This dynamic Delta.
14 October 2021 | Kwetsani Lodge, Jao Concession, Botswana
Maggie
We flew from Maun to Kwetsani Lodge in the Jao Concession of the Delta on a Cessna 208, watching the land below us change from dry and brown to water and green as we approached our destination, dotted with many airstrips serving all the lodges in this area.
As Dennis, our driver, headed to the Lodge he filled us in on this dynamic Delta. I think I finally have a grip on it.
The water originates in the Angola Highlands where the average annual rainfall is about 2250mm. In comparison, the Delta receives about 625mm per annum, enough to fill the grasslands but not flood them.
The rainfall in Angola fills the Quito River and the Cubango River. These rivers join up in Andara Place in Namibia to become the Kovango River, which flows into Mohembo in Botswana and becomes the Okavango River.
Dennis explained it like your arm (the Okavango River) flowing blood into your hand and fingers (the Delta) - that was a great visualization for me!
The water generally reaches here from Angola around March, when the zebras, impala, elephants and giraffe will move to higher, dry ground, while the lions and red lechwe antelope remain, having fully adapted to this environment and it's waters.
There was a 6.3 magnitude earthquake here in the Delta in 2017 which was not felt due to the 200-300m deep layer of sand that covers this land and cushioned it;
however, it did create a tilt to the East in the Delta causing more water to flow to the east, leaving the west dry, a big change that animals and humans alike have adapted to.
This dynamic Delta
Ever changing
We're thrilled to be in the middle of it!