The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most famous region and is world-renowned, especially amongst wildlife enthusiasts. Here are 7 reasons why the Okavango Delta is a must-add to your bucket list, if it’s not already on it!

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Okavango Delta, one of the largest inland deltas in the world and was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Most delta systems flow into the sea but the Okavango is one of the few that is landlocked which contributes to the River Okavango flooding during the dry season. This is an essential lifeline to all the animals that inhabit the area but especially those that are endangered such as rhinos (black and white), wild dogs, lions and cheetahs. All these were contributing factors to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site but also why you should come to visit the incredible natural paradise!

2. Water is Life

The Okavango comprises of 150,000 islands, varying from tiny to Chief’s Island which is 70km long and 14km wide. Aptly named as it was once a chief’s private reserve, it’s now home to some of the best luxury lodges. Water is life and so the delta draws wildlife from all around making for fantastic wildlife viewing and ultimately one of the very best places to safari in the world.

3. Sustainable & Responsible Tourism

The Okavango Delta is truly wild and remote and much of this is down to the authorities working hard to ensure that it stays this way. They control the number of tourists and camps allowed in the area through permits and levies to ensure tourism is sustainable. Botswana certainly isn’t the cheapest place to safari but that is due to the cost of keeping it protected so you can be assured your money is directly contributing to this, as well as the balance of our planet’s environment.

4. Birder’s Paradise

Home to over 400 bird species, the Okavango Delta wetlands are a fabulous place for birders. You will be treated to the commonly spotted African fish eagle (Zambia’s national bird), the beautiful lilac-breasted roller and the hamerkop, but if you’re lucky you may get to see rare birds such as the Pel’s fishing owl and the slaty egret. There are few better spots in the world for birding, which is best done early morning by foot or from a Mokoro which is a traditional, hand-crafted canoe – a truly magical setting!

5. High Mammal Population

The Okavango Delta is one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Africa with approximately 260,000 mammals converging on the limited watering holes in the dry season offering some unbeatable game viewing. You’ll have the opportunity to see apex predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs, as well as elephants, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, an array of antelope and so much more!

6. Ethnic Diversity

In total, five tribes live in the Okavango Delta. The Anikhwe and Bugakhwe are Bushmen who are traditionally expert hunter-gatherers who have been living off what the land provides for many years. Then you have the Hambukushu, Dceriku and the Wayeyi who are typically farmers, fishermen and hunters. If you are lucky enough to encounter any of them they are truly fascinating. 

7. Seven Natural Wonders of Africa

For all the reasons listed above, the Okavango Delta has been included as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa alongside six other prestigious natural wonders listed below:

• River Nile (various countries)
• The Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
• The Great Migration, Tanzania and Kenya
• The Sahara Desert (various countries)
• Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• The Red Sea coral reef, Egypt
• The Okavango Delta, Botswana

If you’d like to visit the Okavango Delta, please take a look at our epic experiences in Botswana. Should have any questions or decide you’d like to join them please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@untravelledpaths.com.

Written by James Chisnall