Okavango Delta - MAJESTIC NATURAL WONDER AND BOTSWANA’S GREEN SOUL

If the flood is strong enough, the remaining water is diverted via the Thamalakane in the southeast of the delta. The majority of the water flows further into the Kalahari Desert to Lake Xau and sometimes even to the Makgadikgadi Pans. During very high floods, the delta connects with the Linyanti via the Selinda Spillway and thus with the Zambezi. Conversely, during high water, the Linyanti releases some of its water via the Savuti into the Mababe Depression associated with the delta.

The size of the delta and the unique circumstance that its water level peaks when the surrounding areas experience dry conditions have led to an extremely diverse and dense wildlife population in the Okavango Delta region. In addition to various fish and amphibian species, over 60 species of reptiles, nearly 450 bird species, and more than 120 mammal species have been identified.

The delta provides habitat for many water-dependent species such as hippos or Nile crocodiles, marsh-dwelling species like sitatungas, red lechwes, and waterbucks, as well as for animals dependent solely on water for drinking.

Many water-dependent species such as elephants, buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests migrate into the delta during the dry season when it reaches its peak, resulting in increased wildlife diversity. The resulting abundance of wildlife also leads to a high density of predators, including hyenas, wild dogs, leopards, lions, and other big cats. The swamp and water areas of the Okavango Delta are also home to countless, sometimes extremely rare bird species.