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Okanvango Delta
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The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. Its catchment area starts in Angola’s western highlands, with numerous tributaries joining to form the Cubango river, which then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, where it is then called the Okavango
Millions of years ago the Okavango river use to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi (now Makgadikgadi Pans). Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form what is now the Okavango delta. This has created a unique system of water ways that now supports a vast array of animal and plant life that would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savannah.
During the peak of the flooding the delta’s area can expand to over 16,000 square kilometres, shrinking to less than 9,000 square kilometres in the low period. The delta environment has large numbers of animal populations that are otherwise rare, such as crocodile, red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane as well as the other more common mammals and bird life.
The best time for game viewing in the delta is during the May-October period, as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out. The best time for birding and vegetation is during the rainy season (Nov.- April) as the migrant bird populations are returning and the plants are flowering and green.
Safari activities by water are the primary speciality of the Okavango - the mokoro - a dug out canoe which is 'poled' along by your Guide is the most evocative way of exploring the numerous waterways. Motor launches travel on the main waterways and lagoons. Walking Safaris are available from most Camps and Lodges - perhaps the most exciting way of viewing Game - stalking and tracking wildlife with an expert Guide.
Private Lodges and Camps are either situated within the National Park or in private concessions, most can only be accessed by light aircraft out of Maun or Kasane. The Okavango does not really cater for the 'Budget Traveller' - This is deliberate policy on the part of the Botswana Government. They are anxious to avoid the mass tourism that has been allowed to spoil other areas of Africa, but also to protect the fragile eco-system that is the Okavango Delta.
This policy has resulted in The Okavango Delta remaining one of the truly unspoiled wilderness areas of Africa. A place of incredible natural beauty, indigenous protected Wildlife and vegetation.
5 night itinerary - Lagoon & Kwara camps - Okavango Delta
This itinerary is reversible and operates 12 months of the year. Transfers unless otherwise indicated are by light aircraft – generally a Cessna 206 with cargo pod. Baggage is restricted to 12 kg in soft bags to fit into the cargo pods.
Nights 1, 2 & 3 – Lebala Camp
Hidden in the Southern portion of the extensive Kwando wilderness of 232 000 ha. (550 000 acres) is Lebala Camp. Kwando Lebala Camp comprises 16 beds in 8 luxurious tents, on Zimbabwe teak decks. Each tent comprises a spacious bedroom area, bathroom including a Victorian ball and claw bath tub and double basin, outside reed walled shower, dressing area, and side entrance to preserve privacy.
The area has excellent general game on the broad plains including the ever-attendant predators. Lebala offers regular and reliable sightings of elephant, lion, wild dog, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, kudu, lechwe, impala, wildebeest and waterbuck in stunning settings.
Nights 4 & 5 – Kwara Camp – Okavango Delta
Kwara camp is situated on the edge of the permanent waters of the world renowned Okavango Delta in Botswana, and shares a common boundary with Moremi Game Reserve. Due to the specific location of the camp, Kwara is able to offer, power boating, mekoro (dug out canoe) trips, walks and game drives – all year round. In addition Kwara is in a large private concession enabling the game drives to operate both off road and at night.
Arrive at the Kwara airstrip for a short game drive transfer to Kwara camp. You will notice that the vegetation and scenery is very different to Lagoon camp.
The ability to operate off road and at night is critical in order to see the up to 30% of interesting mammal species that are mainly active at night. These include leopard, lion, wild dog, hyena and smaller predators. The presence of permanent water ensures year round game viewing. The permanent water ensures that mekoro (makoro singular) trips (dugout canoes) can take place in shallow water throughout the year.
The camp consists of 8 luxury tents accommodating 16 guests. The camp setting, in a tall treed island, on the edge of the Okavango Delta completes the picture of this special camp.
The spectacular scenery with scattered herds of plains game and the ever-attendant predators helps to enhance your safari. Due to the labyrinth of waterways, islands, seasonal flood plains and bush, Kwara is always interesting and varied. Taking a morning mekoro trip, moving silently through the flood plains is a memorable experience and the highlight for many.
See More:
Victoria Falls & Chobe
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Copyright 2007 Nordic Travel | Tel Number: +27 (0) 21 702 0177
Fax Number: +27 (0) 86 517 0546 :: Email: info@nordictravel.co.zaPictures Copyright: South African Tourism |
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