he Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland Delta. Unlike most Deltas, the flood waters span out onto land and not water, making it an unquestionably unique destination. It’s a stunning location for water safaris, birdwatching and many more.
In 22 June 2014, the Okavango Delta became the 1000th site to be officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Okavango Delta serves as a year-round and seasonal habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists. It is home to the iconic “big five” game animals—lion, leopard, African buffalo, African bush elephant, and both black and white rhinoceros. Additionally, the delta boasts a variety of other species, including giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, hippopotamus, impala, common eland, greater kudu, sable antelope, cheetah, African wild dog, spotted hyena, and numerous others.
Over 400 bird species thrive in the delta, featuring notable species such as the helmeted guineafowl, African fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, and marabou stork. Prime bird-watching areas include the panhandle, the seasonal delta, and parts of the Moremi Game Reserve near water.
Designated as a Lion Conservation Unit since 2005, the protected area collaborates with Hwange National Park. The Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project successfully reintroduced both white and black rhinos, countering their previous near-extinction. Unfortunately, the region faced challenges, with poaching incidents leading the Botswana government to relocate all rhinos from the Okavango Delta.
The lechwe, a distinctive large mammal with approximately 88,000 individuals, dominates the delta’s landscape. Slightly larger than an impala, lechwe have elongated hooves and water-repellent legs, facilitating swift movement through knee-deep water. These herbivores graze on aquatic plants and, like waterbuck, seek refuge in water when threatened, with only the males possessing horns. Despite challenges, the Okavango Delta remains a thriving ecosystem, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.