3. Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a strange and contradictory phenomenon. Its waters rise and fall completely opposite to the seasons (high in winter when the surrounding Kalahari is at its driest and low in summer during the rainy season).

The delta is a ever-changing water system that originates in the Angolian highlands and collects in the Panhandle around February each year. It takes about five months for the water to reach each and every fingertip of the giant watery hand that stretches into the thirst lands of the Kalahari where it eventually evaporates. The water carries with it nutrients and minerals which filter their way up the food chain and the delta supports such a variety of life it makes the mind boggle.

Studies by Swedish Scientist Thomas Gumbricht show that the delta’s future is uncertain and, for once, it’s a force of nature way beyond human control. The alluvial fan that spreads out beyond the panhandle is an ever-changing system: old channels fill up, new ones form and so on. By studying satellite maps, Gumbricht has predicted a number of possible futures for the delta: one is that the channels will eventually change in such a way that the delta will empty into the Zambezi River.

Another scenario is that as the main Jao-Boro channel silts up, the waters will flow into the Selinda Spillway and eventually the Okavango will dry out. Finally, Gumbricht has noticed that the sheer weight of the water is causing the delta so sag. This, he hopes will save the mysterious waters for aeons to come.

Tags: Adventure, Africa, Holiday, Okavango Delta, SA tours, Safari, South Africa, Touring

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