African safari holidays are among the most popular adventure holidays available, and with so much to offer the wildlife lover on this continent it is easy to see why. Every country is home to a unique and diverse environment, and the continent as a whole hosts some of our planet’s most incredible animal, plant and bird species.
With so many itineraries to choose from and African safari holidays tours running in several African countries, there is bound to be a trip that will meet your expectations. For example, consider the wonderful Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta
Many African safari holidays are based in Kenya, Tanzania or Botswana, as these are the key destinations for spotting the continent’s famous Lions, Hippos, Buffalo and Elephants. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is an incredible travel destination; covering an area of over 16,000 square kilometres, this wetland area is the world’s largest inland river delta. The delta is made up of an intricate network of canals and on some African safari holidays you will have the chance to travel by Mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe.
Isolation, peace and pristine natural surroundings are the name of the game in The Okavango Delta and the safari camps here are among the most exclusive. Built in keeping with the natural surroundings, the camps also provide guests with a high-class wildlife lodge experience.
The Delta is surrounded by the enormous Kalahari Desert and fed by the Okavango River, which actually has its source in Angola. This area is one that survives because of the April and June rains that replenish the river at its source. At this time of year the flood of fresh water can be seen spreading through the winding channels and into the lagoons.
Here you are likely to see Elephants, herds of Buffalo, grazing Antelope and the majestic Giraffe, and, if you are lucky, you might also spot the more elusive Leopard or Cheetah. Because this area is 160 species of mammal and over 150 species of reptile, there is no shortage of wildlife spotting opportunities.
Within the Okavango area there are a few luxury camps that are carefully controlled by local conservation organisations. The wildlife is the priority here and, while the government wants to promote the wildlife and allow visitors, in an effort to maintain the natural environment and ecosystems it does limit the number of tourists visiting each year.