The mighty Kavango River born in the highlands of Angola, aka "the river that never finds the sea," originally drained into a vast lake in what is now known as the Makgadikgadi Pans in north-eastern Botswana. However, approximately 50,000 years ago, an earthquake diverted its natural course, causing trillions of gallons of nutrient-rich water to spill out into the desert and form the greatest natural delta on Earth.
Today, the Okavango Delta comprises over 150,000 islands (most evolving from termite mounds) and fluctuates in size between 4-5,000 square miles during normal years, and 9-10,000 square miles during wetter years. This unpredictability minimizes human incursion while providing sustenance and sanctuary to one of Africa's most spectacular concentrations of wildlife.
Paradoxically, the Delta sees its highest water levels in the dry winter months (May to October) and lowest water levels during the wetter summer months. While game-viewing is exceptionally strong year-round, each season has its unique characteristics – the drier season bringing game to the waterholes in great numbers and the wetter season bringing lush landscapes and babies.
