Okavango Delta Wildlife

BOTSWANA

Wildlife

The Okavango Delta is a unique natural phenomenon – rainfall in the distant Angolan highlands travels downstream, reaching the flat plains of Botswana, where the river fans out and then disappears beneath the sands, creating a lush inland delta in the midst of this otherwise arid country.  By happy coincidence, the annual influx of water in the Delta occurs at the height of the Botswana dry season, when there is little other water about for animals to drink.  The annually flooded grasslands of the Okavango Delta therefore attract huge populations of wildlife.  In addition, as the waters rise, animals are forced in ever greater concentrations onto the islands and remaining open plains around the waterways.  Lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and large packs of African wild dog may be encountered and the area supports the continent’s largest concentration of elephant and buffalo, with huge herds lifting the dust.  Hippos and crocodiles hide in the deeper channels and lagoons.  In addition to plentiful plains game (zebra, giraffe, warthog and antelope such as kudu, waterbuck, reedbuck and impala) there are a number of species that have adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the red lechwe and sitatunga antelopes.

For avid birdwatchers, the Okavango Delta is one of the top birding destinations in Africa, with 482 recorded species.  It is the largest wetland in southern Africa and has a greater range of habitats than any other wetland in the region, hence the wide range of bird species.  In addition to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Okavango Delta is further recognized by UNESCO as an Important Bird Area, harbouring 24 species of globally threatened birds, including among others, six species of Vulture, the Southern Ground-Hornbill, Wattled Crane and near-endemic Slaty Egret. Iconic Delta bird species such as the African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Lesser Jacana are plentiful.  A wide variety of other wetland birds also occur, notably the Great White and Pink Backed Pelican species, 18 species of heron, African Skimmer and African Pygmy Goose.  Lucky birders might even spot the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl or White-backed Night Heron. 

    What our guests say

    • star rating  We have been visiting Botswana for more than a decade, and have stayed at several camps, but Amber has been the most memorable so far. We took the short helicopter... read more

      avatar thumb hbosmantpp
      November 17, 2022
    • star rating  Wonderful Safari Experience - Amber River Camp was an amazing experience. The people are so friendly and accommodating. The staff felt like family by the time we left,... read more

      Thefinnishflash67
      June 14, 2023
    • star rating  Hidden gem - to Maun where we were met by our guide from Amber River Camp, located in the south east of the Delta. After a 2,5 hrs drive we were warmly welcomed... read more

      578lg
      November 23, 2022
    • star rating  We touched the earth slightly! THANK YOU! KEA LEBOGA! - It was our first stay in Botswana and in the Amber River Camp, but for sure not our last one! We enjoyed a direct flight from Cape Town to Maun... read more

      nicolerA4045PA
      December 26, 2022
    • star rating  Exceptional camp in an amazing location. The small cosy nature of this camp and proximity of the wildlife wandering through the camp made this a hit with us and our... read more

      avatar thumb Deb J
      June 29, 2023
    • star rating  5 Star  - My wife and I spoiled ourselves with 5 nights at Amber River Camp run by Okavango Hidden Gems.

      Not only is the location secluded from other camps, but each... read more

      819william
      January 16, 2023
    • star rating  Amber RiverCamp - We have stayed at many safari camps but Amber River Camp has been the best by far.
      We arrived like Hollywood stars in a helicopter where we got to see... read more

      lindyvv1969
      November 13, 2022
    • star rating  Bucket List - exceeded all expectations - This was our first trip to Botswana and it was absolutely a 5+ star visit. From Lauretta, to Costa our guide, to Ollie and TSA - super attentive and fantastic... read more

      cathdav
      June 4, 2023
    • star rating  Best stay ever!! Highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Luxury 5 STAR yet authentic tents. The staff is amazing, they go beyond their means to make your stay that extra personal and special!

      Spectaculair sunsets/sunrises. The sunset game... read more

      855maudh
      November 14, 2022

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