The annual Okavango flood is an eagerly anticipated phenomenon; seeing this beautiful ecosystem being transformed by the slow advance of life-giving floodwaters is an amazing spectacle and a hugely important event for the biodiversity of the Okavango and northern Botswana in general. The renowned wetland system is receiving a record inflow in 2010.

The flood seems to follow 'wet' and 'dry' cycles, with the wet cycles usually lasting 10-15 years. 2010 is about three years into the wet cycle, moving out of the dry cycle of between 1985 and 2005. What is exciting is that the water levels of 2010 are going to be on a par with those last seen in the 1970s.

These annual flooding regimes are the essence of the Okavango Delta. The effects are fantastic, as large grassland areas and floodplains become flooded, and a continued recharge of groundwater takes place. The Savute Channel can be expected to have a major increase in flows, resuscitating the famed Savute Marsh, and the Selinda Spillway has now also joined the Okavango and Linyanti for only the 2nd time in 30 years. The next few seasons are going to offer wonderful opportunities to experience the Okavango Delta in all its glory...