The Okavango is unique and to use a cliche, is really one of the worlds last Eden's. It is the largest inland delta in the world, and instead of flowing into the sea, the annual flood from Angola and the local rainfall flows inland, spreading over 15 000square kilometers of Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. The countless islands that emerge from the waterways give rise to several ecosystems which are home to vast numbers of game, fish and birds. The delta is impressive all year around, but particularly during the rains when the water is deepest.

The delta is also a wonderful place to relax and get in touch with nature. Gliding silently along the waterways in a mokoro (Dugout canoe), you can watch the wildlife and enjoy the tranquility. The small things are often the most amazing, like seeing tropical fish that dive in and out of the clear water, or the iridescent Malachite Kingfishers that dive for these fish!

It takes keen eyes to see the terrapins basking on floating logs, or to see a Fish Eagle perched waiting to catch its next meal. The birding in the delta is probably as good as it gets. 460 of Botswana's 600 bird species are found in this area. Some of the rarer sightings,("lifers" as birdwatchers would term it), within the area have included the Pel's Fishing Owl, the Black Coucal, Pink Throated Longclaw, African Skimmer and Wattled Crane.

Game abounds in the Okavango and at its centre is the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. This 3000 square kilometer sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals. Hippos and crocodiles are plentiful, and make for interesting times when sitting in a shallow mokoro. In the dry season, large herds of zebra, wildebeest and buffalo migrate to the area from the dry Kalahari. The rare Sitatunga and Red Lechwe live in the papyrus reeds lining the banks, while Lion, Leopard and Cheetah choose the open veld to do their hunting.

For the African safari of a lifetime, there are few places to match the Okavango Delta.