The Okavango River disappears into a 15,000 sq km (5850 sq mi) maze of lagoons, channels and islands in the north-Kalahari desert in northwestern Botswana. It is the world's largest inland delta and there is an abundance of wildlife. This is birdwatcher's paradise! Hundreds of thousands of birds from numerous species fill the skies, trees and ponds. Many of the bigger mammals can also be found here though. They include elephant, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, hippo and kudu.
The Moremi Wildlife Reserve is a 3000 sq km (1170 sq mi) area in the center of the Okavango Delta. It is a protected wildlife reserve and the best way to visit it is by mokoro. These dugout canoes are usually poled through the waterways by experienced guides. Another (more expensive) way to spot game is from a small airplane. There are many offices offering all these services, especially in Maun. It is best to come here between July and September, when there is plenty of water in the delta and the weather is dry.
Outside the Moremi Reserve there is not a lot of wildlife, but the landscape is stunning and you will find far less tourists. Anyway, the further you travel from Maun the better your chances are to see wildlife.
There is a lot of accommodation available in and around Moremi. If you camp, stay inside the designated campsites. Remember there is a lot of wildlife and you don't want to end up being eaten by something. For a more luxurious stay try one of the lodges in the delta or in Maun. Usually the lodges provide transportation to and from the Okavango. It is also to fly in (or come by coach) from Gaborone, about 600km (400mi) southeast of Maun. Many safaris are organized every day and it is no problem to join one.
The Eastern Delta is the cheapest area to visit. Control on the operators is not as well arranged as in the other areas; and most guides and boat pilots are unlicensed freelancers.
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