When the mighty Okavango River meets a tectonic trough in the Kalahari Basin, massive amounts of water is deposited on a flat plain, causing the 11 cubic kilometres of water to spread out over a 15,000 sqkm area. Every year, the plains are replenished by this life giving water, creating one of the most bio-diverse areas in Africa. The unusual amount of water has meant that many species of animals come here every year to enjoy the bountiful time, and led to the Okavango Delta being added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in June 2014. It has also been named as one of the Seven Wonders of Africa, a list compiled in 2011. The delta brings together more than 200,000 large mammals, 30,000 strong herds of buffalo, 40,000 lechwe antelope and more than 400 species of bird, as well as some Nile crocodiles. The best way to explore these winding, twisting canals and lakes is by canoe.
 
Visitors can take these trips from the Moreni Game Reserve, using the traditional ‘mokoro’ tribal canoe, which allows guests to embark on an African safari experience without any of the disturbing noise and lights of a group of vehicles. The boat-man will use a pole to silently push along the canoe, as the one or two passengers drift by the stunning array of wildlife in the area. The canoe does not irritate the animals or make them scared and uncomfortable in the same way as a loud 4x4, and so guests will be able to see the animals in a far more natural habitat. The trip begins with a light breakfast before heading out through the channels and floodplains of the Delta, then lunch at the camp, before heading back onto the delta in the afternoon. The evenings in the Delta are truly special with the sound of nocturnal aquatic creatures filling the night air. 

Share this article: