Okavango FAQs - Botswana FAQ Guide

The Okavango Delta in Botswana.



What makes the Okavango Delta unique?

The Okavango Delta is formed by a river that flows into the desert and dies in the sands. Before the river dies it forms a great inland wetland that supports a wide variety of wildlife. So besides being an oasis in the desert the Okavango, visible from space, is also one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas.

If the Okavango is a wetland is there much wildlife about?

The Okavango may well be a wetland but there are hundreds of islands that host a wide variety of wildlife. The islands range in size from the huge Chief’s Island to termite mound islets. The islands are generally comprised of floodplains and woodland.

When is the best time to visit the Okavango?

The Okavango can be visited year round, although to see the delta at its peak water levels the dry winter months are the best time to go. The water reaches it high mark generally in July – September. In the summer months – November – March – the delta is spectacular in its new growth and it is the time when the antelope drop their young. For birders the summer months are the time when the migrants are in numbers.

Been a wetland is the threat of malaria not greater than other wildlife regions?

It may seem that malaria would be a greater threat but in truth the lodges are remote and situated in areas that are not highly populated thus limiting the spread of the malaria virus.