The Delta
The Kavango River (or Okavango in Botswana) is the third river in Southern Africa regarding its high flow rate. It has its source in the mountains of northern Angola. The slow flow of water from its 1300 km of river makes the delta fills in the dry season.
 
Originally the water reached Maun and filled even the sides of the Makgadikgadi pans and Nxai pan. Today the delta tends to recede and the spectacular part to visit is located north of Maun.
 
The Kavango Delta is an extension of the Great Rift Valley, its location on an area of tectonic instability where imperceptible movements are frequent causes the flow of the river to change constantly. The delta was formed by the millions of tons of sediment transported by the river over millennia. We can distinguish three main sections in the Delta: the panhandle, the delta and the dry lands.
 
The Panhandle is located in the northern part of the delta, it is formed of relatively deep and permanent riverbeds. Sector from Shakawe to Seronga now easily accessible with the new Maun-Shakawe Road, this section is very famous for fishing and the quality of boat rides.
 
The delta varies in area from 15,000 to 22,000 km2 during the dry season.
 
The drylands are located in the southern part of the Delta. It is the combination of wet and dry lands that creates the remarkable fauna and flora variety of the delta, with 36 species of large mammals, 80 species of fish and 350 species of birds listed. Mammals: elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos and many antelopes (lechwes, kobe, kalus, steenboks, roan antelopes, bubals...), leopards, lions, cheetahs... Birds : storks, ducks, jacans, kingfishers, weavers, plovers, bee-eaters, eagles, vultures...

The Okavango, 1300 km long, has its source in central Angola and joins the Botswana desert crossing the Namibia by Caprivi Strip. It is often described as the ‘’river that never meets the sea" because it is lost in a vast labyrinth of lagoons, canals and islets extending over more than 15,000 km2.

On entering Botswana, it is the third largest river in Southern Africa. But while continuing his race, he meets the sands of the Kalahari which retain a good part of its water. The Okavango then evaporates mysteriously to form a huge inner delta...

Advice:
  • Lucky you! The Okavango Delta can be visited all year round. The landscapes change colour according to the seasons but remain incredibly beautiful and the animals flock there in the dry season as in the rainy season ... the intermediate months of April and November allow all activities most of the time ...
  • Even if your budget allows you to spend only a few days, do not miss a visit in the heart or on the edge of the Delta ... it's unique!
  • Try the Mokoro and adopt it! Let yourself be guided gently and follow the corridors drawn by the hippos ...
  • Experience the "Fly Safari" on a light plane over the sumptuous landscapes of the Delta and sharpen your eye looking for animals from the sky!

Botswana, the Greatest Wildlife

Botswana's National Parks are, without doubt, the wildest in Africa. Tourism is intentionally limited to preserve pristine nature. If you can afford authentic Africa, head for Botswana, one of the last wild sanctuaries on the continent, distinguished by an abundance of exceptionally rich wildlife. A trip to Botswana almost inevitably involves a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwean territory due to their strategic position: take a step at the end of your safari, their grandiose appearance will amaze you.

When to go?

The dry season lasts from April to October to the south and November to the north where, however, the rain totals are higher. The southern part of the country is most exposed to cold winds during the winter period (early May to late August) when the average temperature is about 14 ° C (57.2 ° F). The whole country has hot summers with average temperatures around 26 ° C (78.8 ° F). Temperatures are high throughout the year although winter is the sunniest period. The whole country is windy and dusty during the dry season.

Formalities

The visa is not compulsory for French nationals. The passport must be valid for at least six months after entry into Botswana. The permitted length of stay is in the sole discretion of the Immigration officer, it is recommended to check the date on the stamp when entering the country.

Anyone traveling to Botswana with a minor child must be able to provide a complete and certified copy of the child's birth certificate or a plurilingual birth certificate in addition to his or her valid passport. If the child is traveling with only one of his parents, he will have to present a travel authorization signed by the absent parent.

Health

No vaccination is mandatory but some vaccinations are recommended; Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers from a country where endemic yellow fever is present but may be advised to all travellers.

Antimalarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor).

Currency

The Pula (which in Tswana means "rain") is the official currency of Botswana.

Major credit cards are accepted in most of lodges but it is imperative to possess US dollars in sufficient quantity to regulate the extras (drinks, tips...)

SOUTH AFRICA NAMIBIA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE ZAMBIA KENYA TANZANIA MOZAMBIQUE MAURITIUS REUNION