Highest Okavango flooding in 20 years

THE annual flooding of the Okavango Delta, in Botswana, is this year predicted to reach the highest levels since 1984. The recent heavy summer rains have already raised water levels dramatically. "The flood waters normally reach Xaxaba Island near the end of May, however all indications drawn from water measurements recorded by Power Serve are that the floods could arrive as early as the end of March", said Orient-Express Safaris’ environmentalist, Ian Johnson. As a result, wildlife will be restricted to limited dry areas and game-viewing is expected to be excellent. (Lucy Siebert)