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Rather than a delta, it is in fact an alluvial fan
of sediment and debris, which filled a trough formed
by the sinking of the earth's crust, between a series
of parallel faults across the Okavango River.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. |
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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.
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. |
