African Safari Holidays in the Okavango Delta
African safari holidays in the Okavango Delta in Botswana take
wildlife enthusiasts into a region of stunning annual change, rich in
bird life as well as the iconic big mammals. Whether looking for the
elusive Pel's Fishing Owl, watching African Wild Dogs stalk prey, or
drifting to sleep to the nocturnal sounds, a visit to the Okavango Delta
repeatedly reveals why the region has been named one of the Seven
Natural Wonders of Africa.The Okavango's Seasonal Floods
The Okavango Delta is an incredible location for African safari holidays, thanks to the seasonal flooding that drives its ecosystem. It is an inland delta, which means that it does not drain into any sea or ocean. At one time it drained into Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient lake into which three rivers drained: the Okavango, the Zambezi and the Cuando. The lake largely dried up in the Holocene era, surviving only in saltpans, small lakes and the seasonal flooding of the Okavango.
Today, rain falling in the distant Angola highlands in January and February flows to the delta, peaking between June and August in the dry months. The water encourages the exuberant growth of grass and draws animals from hundreds of kilometres around, seeking food and water. The high concentration of wildlife sustained by this natural phenomenon makes African safari holidays in the delta an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Visitors can stay in Moremi Wildlife Reserve on the eastern edge of the delta, where they can camp in the bush in comfort and go out on drives through the reserve. Bird watching enthusiasts are treated particularly well by the delta's waters, which draw in a number of species, including the Slaty Egret (endemic to Botswana), Lesser Jacana, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Giant Eagle Owl and Bat Hawk. With an expert ornithologist guide, bird watchers may see the elusive and beautiful Pel's Fishing Owl.
The water and grass draw an array of mammals, to drink, eat and, of course, prey on other animals. Many of the iconic mammals that those on African safari holidays will want to see come to the delta - including Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffe, Impala and Lechwe Antelope; they in turn draw and sustain populations of Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and African Wild Dog. Indeed, of the latter, the Okavango Delta is home to one of the richest pack densities in the continent, giving wildlife enthusiasts a greater chance of seeing this handsome animal in its natural environment.
Khwai Community Area
It is also possible to enter the Khwai Community Area, adjacent to the north-eastern parts of Moremi Wildlife Reserve. There, a village of Babukahwe people (river bushmen) work with the local environment to encourage sustainability. They welcome ecotourism, permitting visitors from all over the world to see the many animals in the region, by day or by night.
Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you're looking for African safari holidays,
Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours
worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar
expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marissa_Ellis-Snow
Category: African Safari, Holidays in the Okavango Delta, Safari
0 comments