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Okavango Delta
Botswana
"I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and wasn’t happy" - Ernest Hemingway
The Okavango Delta is one of nature's most stunning masterpieces, a lush oasis of waterways, islands, and wildlife in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Known as the "jewel of the Kalahari," this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an enchanting blend of vast landscapes and rare wildlife sightings, from elephants and lions to hippos and vibrant birdlife.
There are very few words in Africa that are as evocative as ‘Okavango’. A true oasis in the giant Kalahari thirst land, the Okavango Delta provides succour to an astonishing array of life. An expansive horizon is dotted with palm islands, ancient Baobabs and endless papyrus forests, all weaved together by the silvery threads of the Okavango tapestry. However, this inland delta is merely part of a much greater conservation area that stretches across Botswana’s north – Linyanti, Savuti, Chobe, and Mkgadikgadi are all individual wild spaces that complement the greater Okavango ecosystem.
Spoilt for choice, your experience can be as varied as the luxury of palatial ‘tent’ with a personal butler, to a mobile safari where the bush is your oyster. The wildlife experiences are just as varied – the billowing dust thrown up by thousands of buffalo hooves, the thrill of a Big Cat stalk, the joyous abandon of elephants at a wallow, the raucous chorus that greets every dawn, and the continuous anticipation that something exciting waits around every corner.
You can drive, fly, walk and paddle your way through this wilderness, either under the experienced guidance of Grant and Phil, or with the people that Last Chance Safaris chooses as like-minded partners. Irrespective of the type of adventure you elect, one thing is almost certain, you won’t know a morning in Botswana where you aren’t happy.
The Okavango Delta: Africa’s Last Eden
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders—an immense, ever-changing oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. This vast inland delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms with the seasonal floodwaters from Angola, creating an intricate labyrinth of channels, islands, and lagoons teeming with wildlife. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking one of the purest safari experiences in Africa.
A Unique Wetland Wilderness
Unlike any other delta in the world, the Okavango does not flow into an ocean. Instead, its waters fan out across the parched Kalahari sands, bringing life to an otherwise arid landscape. The result is a dynamic ecosystem that shifts with the flood cycles, offering ever-changing scenery and unparalleled wildlife encounters.
Wildlife of the Okavango Delta
The Delta is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, making it a prime safari destination. Its diverse habitats support an astonishing variety of species:
Elephants & Buffalo – Large herds move through the waterways, creating dramatic wildlife encounters.
Lions & Leopards – These big cats thrive in the dense vegetation and open floodplains.
African Wild Dogs – One of the last strongholds for this highly endangered species.
Hippos & Crocodiles – Found in abundance in the deep channels and lagoons.
Birdlife – Over 400 species, including African fish eagles, Pel’s fishing owls, and malachite kingfishers.
Activities in the Okavango Delta
Mokoro Safaris – Glide through the waterways in a traditional dugout canoe, experiencing the Delta from water level.
Walking Safaris – Explore the wilderness on foot with expert guides, learning about animal tracks, flora, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Boat Safaris – Navigate through deeper channels for incredible game-viewing opportunities.
Game Drives – Traverse vast floodplains and woodlands in search of the Delta’s diverse wildlife.
Helicopter & Scenic Flights – Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Delta from above, seeing the intricate web of waterways stretching into the horizon.
Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta
Dry Season (May-October) – The floodwaters peak, creating a stunning wetland paradise with prime wildlife viewing.
Green Season (November-April) – Lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
Why Visit the Okavango Delta?
A journey to the Okavango Delta is like stepping into a living paradise. Whether drifting through water channels in a mokoro, tracking wildlife on foot, or listening to the calls of the wild under a starlit sky, the Delta offers an immersive and unforgettable African safari experience.
Plan your adventure with Last Chance Safaris and explore one of Africa’s most untouched and mesmerizing landscapes.
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