The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a large wetland in the country of Botswana. It is where the Okavango River spreads out into many small streams. Unlike most rivers, this one does not flow into the sea. Instead, it empties into the Kalahari Desert.

A River in the Desert

Rain falls in the mountains of Angola far to the north. The water slowly flows into the Okavango River. It takes months for the water to reach the delta. When it arrives, the dry land turns into a green wetland.

Winding blue water fills the grassy Okavango Delta.
Winding blue water fills the grassy Okavango Delta. (The SeaWiFS Project, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and ORBIMAGE / Wikimedia Commons)

A Wildlife Paradise

Elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles all live in the Okavango. Thousands of birds fly through the delta. People glide quietly through the water in wooden canoes called mokoros. The delta is one of the best places in Africa to see wild animals.

Fun Facts

  • The Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site.
  • Africa's biggest group of elephants lives in and around the delta.
  • The delta's water is very clean because plants and sand filter it.

Did You Know?

The Okavango Delta gets bigger and smaller each year as the water from faraway rains comes and goes.