Okavango Delta
Described as "the river which never finds the sea". The Okavango Delta is located in the southern part of Africa in the country of Botswana. It stretches over 16 000 square miles, which supports many varieties on animals. The delta is created from the rain that fills the Okavango River which then the water runs into the basin of the Kalahari Desert. This happens during the very rainy season that occurs during the months of January and February. In March the water begins to fill the delta and then finally rising to the peak during the months of July and August.
The hottest month is October with mean maximum temperatures of 350C. The coldest months are June and July with a mean minimum of 60C. The rains usually fall between November and April with the heaviest downpours occurring in January and February.
Evaporation and transpiration causes the majority of the water to disappear. The Okavango Delta consists of multiple main channels, smaller tributaries and mazes of lagoons as well as floodplains, islands and mainland areas. The watercourses are constantly changing due to annual flooding as well as a combination of many other causes. The river system annually brings more than 2 million tons of sand and silt into the Delta.
The delta is extremely flat with less that 7 feet (2 meters) of elevation change. Every year the delta features 11,000,000,000,000 liters, of water flow.
The hottest month is October with mean maximum temperatures of 350C. The coldest months are June and July with a mean minimum of 60C. The rains usually fall between November and April with the heaviest downpours occurring in January and February.
Evaporation and transpiration causes the majority of the water to disappear. The Okavango Delta consists of multiple main channels, smaller tributaries and mazes of lagoons as well as floodplains, islands and mainland areas. The watercourses are constantly changing due to annual flooding as well as a combination of many other causes. The river system annually brings more than 2 million tons of sand and silt into the Delta.
The delta is extremely flat with less that 7 feet (2 meters) of elevation change. Every year the delta features 11,000,000,000,000 liters, of water flow.
Wildlife
The Okavango Delta is home to an amazing variety of animals. From beneath the water, to dry land, to grasslands, the delta supports large groups of animals on a permanent and seasonal basis.During the wet season most large animals move away from the delta to take advantage of the lush grazing that surrounds it. As this grazing begins to die in the winter animals move back to the delta.
Some of the animals that roam include: African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Lechwe, Topi, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Nile crocodile, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Black Rhinoceros, Ostriches, White Rhinoceros, Sitatunga, Plains Zebra, Warthog and Chacma Baboon, and surprisingly many more. Notably the endangered African Wild Dog still survives within the Okavango Delta. In addition to the large animals the Okavango Delta also supports over 400 species of birds, one of the most common sighted is the Malachite Kingfisher (shown in the picture on the right), Inhabiting the waters of the Okavango are an estimated 35 million fish of almost 80 species, including Tigerfish, Tilapia and Catfish.
Some of the animals that roam include: African Bush Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Lechwe, Topi, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Nile crocodile, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Black Rhinoceros, Ostriches, White Rhinoceros, Sitatunga, Plains Zebra, Warthog and Chacma Baboon, and surprisingly many more. Notably the endangered African Wild Dog still survives within the Okavango Delta. In addition to the large animals the Okavango Delta also supports over 400 species of birds, one of the most common sighted is the Malachite Kingfisher (shown in the picture on the right), Inhabiting the waters of the Okavango are an estimated 35 million fish of almost 80 species, including Tigerfish, Tilapia and Catfish.
Experiencing the Okavango Delta
When people visit the Okavango Delta, they usually have on thing on their mind and this happens to be viewing and experiencing wildlife. One unique yet amazing way to experience it and have the best view is taking a hot air balloon ride over the basin. However, the greatest way to see the most wildlife comes from taking a safari drive through the park. Another option is very relaxing and it is to take one of the canoe type options through the channels of the delta. Each of these provide unique and engaging ways to experience the wildlife of Okavango Delta. There are many little shacks that you can stay at while taking the journey and experiencing the delta. Many of them have features that you need, such as a tub and shower, beds, etc. Or even hotels.
Here is a link for a stay: http://www.okavangodelta.com/
Here is a link for a stay: http://www.okavangodelta.com/
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These videos give you a closer look on the Okavango Delta, close up and on a safari, or give you a basic idea.
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