Okavango Delta

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Covering more than 6000 mi² (15,000 km²), this is one of the most dynamic and stunning natural places on earth. This inland delta is a natural mosaic of palm-fringed islands, open savannah dotted with baobab and jackalberry trees, flowing rivers and crystal-clear lagoons.

The landscape’s dynamism owes to the fact that each annual “flood” (arriving in April or May, subsiding by September or October) varies. Yet the effect is still the same: the inundation reduces the available land area, causing animals to cluster among the many newly-formed islands. Be sure to go on a mokoro (canoe) excursion to explore the Delta’s innumerable waterways.

Large herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe and a variety of antelope are frequently seen, along with lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and other small predators. The Okavango Delta is also a major destination for birdwatchers. It boasts the highest concentration of African fish eagles on the continent, while the region as a whole is excellent for spotting birds of prey. There is also huge variety of waterfowl, such as African pygmy goose, Pel’s fishing owl, lesser jacana, slaty egret, wattled crane and goliath heron. The savannah and riparian woodlands are home to an abundance of hornbills, parrots, woodpeckers, rollers, shrikes, plovers, waxbills, weavers and bee-eaters.