# Okavango River

> river in southwestern Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q188773](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188773)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okavango_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/okavango-river

## Summary
The Okavango River is a major river in southwestern Africa that flows from the highlands of Angola into the Kalahari Basin of Botswana. It is the primary watercourse responsible for forming the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas. Unlike most major rivers, it is endorheic, meaning it does not reach the ocean but instead disperses its waters into the sands of the Kalahari Desert.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** River (natural watercourse).
- **Location:** Southwestern Africa.
- **Origin:** Angola (country on the west coast of Southern Africa).
- **Terminus:** Botswana (specifically the Okavango Delta).
- **Basin:** Kalahari Basin (an African endorheic basin).
- **Coordinates:** Spans approximately from latitude -12.653801, longitude 16.127178 to latitude -18.683788, longitude 22.173698.
- **Geographic Context:** Flows through or near the borders of Angola, Namibia, and Botswana.
- **Key Feature:** Forms the Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta and UNESCO World Heritage site.

## FAQs

**Where does the Okavango River begin and end?**
The Okavango River originates in the country of Angola, located on the west coast of Southern Africa. It flows southeast and terminates in Botswana, where it spreads out to form the Okavango Delta within the Kalahari Basin.

**Does the Okavango River flow into the ocean?**
No, the Okavango River does not reach the ocean. It is part of the endorheic Kalahari Basin, meaning its waters drain inland rather than flowing to a sea or ocean, eventually evaporating or transpiring in the desert.

**What countries does the Okavango River pass through?**
The river flows from Angola into Botswana. While it forms a boundary near the Caprivi Strip region, its primary course and terminal delta are located within these two nations, with Namibia serving as a neighboring country to the river's course.

**What is the Okavango Delta?**
The Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in Botswana where the Okavango River fans out into the Kalahari Desert. It is a unique ecosystem characterized by seasonal flooding and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

## Why It Matters
The Okavango River is ecologically and economically vital as the lifeblood of the Okavango Delta, a pristine wetland that supports a diverse array of wildlife in an otherwise arid region. Its unique endorheic flow sustains the Kalahari Basin, creating a biodiversity hotspot that draws tourism and drives the economy of Botswana. Furthermore, the river serves as a critical transboundary resource connecting Angola and Botswana, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in water management for Southern Africa.

## Notable For
- Being the primary source of water for the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta.
- Flowing through the Kalahari Basin, a major endorheic basin in Africa.
- Originating in Angola, a country known for its vast territory and status as a major energy producer.
- Terminating in Botswana, a landlocked nation celebrated for its stable democracy and conservation efforts.
- Possessing a unique geographical path that does not reach any ocean or sea.

## Body

### Geography and Location
The Okavango River is a significant natural watercourse located in southwestern Africa. Geographically, it is defined by coordinates that span from approximately -12.653801° latitude and 16.127178° longitude in its upper reaches to -18.683788° latitude and 22.173698° longitude near its terminus. The river is a central feature of the Kalahari Basin, which is classified as an African endorheic basin, meaning it is a closed drainage system that does not outlet to the world's oceans.

### Origin in Angola
The river begins its journey in Angola, a sovereign state situated on the west coast of Southern Africa. Angola is the seventh-largest country in Africa by area, covering 1,246,700 square kilometers. The river flows from the Angolan highlands, traversing a nation that gained independence from the Portuguese Empire on November 11, 1975. As the river moves through Angola, it passes through regions characterized by diverse ethnic groups, including the Ovimbundu, Mbundu, and Kongo people, and contributes to the country's rich natural landscape which includes Mount Moco, the nation's highest point.

### The Kalahari Basin and Hydrology
As the Okavango River progresses, it enters the Kalahari Basin, a vast endorheic basin covering parts of Angola and Botswana. This geological basin dictates the river's ultimate fate, preventing it from reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, the river's waters are absorbed into the porous sands of the Kalahari Desert. This hydrological behavior creates a rare "river that never reaches the sea," supporting a unique wetland ecosystem in the middle of a semi-arid environment.

### Terminus in Botswana
The river concludes its course in Botswana, a landlocked sovereign state and parliamentary republic in Southern Africa. Here, the Okavango River fans out to create the Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta that covers a significant portion of Botswana's territory. Botswana, which gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 30, 1966, relies on this delta as a cornerstone of its tourism industry and environmental heritage. The delta is situated in the North-West district of Botswana, near the borders with Namibia.

### Regional Context and Neighbors
The course of the Okavango River places it in close proximity to Namibia, another country in Southern Africa. Namibia, which gained independence in 1990, shares borders with both Angola and Botswana. The river's path near the Caprivi Strip region of Namibia highlights the interconnected geography of these three nations. Namibia, known for its vast landscapes including the Namib Desert, shares the regional water resources and ecological systems influenced by the river's flow.

### Ecological and Economic Significance
The Okavango River is essential for the survival of the Okavango Delta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The river's seasonal flooding brings life to the dry savannahs of Botswana, supporting large populations of elephants, lions, and other wildlife. Economically, the river supports the tourism sectors of both Angola and Botswana, drawing visitors to the delta's unique beauty. The management of the river's waters is a critical issue for the region, involving the governments of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.

## References

1. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File