description Okavango Wetland System Overview
The Okavango Wetland System is a vast inland alluvial delta in Botswana where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert. The annual flooding creates a massive network of marshes and waterways that supports high concentrations of African wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hundreds of bird species. Covering an area that fluctuates seasonally, the region serves as a critical freshwater habitat and a notable ecotourism destination.
help Okavango Wetland System FAQ
When did the Okavango Delta receive its UNESCO World Heritage listing?
The Okavango Delta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. The designation covers a vast area of seasonal floodplains and permanent wetlands in northwestern Botswana.
What causes the Okavango Delta's annual flooding cycle?
The delta is fed by seasonal floodwaters originating in the Angolan highlands, which take months to travel down the Okavango River. The floodwaters typically arrive in the Botswana delta during the dry season, creating a dramatic seasonal expansion of the wetland.
What wildlife can be seen in the Okavango Delta?
The delta supports dense populations of African elephants, lions, hippos, lechwe antelope, and African wild dogs, among many other species. It is also home to significant populations of endangered birds such as the wattled crane and the African skimmer.
Why is the Okavango an inland delta rather than flowing to the sea?
The Okavango River's waters never reach an ocean because the delta sits in the Kalahari Basin, where the water eventually evaporates, seeps into the ground, or is consumed by vegetation. This tectonic dead-end creates a vast oasis in an otherwise semi-arid landscape.
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