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Okavango River

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description Okavango River Overview

The Okavango River (known as the Cubango in its upper reaches) is a river in southern Africa approximately 1,600 kilometers long. It rises in the Bié Plateau of central Angola and flows southeast through Namibia's Caprivi Strip before entering northern Botswana, where it terminates inland rather than reaching the sea. Rather than discharging into an ocean, the river's waters spread into the Okavango Delta, an endorheic alluvial fan covering between 6,000 and 15,000 square kilometers depending on seasonal flooding. The Okavango Delta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 and supports substantial populations of large mammals, birds, and fish in an otherwise semi-arid region.

help Okavango River FAQ

Where does the Okavango River terminate?

Unlike most major rivers, the Okavango River never flows into an ocean or sea. Instead, it terminates entirely inland in Botswana, where its waters fan out to create the massive Okavango Delta.

How long is the Okavango River?

The Okavango River flows for approximately 1,600 kilometers (about 1,000 miles) across Southern Africa. It begins in the central highlands of Angola before crossing through Namibia into Botswana.

Is the delta formed by the Okavango River a UNESCO site?

Yes, the inland delta formed by the Okavango River is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is celebrated globally for its incredible biodiversity and unique ecosystem, which supports lions, elephants, and hundreds of bird species.

What is the source of the Okavango River?

The river originates in the high plateau region of central Angola, where it is known locally as the Cubango River. It flows southward through the narrow Caprivi Strip of Namibia before finally reaching the Kalahari Desert in Botswana.

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