An oasis on the edge of the Kalahari Desert
In the heart of Southern Africa lies the Okavango Delta. Thousands of years ago the river flowed all the way to Lake Makgadikgadi, which over time evaporated, leaving behind a desert expanse, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. As the lake dried up, tectonic activity interrupted the river’s flow causing it to stagnate: this is how one of the world’s largest inland delta was born.
After reaching Botswana, the Okavango River creates a network of lagoons, channels and islands and slowly disperses before disappearing completely into the sands of the Kalahari Desert. Depending on the rhythm of the rains, during the year the delta expands to up to 16,000 km² and contracts back to around 9,000 km². Animals migrate following the movement of the water.
The delta is the ideal habitat for crocodiles and hippos, but it also attracts elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and predators such as lions, jackals and hyenas. River bird species are also numerous: from the African Golden Oriole to the fish eagle and then ducks, starlings, hoopoes, herons, storks and many more.
The delta’s ecosystem is also very rich and interesting when it comes to vegetation. Reeds and papyrus plants crowd the channels, while water lilies embellish the stretches of water. On the islands, instead, you’ll find palms, acacias, willows and fig trees.