Okavango is a swampy inland delta in Botswana. Okavango is a paradise of biodiversity. Okavango is regarded as one of the most beautiful ecological wonders of the world. It also has many habitats like grasslands, woodlands, lagoons, etc.
Okavango Wildlife is rich and varied. It supports a large concentration of animals. It has become one of the best places in Botswana to witness Botswana Wildlife.
Here’s a list of some of the wildlife that you can see in the Okavango Delta.
1. Some Animals That Reflect The Beauty Of Okavango
1.1 The Big Five
You can see Africa’s famous Big Five in the Okavango Delta.
· Lion, African Bush Elephant, African Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros are the Big Five.
· You can see them on Okavango Safari and game-drives
· There are many Okavango Accommodations where you can stay. And they will provide some Private Okavango Safari Packages. This is a great way to see the big five.
· Some of the best camps are - Chitabe, Sandibe, Kwara, Duba, Gomoti, etc.
· The rhino population is also increasing in some of the private areas of the delta and Moremi Reserve.
· You can go on a 4WD Safari. This is a great way to see the Big Five up close.
· Moremi Game Reserve has some of the best Safari Packages. And, includes a big five safari.
· The dry season (May to October) is the best season to see the big five in their original habitat.
· Chiefs Island is also one of the best places in Okavango to see the Big Five.
There are many Okavango Safari Packages starting from $1000 (approx.). You can join them to have a great Okavango Safari experience.
1.2 Giraffes – Pride of Botswana
The toughest and longest animals. Giraffes are wonderful to see on an Okavango Safari. You can see giraffes on almost every game drive. You can also see them from your lodges and camps. If you’re planning an Okavango Safari, then you will surely see Giraffes on your Safari tour.
1.3 The Elusive Aardvarks and Aardwolves
Both of these are nocturnal animals. They are big in numbers. But are very hard to spot on your Okavango Safari.
Aardvark means ‘earth pigs.’ They spend the hot afternoons in burrows. They come out during the night to find termites to eat.
Aardwolves are similar to aardvarks. In that, they also eat termites and live in underground burrows.
You can go on an Okavango Night Safari to see them.
1.4 The Frightening Nile Crocodile
One of the scariest creatures in Okavango is the Nile crocodile.
· They generally feed on fish. And, prey on antelopes, drinking by the shores.
· Okavango crocodiles are regarded as being some of the largest on the planet.
· You are sure to see these prehistoric creatures on your Okavango Trip.
· You can also hop on houseboats to see them.
The best way to see them up close is by going on a Mokoro ride.
1.5 The Easy-Going Hippopotamus
Okavango is the perfect place for seeing hippos.
· They are one of the most dangerous animals in Okavango. Because they have an unpredictable nature.
· They come out at night to feed on the plains of Okavango.
An important thing to keep in mind is that you should not approach them or get too close to them during your mokoro or boat rides.
Xobega Island Camp is a great camp to see Hippos in Okavango.
1.6 Birding in Okavango
A major highlight of the Okavango Delta is the huge number of birds.
· Okavango changes in the wet season (October to April). The floodwaters bring a large number of birds, who’re trying to find dry land.
· Over 600 species of Birds can be found here.
· The Moremi Game Reserve is an abode for waterbirds. You can spot African Jacanas and Pied Kingfishers on a Mokoro ride.
Many famous species such as Lesser Jacana, Wattled Crane, and Slaty Egret are species that can be found in Okavango.
1.7 Fishing in Okavango
Okavango is an abode for over 70 species of fish. They can be found mainly in the Zambezi River. Some species include African Pike, Tigerfish, Tilapia, Bass, Bream, etc.
Some camps and lodges will offer fishing as an activity and provide you with equipment. Some Okavango Accommodations are Xugana Island Lodge, Kanana Camp, and Eagle Island Camp, to name some.
2. Some interesting Facts about Okavango Wildlife
There are some interesting facts that you should know about Okavango Wildlife before your Okavango Trip
· During the Dry Season, you can find almost 260,000 mammals in Okavango Delta.
· To maintain the Okavango Wildlife, there are many restrictions imposed by the government.
· There are more than 150,000 Islands in the Okavango Delta. Which is a home for many Okavango Animals and Flora.
· Okavango is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
· When the water in the delta rises, it becomes a home for a huge concentration of wildlife. More than anywhere else in Africa.
· 64 types of Reptiles and 33 types of amphibians also call Okavango Home.
· One-third of the delta is covered by The Moremi Game Reserve. Which hosts a diverse number of Wildlife.
· There are many species of Antelopes found in Okavango (as many as 72). You may spot a sitatunga, a rare antelope that lives in swampy regions. These fascinating facts attract loads of Wildlife enthusiasts around the planet. You can share your views with us. If you’re also looking for experiencing the Okavango Delta, to see the amazing Okavango Wildlife it has to offer, then you can contact us at the following details :
+263 83 284 1840/1 or
Email: info@falconsafaris.com
Conclusion
Finally, if you’re looking to witness the amazing wildlife that Botswana has to offer, then ensure to visit Okavango. Where you can see some of the most amazing Okavango Wildlife.
