description Okavango Overview
The Okavango rises in Angola, crosses Namibia, and carries its waters into Botswana without reaching the ocean. There they spread through the Okavango Delta, an inland wetland in the Kalahari whose flooding changes with the seasons. Channels and floodplains surround islands, creating a varied freshwater environment within southern Africa. The river and delta support wildlife including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, together with many bird species.
Their importance extends beyond wildlife viewing to freshwater ecology and conservation, where the relationship between incoming water and wetland habitat is central. The Okavango suits study of African geography because its destination differs from that of rivers flowing to the sea. Its inland drainage and seasonal spread of water make it a clear example of how a river can sustain a wetland through its final reaches rather than end at a coastal mouth.
help Okavango FAQ
Does the Okavango River actually reach the sea?
No. It rises in Angola, crosses Namibia, and spreads across Botswana's Okavango Delta instead of reaching an ocean.
Why does the Okavango Delta flood during Botswana's dry season?
The seasonal flood pulse begins with rainfall in Angola and travels downstream after the local rainy season. It then spreads through Botswana's channels, floodplains, and islands.
What is the difference between the Okavango River and the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango is the river system, while the delta is the broad inland wetland where its channels divide and spread. Because there is no normal ocean outlet, much of the water is lost through evaporation and plant use.
Which countries does the Okavango River pass through?
Its course links Angola, Namibia, and Botswana. It is commonly called the Cubango in Angola and the Kavango in Namibia before becoming the Okavango in Botswana.
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