Nxabega means Place of the Giraffe, but besides the giraffe, there is big variety of wildlife to be seen around this luxurious, yet warm and neighborly &Beyond The Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is located in a 25,000-hectare exclusive wildlife concession on the edge of the Okavango Delta, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Officially declared UNESCO's 1 000th World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta is undeniably Botswana's evergreen crown jewel. The dry season coincides with the annual flood and animals are forced to gather on higher ground making them easier to spot. Light-filled tented rooms boast private plunge pools and . You will be picked up from the nearest airstrip and transferred to your lodge or camp via boat, mokoro or 4x4. The Okavango catchment is projected to experience decreasing annual rainfall as well as increasing temperatures as a result of global warming. Best Time To Visit Okavango Delta (Month by Month) - SafariBookings Beyond the superb game viewing and stunning backdrops the Okavango Delta is known for its intimate camps, crowd-free safaris and utterly unique experiences. Efforts should centre on ensuring that indigenous peoples living in the property are included in all communication about the World Heritage status of the property and its implications, that their views are respected and integrated into management planning and implementation, and that they have access to benefits stemming from tourism. read more about your safari trip in the sections below. By far the easiest way to get to the Okavango is to fly in on a charter plane from Maun Airport (MUB). These include enhanced governance mechanisms to empower stakeholders in the management of the property; the development of a property specific management plan which harmonizes with planning in the wider landscape; ensuring adequate staffing and funding to build the capacity of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks; and programmes to strengthen the control and elimination of invasive alien species from the property. There are also numbers of ducks, geese, and quail. motorboat or foot and be sure you take time to meet Alex, the local hippo. $3,550.00. May 1, 2018 7 min read Sliding peacefully through the reed-lined channels of the delta in a mokoro is the quintessential Okavango experience Matt Phillips / Lonely Planet Botswana's mighty Okavango Delta, which expands annually up to a size of almost 20,000 sq km, is one of Africa's greatest and most pristine wildernesses. [4] All the water reaching the delta is ultimately evaporated and transpired. Gunn's Camp. Mixed camps provide both land and water activities. Driving off-road and after dark are forbidden. However you choose to experience the Okavango, a wonderland of wildlife-filled plains, forests and waterways awaits. It protected the molapo areas with bunds to control the flooding and prevent severe flooding. It is the only river in Southern Africa that flows through the Kalahari Desert. The site is an outstanding example of the interplay between climatic, geomorphological, hydrological, and biological processes that drive and shape the system and of the manner in which the Okavango Deltas plants and animals have adapted their lifecycles to the annual cycle of rains and flooding. The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Authentic African Safari Experience. "Kwetsani was everything we could have hoped for when visiting the Okavango Delta. The State Party is encouraged to address a range of other protection and management issues to improve integrity. The Okavango Delta is one of the most exclusive wilderness destinations in the world. There is no other place in Africa where so many ecosystems seamlessly congregate. The delta is formed in the area where the Okavango River flows to a tectonic trough in central Kalahari. Okavango Delta Weather & Climate (+ Climate Chart) - SafariBookings The Okavango Delta has been under the political control of the Batawana (a Tswana nation) since the late 18th century. Watching the red During 1974 to 1978, the floods were more intensive than normal and flood recession cropping was not possible, so severe food and fodder shortages occurred. Its teeming wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, buffalo, wildebeests, hippopotamuses, zebras, wild dogs, crocodiles, and other species. Facilities are carefully monitored for compliance with environmental standards and have minimal ecological impact. Gunn's Camp is a water-based lodge that specializes in mokoro safaris, guided bush walks and wilderness camping trips. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Botswana's Okavango Delta - Heaven on Earth - YouTube Antoine Janssens here. A warm place for families, couples and groups, and Here are 10 reasons why it's so worth visiting and supporting the effort to conserve this world wonder. soon! Major tourist attractions in the Delta and the dryland areas are game viewing, birdwatching and boating in the many waterways, often in the traditional mokoro dug-out canoe. 9. THE 10 BEST Okavango Delta Tours & Excursions for 2023 - Tripadvisor Most importantly, the source of the Okavango Deltas waters in Angola and Namibia remain unaffected by any upstream dams or significant water abstraction and the three riparian states have established a protocol under the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) for the sustainable management of the entire river system. Annually, approximately 6.8 cubic miles of water spreads over the 3700-9320 square miles. It is Africas third largest alluvial fan and the continents largest endorheic delta. Dec Excellent Good Fair Poor A visit to the Okavango Delta is rewarding any time of the year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is from July to October. The Cubango-Okavango River Basin covers 125,000 square miles in Angola, Namibia and Botswana and provides water for 1 million people. Whether galloping alongside giraffe or swimming through crystal clear Okavango waters with your horse, this is a safari guaranteed to leave experienced riders with memories for life. Lechwe graze on aquatic plants and, like the waterbuck, take to water when threatened by predators. The Bugakhwe and ||anikwhe are Bushmen, who have traditionally practised fishing, hunting, and the collection of wild plant foods; Bugakhwe used both forest and riverine resources, while the ||anikhwe mostly focused on riverine resources. The Okavango Delta offers a wide variety of accommodation in three broad categories - water, land and mixed camps, depending on the activities they offer. , - , , , . Okavango Delta is a unique inland delta as it paves its way into open land and floods the savanna. 154. Keen fishermen can spend hours casting for tilapia, bass and bream. The delta is very flat, with less than 2m (6ft 7in) variation in height across its 15,000km2 (5,800sqmi),[10] while the water drops about 60 m from Mohembo to Maun.[3][11][12]. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Criterion (ix): The Okavango Delta World Heritage property is an outstanding example of the complexity, inter-dependence and interplay of climatic, geo-morphological, hydrological, and biological processes. The Okavango Delta comprises a mosaic of protected lands. vibe. Get ready with your camera on the charter flight in and out of camp, or save up for a bucket list hot air balloon flight over the Delta at dawn. The lagoons and waterways of the Delta are what makes it unique, and water safaris are an unmissable experience. you are walking on air, but realise quickly that floating on water is even better. Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0. Choosing multiple lodges also allows Mokoro and more: safari activities in the Okavango Delta The natural habitats of the nominated area are diverse and include permanent and seasonal rivers and lagoons, permanent swamps, seasonal and occasionally flooded grasslands, riparian forest, dry deciduous woodlands, and island communities. The waters then spread over the 250 by 150km (155 by 93mi) area of the delta over the next four months (MarchJune). The vegetation in the Delta is still green. 2. Ongoing vigilance is critical to ensure mining developments do not adversely impact the property. Start making your bucket list as you Read More Safari Options The Okavango Delta provides some of the best safari experiences in Africa with first-rate wildlife, accommodation and guiding. It was much different than the other safari's we were on, with the safari trips being on water (canoe and boat) or on foot, so we could really examine the The average annual rainfall is 450mm (18in) (approximately one-third that of its Angolan catchment area) and most of it falls between December and March in the form of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer, and the first European known to have seen the Okavango, reached its swampy delta in 1849. Okavango Delta region is one of the subdistricts of Ngamiland District of Botswana. from . Continued special attention is needed to reinforce the recognition of the cultural heritage of indigenous inhabitants of the Delta region. The State Party should also work with State Parties upstream from the Delta to monitor any potential impacts, including from potential diamond mining in Angola, which could impact water flow or water quality in the Delta. Veterinary fencing is recognised as a sensitive, multi-dimensional issue. Updates? [32] There are five important plant communities in the perennial swamp: Papyrus cyperus in the deeper waters, Miscanthus in the shallowly flooded sites, and Phragmites australis, Typha capensis and Pycreus in between. Private concessions throughout the rest of the Delta offer the opportunity to take part in walking safaris and night drives. Island camping, motorboat excursions, sunset cruises become part of the bustling river life at this quaint, new gem in the Okavango Delta. 2015 - 2023. Okavango Delta - Travel Guide, Map & More! - SafariBookings fishing or hunting). Incredible jaw-dropping design, luxurious, modern decorated suites, healthy and nutritious food; this is where you come for around-the-clock pampering and The Okavango Delta supports large concentrations of animals and birds. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the few interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is largely intact. [46] Other threats include local human encroachment and regional extraction of water in both Angola and Namibia.[47][48]. Other experiences include trans-Okavango boating safaris or houseboat stays in the Okavango panhandle. Normally set on the permanent waters of the delta, these camps offer guests a quintessential Okavango water safari experience. [6], The Moremi Game Reserve is on the eastern side of the delta. source: UNESCO/ERI You can explore it on foot or in a 4x4 safari vehicle, or from the water in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). [5] The area was once part of Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient lake that had mostly dried up by the early Holocene. Which Safari Lodges & Camps To Choose In Okavango Delta - TheTravel Land based camps focus on the extraordinary game which is attracted to this oasis in the desert. small scale and personal you just have to kick back and go with the flow. The delta was named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, which were officially declared on 11 February 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. Do I need any special equipment? Okavango Delta region - Wikipedia Although the Okavango brings water to a parched land, the rivers resources remain largely unused, and its banks are only sparsely settled. During peak flood season, the Delta covers over 8,500 square miles/22,000 square kilometers of the Kalahari Desert. Let Fred, Julia and the dedicated staff embrace you with hospitality and become part of the warm Xugana family. As we were in our boat, just as the sun was going down, a male elephant came out of the reeds and crossed the lagoon right next to us - simply This delta region, less than half of which is swamp year-round, covers an area of about 6,500 square miles (16,800 square km). The flood peaks between June and August, during Botswana's dry winter months, when the delta swells to three times its permanent size, attracting animals from kilometres around and creating one of Africas greatest concentrations of wildlife. The Okavango Delta is further recognized as an Important Bird Area, harbouring 24 species of globally threatened birds, including among others, six species of Vulture, the Southern Ground-Hornbill, Wattled Crane and Slaty Egret. The diversity and numbers of animals and birds are staggering. In this time they have grown both in number and stature providing a range of excellent safari opportunities. Camps are built with eco-friendly principles in mind and the Delta falls under the protection of Moremi Game Reserve and 18 separate Wildlife Management and Controlled Hunting Areas. Discover this area by traditional mokoro, Soon after entering Botswana the Okavango begins to widen as it enters the flat, swampy tract in which it terminates. Famous for its outstanding safari operations, Ker & Downey Botswana offers a portfolio of four magical Okavango Delta safari lodges. World Heritage partnerships for conservation. Discover Duke's Camp, an exclusive luxury retreat nestled in the heart of the Okavango. Throughout the rainy season the river gets increasingly full, eventually flooding the Okavango at the end of the season in April or May. Une des caractristiques uniques de ce site est que les crues annuelles se produisent en saison sche, de sorte que les plantes et les animaux ont synchronis leur rythme biologique avec les crues et les pluies annuelles. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. . ||anikhwe have inhabited the panhandle and the area along the Boro River through the delta, as well as the area along the Boteti River. The river spills out over the fan-shaped Delta at Seronga, rejuvenating the landscape and creating stunning mosaics of channels, lagoons, pools, flooded grasslands, and thousands of islands. Climbing. We so enjoyed the boat trips, big and small, the helicopter ride was the BEST and a must, and sundowners on the overlooking the delta were The bunds are provided with sluice gates so the stored water can be released and flood recession cropping can start. Corrections? At 16 000 sq. Skip to main content . The Okavango Delta[2] (or Okavango Grassland; formerly spelled "Okovango" or "Okovanggo") in Botswana is a vast inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough at an altitude of 9301,000 m[3] in the central part of the endorheic basin of the Kalahari. Huge herds of elephant traipse down to the water's edge, submerging themselves and rolling on the muddy banks. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most famous destinations. A bonus: all tents have recently been refurbished! All of our accommodations are luxurious, eco-friendly and provide a true Okavango Delta experience. There are three significant landmasses here: the Matsebi Ridge, Chief's Island and the Moremi Tongue. Top 10 Unbelievable facts about the Okavango Delta in Botswana 358. The Okavango Delta boasts an astounding abundance and diversity of animal life including no fewer than 160 mammal species. / 19.296000S 22.91000E / -19.296000; 22.91000. . The Okavango Delta offers an incredible variety of specialist safari experiences. Past mining prospecting licences have been extinguished, and will not be renewed or extended. Okavango Delta Map - Detailed Map of Okavango Delta - SafariBookings Walk Botswana Safaris - Okavango Delta In its uppermost course, the Okavango flows through woodland country that becomes less densely forested as the river progresses southward. Criterion (vii): Permanent crystal clear waters and dissolved nutrients transform the otherwise dry Kalahari Desert habitat into a scenic landscape of exceptional and rare beauty, and sustain an ecosystem of remarkable habitat and species diversity, thereby maintaining its ecological resilience and amazing natural phenomena. The Okavango Delta of Botswana is a tourist destination with the Okavango Delta one of her most visited areas. No problem. The Okavango Delta is arguably the single best destination for birders in Southern Africa with over 530 recorded species. The Okavango Delta is a large low gradient alluvial fan or 'Inland Delta' located in north-western Botswana. km during wetter periods. OKACOM has formally supported the inscription of the Okavango Delta on the World Heritage List. Operating out of authentic safari camps these specialist programmes allow a special perspective of the delta and are ideal for family or small groups of friends. Data is variable, subject to different survey techniques and uncoordinated surveys undertaken by different institutions all contribute to an unclear picture of the Okavango Deltas wildlife. This area of the Okavango is stunning, with both deep water channels and open park-like grasslands with beautiful trees that go on forever. Eagle Island Lodge, a Belmond Safari, is Africa's ultimate water-focused and experiential lodge. It begins at an elevation of 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) in the sandy highlands of Angola. The camp is extremely well maintained, the rooms are luxurious, the staff is lovely, and the setting . Guest participation and comfort levels vary from operator to operator, but these can be an extremely cost-effective way of exploring the Okavango Delta. Crocodiles have the strongest bite in the animal kingdom. It also boasts some of the most varied safaris in Africa with a great range of safari activities on offer including walking safaris, riding safaris, mokoro safaris, boating safaris, balloon safaris, helicopter safaris and more. The rivers load In the delta consists almost entirely of sand, because the clean waters of the Okavango contain little mud. De Okavango delta in het noordwesten van Botswana bestaat uit permanente moerassen en seizoen-overstromende vlaktes. Activities at land focused camps and lodges are primarily 4x4 game drives, with some walking permitted in the private concessions. The State Party should implement rigorous environmental impact assessment procedures for mining activities outside the property but which have the potential to negatively impact on its Outstanding Universal Value, to avoid such impacts. Department of Wildlife and National Parks. These ecological processes provide a scientific benchmark to compare similar and human-impacted systems elsewhere and give insight into the long-term evolution of such wetland systems. Value 4.4. Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in todays complex world, where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development, unsustainable tourism practices, neglect, natural calamities, pollution, political instability, and conflict. [1] [2] Of course. -due to its small size- offers the perfect setting for a break with family or friends. Abu Camp, Okavango Delta | Botswana Camps | Wilderness An outdoor shower to start the day in crisp morning dew? The Latest Botswana Travel Advice - Coronavirus - Okavango Delta 1 Day Relax On A Mokoro Ride In The Okavango Delta, Botswana. Accommodation in the Okavango Delta falls across three broad categories - water, land and mixed camps - categorized by the activities they offer. Only here. October is the most challenging month for visitors: daytime temperatures often push past 40C (104F) and the dryness is only occasionally broken by a sudden cloudburst. We all react differently to warm climates and for some of us this means cool air is the only way to ensure a comfortable night. It is characterized by a multi-species, multi-gear fishery adapted to the seasonal flood pulse. Okavango Delta, Botswana Moremi Game Reserve, NG28, Botswana A LUXURY SAFARI LODGE IN BOSWANA'S OKAVANGO DELTA The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of renewal. However, the green season is the best time for birding and cheaper rates. The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the planet's most beautiful wilderness areas. Most of the propertys core and buffer zones are free of veterinary cordon fencing and the location of sites boundaries was guided by these considerations. Een van de unieke kenmerken van dit gebied is de jaarlijkse overstroming van de Okavango rivier tijdens het droge seizoen. guidance. The property exemplifies a number of ecological processes related to flood inundation, channelization, nutrient cycling and the associated biological processes of breeding, growth, migration, colonization and plant succession. Due to tectonic activity, the flood fans out across the Delta in different patterns every year, bringing much-need nutrients to the sandy soil and generating a rebirth across the entire ecosystem. Okavango Delta, Botswana: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy Sandibe is architecturally spectacular and a wonderful place to stay, with excellent food and very accommodating service. From Banzai, Simba and Shenzi to Pumbaa, Timon and Zazu, the characters of The Lion King have captivated millions, both young and old, since the original. From the views, till the best Il sagit dun des trs rares grands systmes de deltas intrieurs nayant pas de dbouch dans la mer et dun systme de zones humides quasi intact. DIRECTOR'S NOTES:Hey! Camp Xakanaxa is the oldest and most iconic Moremi bush camp. The Delta Drylands The Panhandle begins as the Okavango River crosses into Botswana from Namibia at Mohembo, extending approximately 80 kilometres southeast. Una de las caractersticas excepcionales del sitio estriba en que las crecidas anuales tienen lugar en la estacin seca, lo cual hace que sus especies vegetales y animales hayan sincronizado su ritmo biolgico con las inundaciones y lluvias anuales. Okavango Delta region. April & May - This is the beginning of the Dry season. Whether you are staying at Best Lodges in Okavango Delta, Botswana: See traveler reviews, candid photos and great deals on lodges in Okavango Delta on Tripadvisor. perfect for everlasting memories: welcome to Selinda Camp. Book This Camp At Okavango Delta Explorations we specialise in crafting safaris to this unique ecosystem. His documentary The End of Eden portrayed his lobbying on behalf of the delta. In some areas it's also possible to fish for the ferocious tigerfish - but remember, all fishing in the Okavango Delta is catch-and-release. The Okavango Delta offers a full range of accommodation options for every budget and interest, from simple mobile camps to some of the most sought after luxury lodges on the African safari circuit. My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in July 2022 and this gave us the perfect excuse to finally go. Mostly set in the vast private concessions which surround the Moremi Game Reserve, these Okavango camps offer a variety of land and water activities for a comprehensive Okavango experience. This residual moisture is used for planting fodder and other crops that can thrive on it. [25], Both white and black rhino has been reintroduced by Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project. Top options in Moremi Game Reserve include Sanctuary Chief's Camp and Camp Xakanaxa. In response, the Molapo Development Project was initiated. The Wilderness portfolion consists of thirteen wonderful individual properties, so there's always one that suits your taste! Fly in directly safari bed and a complimentary professional camera to use: they shouldnt change a thing. At ground level, the silhouettes of dead trees in the dry season give the delta a hint of the apocalypse. Each of these habitats has a distinct species composition comprising all the major classes of aquatic organisms, reptiles, birds and mammals. The area includes permanent swamps which cover approximately 600,000 ha along with up to 1.2m ha of seasonally flooded grassland. Botswana has all the special ingredients which make it stand out as the number one honeymoon destination. A journey to the Okavango Delta deep inside Africa's pristine interior is like no other, encompassing vast wetlands and expansive drylands. OKAVANGO DELTA (Maun) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Kwando Safaris operates two wonderful safari camps in the heart of the Okavango. In the Okavango Swamp itself, the vegetation falls into two main typesdense clumps of papyrus reeds and other aquatic plants in the river and floodplain channels; and patches of woodland and savanna occupying the slightly higher parts of the delta. from . The Tribal Land Act of 1968 also applies to the property and the whole of the nominated area (and the buffer zone) is communally-owned Tribal Land under the control of the Tawana Land Board. [32][33], The mainland in the delta is characterized by mosaic of grassland and woodland communities composed of trees, shrubs and understory herbs, basically the vegetation is notably drier than the swamp. Furthermore it is in a near pristine state being a largely untransformed wetland system. Ongoing efforts should focus upon sensitively accommodating traditional subsistence uses and access rights consistent with the protection of the propertys Outstanding Universal Value. At Belmond Eagle Island Camp you will feel like This delta swells and spills in the surrounding savannah during heavy rains. - , . She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. Also known as: Cubango River, Kubango River, Okovango River. Go to Destination map FAQ General 01 JOURNAL This land is locally known as molapo. Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0. Eagle Island Lodge A Belmond Safari - Tripadvisor timeless simplicity of natures splendour, with the latest eco-friendly techniques. Widespread poverty plagues the upper basin, and the majority of people rely on livelihoods like agriculture, fishing, forestry and tourism that draw on the region's natural resources. The Top 5 Places to See Leopards in Africa, Top 10 Unmissable African Safari Destinations, 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Botswana, The Top 5 Places to See Elephants in Africa, Botswana Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The Complete Guide, Top 10 Destinations in Africa for a First-Time Visitor, Mana Pools National Park: The Complete Guide. you find your home away from home. Visitors traverse the Delta's meandering waterways, passing palm- and papyrus-fringed islands, thick woodland, resplendent with lush vegetation, and teeming with rich wildlife. There is plenty of sunshine and conditions are mostly dry. The former is a magnificent option located on Chief's Island with a gourmet kitchen and spa.