Okavango Swamp

The Okavango Swamp, located in Botswana, is an immense inland delta formed by the Okavango River. This river, originating in Angola, flows southeastward for about 1,000 miles before terminating in the Kalahari Desert. The swamp itself covers approximately 6,500 square miles, with about half of it being marshland year-round.1

A swamp is a wetland ecosystem characterized by poorly drained mineral soils and dominated by trees, distinguishing it from a marsh, which is primarily grass-dominated. The Okavango Swamp is a unique environment, home to dense papyrus reeds and woodlands. It supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, and numerous bird species. Lake Ngami, a shallow lake within the swamp, is fed by the Okavango River but its size fluctuates significantly with rainfall and drought.213