Travel Guide Botswana: Okavango Delta

With an extension of 15,846 km² the Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas worldwide. Formed by tectonic faulting, this amazing water-wonderland in the heart of Africa stores up to 95% of Botswana’s total fresh water.

The delta can be divided in the following areas:

• Okavango Panhandle
• Eastern delta
• Inner delta
• the area Moremi Game Reserve

As an inland delta, it is not located near the coast to enter the ocean like other deltas, but unfolds within the landlocked country to slowly seep away into the Kalahari Desert.

Not only is the sheer size of this delta notable, but also the fact that the water level is highest during the dry season in the surrounding reaches. Consequently, a large number of animals migrate to this area during drought. To date, 71 species of fish, 33 species of amphibians, 64 species of reptiles, 444 species of birds, and 122 species of mammals have been recognised.

Okavango Delta: UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot

The Okavango Delta is home to countless, partly also very rare animal and plant species. Since 2014, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Okavango Delta is a paradise for aquatic species such as hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) and Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). Still, species that usually live in swamps, such as the sitatunga, lechwe, and waterbuck, are common visitors to this delta region.

Many species, among others also elephants (Loxodonta africana), buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) that need a steady water source are leaving the hinterland during the dry season and come to the delta. Due to the high occurrence of prey, numerous predators like the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), hyenas (like the Crocuta crocuta), lions (Panthera leo) and leopards (Panthera pardus) gather around the delta. Moreover, the avifauna (birds) is quite diverse, with some species of migrating birds that are also seasonally at home in Europe.

Rich avifauna in the Okavango Delta

The birdlife of the Okavango Delta is equally impressive: over 350 species have been recorded here, including numerous migratory birds from Europe – such as the white stork, the European bee-eater, and various swallow and bittern species. During the European winter months, many of these birds use the delta as a stopover and wintering area, where the nutrient-rich wetlands provide ideal conditions for feeding and resting.

In addition to migratory species, the Okavango Delta is home to a variety of iconic African birds. These include the majestic African fish eagle, the colourful malachite kingfisher, the rare roseate pelican, saddle-billed storks, cranes, as well as countless herons and duck species. Particularly remarkable is the interplay of these birds across the delta’s diverse habitats – from open lagoons and papyrus swamps to dry islands and floodplains. Birdwatchers will find a wealth of observation opportunities here, with a concentration of species rarely seen elsewhere in Africa.

A geological wonder in the Okavango Delta

Another notable feature of this delta is, among others, the water quality, as it is potable in many places. The Okavango River transports more than 500,000 t of dissolved salts annually, and more than 95% of its water evaporates, which may make the high water quality appear unusual.

This phenomenon can be explained by two ecological processes. For once, the transpiration rate of the plants is very high in the delta region, which in turn leads to an accumulation of salts on the islands in the delta that are rich in vegetation. Moreover, regular flooding and the restructuring of sedimentary layers lead to the transport of salts in deeper soil layers.

Experiencing the delta: Safaris, Wilderness Adventures & Guide Courses

The Okavango Delta offers visitors unforgettable opportunities to experience the wilderness in an authentic and immersive way. In addition to traditional safaris in open vehicles, our Private Wilderness Experience in Kwapa is particularly special, where guests are guided on foot, on game drives, or, whenever possible, by the traditional Mokoro dugout canoe. The stillness, the gentle glide over mirror-like channels, and the close proximity to nature make these excursions truly unique.

For those wishing to explore the ecosystem more deeply, we also offer Professional Guide Courses and Ranger Training Programmes. These provide comprehensive knowledge of animal behaviour, ecology, tracking, bush safety, and responsible conservation practices. Participants experience the delta not just as visitors, but as active participants in one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth. Whether as a stepping stone into a nature-based career or simply for an enriching wildlife experience, these courses offer unforgettable moments and a deeper understanding of the African bush.

A paradise for nature lovers and adventurers

Whether for ornithologists, botanists, or wildlife photographers, the Okavango Delta is considered a hotspot for anyone seeking to experience nature in its most pristine form. Walking safaris, mokoro excursions in traditional dugout canoes, and professional ranger and guide training courses offer unique opportunities to get up close and personal with this ecosystem.