The unassuming airport of Maun in Botswana is your point of arrival when travelling to the Okavango Delta. When I asked a porter, “How far from Maun to the Delta?” his colloquial response of “Way far close!” amused me. It was a vague yet accurate synopsis of what is a lengthy distance by road, but a short hop by air.
Flying between camps in small planes offers the marvel of seeing this wonder from the air. We’d come in December, a secret season. There’s more availability in camps, fewer people and better rates. But the Delta waters have receded – even if, ironically, the summer rains have begun.
To understand this natural phenomenon, it’s important to know that the water level of the Okavango Delta is determined by rainfall in Angola (a thousand kilometres away), which falls from October to April and flows down two major tributaries into Botswana. By June, this water percolates through the Okavango delta system, inundating seasonal floodplains until it gradually subsides. By August, you can see the water levels drop by measurable amounts overnight.
As we attempted to set off in our light aircraft from Maun, torrential rain flooded the runway. Our wheels were submerged, leaving us to wait out the exhilarating storm. When airborne, our pilot deftly manoeuvred between cumulus clouds and literally flew around pockets of rainfall. This cleared the way for us to enjoy the remainder of the flight looking down on a paradise of waterways and wildlife, until we landed on a dirt runway near our camp.
#1 Little Vumbura
This story is from the April 2020 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Creating A Cave!
AEN is a designer and engineer who contacted us a while back about the renovation he was doing on his new HDB. From the photos, you'll see it’s more of a redesign than a renovation and nothing like we've ever featured before. We were pretty wowed, and are happy It’s completed so we can show you!
40 Years as a Dentist - and Still Loving It!
After four decades, DR ASHA K KARAN of Dental Essence is as passionate about practising dentistry as she was on day one. She tells us about her career and what keeps her going.
Exploring Malé
There’s a high chance you've heard of Malé, but, like most travellers, only been to the airport while transiting to a resort on an atoll. Singapore-based photographer REBECCA BERGER took a wander through its streets recently, capturing scenes of daily life on her camera. Here are her impressions.
The Venice of the East Where to stay and play in Suzhou
The Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City, the city lights of Shanghai and the Terracotta Warriors are frequently on travellers’ must-sees when it comes to China itineraries.
Brunch Favourites
Looking for a fabulous spot for your next brunch fix? We've got something for everyone in this roundup-from coffees to Bellinis, and organically-sourced dishes to seafood on ice. Some are weekend bottomless brunches, others an à la carte daily affair. Either way, just be sure to go hungry!
From Grape to Glass
Whether you like a fruity sauvignon blanc or a zippy pinot noir, you can have your favourite wines delivered straight to your door in Singapore. Here are our picks of the best wine delivery websites on the island - from high-end wines to affordable blends! (Many offer free delivery with a minimum spend, too!)
Making Waves
Head coach of swimming at the Canadian International School HELEN SWEENEY tells us why the CIS swim team is a force to be reckoned with.
A Time to Thrive!
The theme of 2024 is Thrive”, as Dulwich College Singapore) marks its 1Oth anniversary. As the College celebrates with a host of activities, Founding Head of College NICK MAGNUS shares how they will continue to grow.
HAVE THEY GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
Singapore attracts some very interesting expats, and we love hearing their stories. Here we chat to two such people, GONZALO GASTON SANCHEZ and MANUELA LOEBLEIN, who are contestants In The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition. We cover what brought them here, what makes them tick, and their tips for achieving success.
Little Dockers
Does your child dream of being in a band?