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The fan (or delta as it is more commonly called),
resembles the shape of a hand. The palm is a permanent
delta of constant water, and the fingertips are
seasonally flooded swamps and lush floodplains.
The water of the Okavango literally floats on
a saturated sea of sand.
The
Delta is fed by the Okavango River originating
over 800 miles (1,280 km) away in the highlands
of Angola. The Angolan highlands have an average
rainfall of between 1,200 and 2,000mm per year,
compared to around 400-600mm in the Okavango.
The delta therefore fluctuates in size depending
on local rains and the Angolan floodwaters. The
spill over from the rising river starts pushing
gently into the Okavango in January and reaches
a peak at the top of the Okavango in about May.
By June or July each year (depending where you
are within the Okavango), the water levels are
at their maximum.
The
Okavango region contains the state-run Moremi
Game Reserve surrounded by a number of strictly
controlled, privately managed wildlife concessions.
The game viewing in all of these areas is no less
than outstanding and activities can either be
undertaken on foot, in a game-viewing vehicle
or in a mokoro (dug-out canoe) or motorised boat.
Such varied opportunities in a beautiful and diverse
range of habitats, makes the Okavango the best
all-encompassing safari destination in the world.
MOREMI
GAME RESERVE
Moremi falls within the tribal land of the
Batswana and is named after the late Chief
Moremi III. It was clear to his wife, who
reigned after his death, that the game in
their traditional hunting grounds was fast
disappearing. With encouragement from conservationists,
Mrs Moremi proclaimed the Moremi Game Reserve
in March 1963 and the tribe agreed to vacate
the land.
Chief's
Island is the largest landmass within Moremi
and was the Batswana tribe's richest hunting
grounds with a vast array of animals. The
dry sandy interior of this 100,000 hectare
(1,000 square kilometer) island is full
of mopane woodland and acacia thornscrub
interspersed with clay pans. |
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These
pans fill with rain and attract large herds of
buffalo who seem to prefer drinking from the pans
rather than the river. They also like the sparse
but sweet grasses found here, as opposed to the
long but courser fodder of the floodplains. As
the mopane bush gives way to floodplains and riverine
forests, other animals become abundantly visible
and the whole spectrum of Africa's game can be
seen.
Today,
Moremi rates as one of the leading wildlife areas
of the world. The mosaic of grasslands, floodplains,
palm-tree islets, forests, lily lagoons and winding
water channels combine to form a perfectly constructed
puzzle, in which animals wander as they please.
PRIVATE
RESERVES OF THE OKAVANGO
Chitabe
in the south of the delta has classic Okavango
scenery of rivers, waterways and marshlands with
season flood plains contrasting with dry acacia
woodland and open grasslands. Safari activities
are more land than water based and provide exceptional
opportunities for photography. Wild Dog sightings
are the special treat of this area.
The
Duba Plains in the furthermost reaches of the
delta are famous for high concentration of lions.
They are sleek fit and well fed from the huge
herds of buffalo that graze these seasonal flood
plains. Floodwaters provide the opportunity for
mokoro (dugout canoe) trips from May to September,
which is the most romantic way to experience a
safari.
The
Jao Reserve in the western delta is a water wonderland
where you float through a fairytale of water lily
lagoons. It is here that you will find the rarely
seen sitatunga - an aquatic antelope that may
submerge under water if disturbed. There is a
variety of terrain and almost all the big game
is here plus a bewildering selection of birds.
In
the Vumbura Concession you will undoubtedly see
what appears to be giant salamis hanging from
trees. The 'sausage tree' epitomises this area
which contains both wetland and savannah. As such
the range of animals and birds is extensive with
considerable numbers of elegant chocolate-coloured
sable antelope with majestic sweeping horns.
The Pom Pom private concession is in the central
reaches of the Okavango Delta and will warm the
heart of the safari traditionalist. Here you can
indulge in every kind of safari including fishing
and nature walks with spectacular bird and animal
watching. |
