sable and roan are also often seen.
The 1,700 square kilometre Kwara Concession is located within the remote north-eastern part of the Okavango Delta and shares a 30 kilometre water boundary with Moremi Game Reserve. The concession has permanent water and seasonal flood plains as well as extensive dry bush wilderness. Habitats range from the clear Delta waters with reed-lined lagoons and channels, to open grasslands, mopane woodlands and palm-fringed islands.
Image supplied courtesy of Kwando Safaris
The Kwara area is home to a variety of animals including lechwe, sitatunga, reedbuck, bushbuck, hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and tsessebe. The endangered sable and roan can also be found here. Lion, hyena, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are abundant in this part of the Delta and regularly seen.
The area offers excellent birding opportunities and species you can encounter through the channels and rivers include herons, storks, kingfishers, pygmy geese, fish eagles, jacanas, darters and, if you're really fortunate, the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.
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Sample Botswana Itineraries
 Darkling Beetle Trek
Diving Beetle Expedition
Ground Beetle Tracker
Kheper's Adventures
Leaf Beetle Discovery
Scarab's Wilderness Journey
Scarab's Untamed Lands
Siamufumbula's Discovery
Stag Beetle Retreat
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