Flood Waters Leveling Off

7/28/2010

The Okavango Delta, Botswana is flooded annually by rainwater flowing from the highlands of Angola 750 miles away. Observing the vast delta ecosystem transform into a verdant oasis by the slow advance of life-giving floodwaters is an eagerly anticipated phenomenon.

This year the renowned wetland system received a record inflow, with water levels on a par with those last seen in the 1970's. The Delta is literally "bulging at the seams," with water being pushed all the way down the Selinda Spillway to the Linyanti River, and from there to the Savuti Marsh via the Savuti Channel.

The record-high floodwaters have created new logistical requirements for many of Botswana's camps and lodges, necessitating bridge-building and the acquisition of boats to ferry guests across what used to be dry land. These logistical requirements have been happily accommodated and all feedback from returning clients has been very positive.

The explosion of food and life created by 2010's particularly voluminous flood offers visitors unprecedented opportunities to experience the Okavango Delta in all its glory.

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