Okavango Delta — Local services in North-West District

One of the miracles of nature - a bucket list destination.

The Kgalagadi desert turns into a lush green wetland here in the largest inland delta in the world. It's the story of four geological faults - two of them, the panhandle faults, channel the Okavango river where it builds up against the Gomare fault following the seasonal rains in the Angolan highlights. For six months of the year the river breaks the fault and islands, floodplains, logoons and channels build up over some 100km because of a fourth fault line, the Kunyere fault. The Okavango Delta is one of the best preserved wild life areas in the world home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, the African wild dog, giraffe and countless species of antelope, small predators, birds reptiles and insects - not forgetting crocodile and hippopotamus. Enjoy viewing game right on the water from a Mocoro, traditionally a canoe made from a single tree trunk and now a more eco-friendly version made from fibreglass poled over the shallow flood plains. Stay over at one of the lodges in the area I recommend Jumbo Junction, a comfortable smaller one, run by couple Sue and Greg, at the north-western edge of the Delta close...

We met our guides in Ficksburg, Free State, who took us three over the border into Botswana, where we had liquid refreshments at the 'Duck' in Maun.

From there we were taken into the delta, our camping site consisted of several tents, an outdoor toilet and shower and a kitchen - these were made out of wood and bamboo.

At night, we could hear the sounds of the animals, including the 'Big Five', but we were told by the rangers, the animals would not attack our tents, but would walk around them.

We had a spectacular visit both to the Delta and to Moremi game reserve.

This is truly a magical place where you can scoop up the water and drink.

It tastes nothing like our treated city water - it's pure and refreshing !

Ruth Segercrantz ...

The Okavango Delta is impressive, terrifying and inspiring. We spent three days wild camping deep in the wilderness. We walked past elephants, lions and many other wonderful animals with just the experience of a local guide to keep us from harm. No gun, no car and just one guide. Sounds scary... and it was but I never felt unsafe. Extra (our guide) could talk to the elephants and they would move. If you want a real safari, go to the Okavango delta. Undoubtedly you will be humbled by this earth and the creatures that walk its surface and swim...