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  The Okavango Delta is wildlife paradise consisting of 1.6 million hectares of glistening waterways in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, in the southern African country of Botswana. It is considered one of the ecological wonders of the world and encompasses a wide diversity of habitats, ranging from the clear Delta waters with reed-lined lagoons and channels, to open grasslands, mopane woodlands and palm-fringed islands. Many areas are in a constantly changing state of flux as the waters flood (usually between May and September) and then recede each year, and much of the wildlife has adapted itself to these seasonal changes. The area is home to vast numbers of animals and birds and any safari will yield fantastic sightings, including animals such as: Lechwe, Sitatunga, Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Hippo, crocodiles, Elephant, buffalo, Sable, Roan, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and Tsessebe. Predators have also adapted to life in the Delta and include: Lion, hyena, Wild Dog, Leopard and Cheetah as well as many smaller creatures.

  The range of bird life is simply staggering - the channels and rivers are home to Kingfishers, Pygmy Geese, Fish Eagles, jacanas, darters and the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl as well as many, many others. There are a large number of camps within the greater Okavango Delta area, each within a National Reserve or Private Reserve (known locally as Concessions). Each camp and reserve is unique with its own specialties in terms of habitat and wildlife, and the activities offered will reflect this - some being more water or land based, depending on their location. One of the highlights of a visit to the Okavango Delta is to glide silently through the crystal clear waterways and channels in a traditional wooden dugout canoe - a mokoro - a means of transport for the local people for centuries. Mokoros are perfect vehicles for tracking the elusive and shy Sitatunga, birds and other animals of the Delta and we would recommend a mixture of both water and land based camps to make the most of your safari.

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