Okavango Delta

By nicky@escape4africa.com at August 8, 2012 | 2:28 pm | Print

It is by far one of Africa’s biggest draw cards and a phenomenal wildlife and wilderness experience. It is a large inland delta, formed where land between the Gumare and Kunyere fault dropped. The water flow was stopped by the Thamalakane fault, ultimately causing the “fan” shaped appearance of the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is fed by the Kavango River, originating in the Angola highlands which receive a summer rainfall (December to February), flooding the Okavango Delta in the winter months (June to August). The delta is unable to flush out minerals carried by the river and liable to become increasingly salty, collecting around the root of plants.

Chief’s Island is the largest island within the Okavango Delta, formed by a fault line. It is now the core area of the resident wildlife when the water rises over the winter months – enhancing the game viewing.