Greg just returned from a  “Namibia Botswana Southern Circle NBa21” tour and had an experience he had to share. I was lucky enough to go on a helicopter flight over the Okavango delta in Botswana. This helicopter flight takes us from a village right on the edge of the delta and as soon as you’re up in the air the grandeur of the Okavango delta comes to life.

On our particular flight we spotted a large herd of buffalo, numerous elephant, giraffe and zebra mixed together, plenty of hippopotamus both in and out of the water, one crocodile and a few other things. The advantage of this flight over the fixed wing aeroplane flight is that although its shorter, the manoeuvrability of the helicopter allows us to get the best possible game viewing as the pilot can slow down, and turn with absolute ease to give you the best photo opportunities while trying not to disturb the wildlife below, not to mention, THEY TAKE THE DOORS OFF which makes it that much more unique. From my experience I would recommend this flight to anyone and everyone as it gives a real idea of how much of a paradise the Okavango delta is!!!!!!!

The delta floods each year when flood waters from the Angolan highlands flow into the Kalahari via the Okavango River. The flat plains of the Delta stretch out for 10 000km² and during peak period the floodwaters sometimes reach as far south as the Makgadikgadi Pans and Lake Ngami. Some the islands in the delta have been started by termites, which during the dry season collect seed and grass whist building their mounds. When the delta floods again the queen termite will normally die but the seeds that the colonies have collected may grow. The following dry season, after the plants have grown, they act as a wind trap, collecting yet more seeds and plant matter. This process takes many years and each year with the floods, the island grows slightly as sediment and sand collect.  Common on the islands are Lala Palms; they are widely exploited for their many uses. The nuts contain a seed that when carved appears a creamy white, this giving it it’s other name of “wild ivory palm”, the locals make small curios and buttons from the seeds. The leaves are also used in the making of baskets and dyed with other natural products to produce the patterning. Locals also produce a wine from the sap of the palm.