THE OKAVANGO RIVER BASIN
In the heart of southern Africa, the Kalahari Desert gives way to one of the world’s largest wetlands as seasonal rains from Angola’s Highlands flood northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta each year.
The National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project is working with communities and governments to secure permanent, sustainable protection of the greater Okavango Basin spanning Angola, Namibia and Botswana. National Geographic Explorers, local and regional experts and partners at the Wild Bird Trust are working to accomplish this through rigorous scientific research, conservation education, community-driven systems of protection and storytelling about the ecosystem and people who live there.
people in Angola saw improved quality of life through infrastructure projects
km² of land in Angola’s Highlands was designated as a new Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
species that are new to science, 275+ potentially new species, and 300 never previously recorded in Angola have been documented
Explore the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project
Why It Matters
Learn About Biodiversity in the Basin
The Okavango Basin is the main source of water for a million people and is one of the most biodiverse places in Africa. It supports one of the world’s largest remaining elephant population as well as lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hundreds of species of birds and much more.
Learn MoreImpact Report
The 2025 Okavango Eternal Impact Report
Launched in 2021, Okavango Eternal is a partnership between the National Geographic Society and the De Beers Group to help achieve long-term, sustainable protection of the Okavango Basin — from its source in Angola, to its Delta in Botswana. By combining science, storytelling, education and conservation led by communities — the partnership is delivering powerful results.
One notable achievement was supporting the efforts that led to Angola’s landmark decision in January 2026 to designate Lisima Lya Mwono (“Source of Life”) as the country’s first Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The site is part of the Angolan Highlands Water Tower (AHWT), which supplies approximately 95% of the water flowing into the Okavango Delta.
Video
Revealing the Role of the Angolan Highlands Water Tower
The National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, together with The Wilderness Project and the Wild Bird Trust, conducted one of the first-known scientific on-river expeditions traversing the length of the Zambezi River. The paper offers new insight into the remote Angolan reaches of the Zambezi River, and its importance for the region’s future water security.
Our Expeditions
Since 2015, NGOWP has completed over 40 expeditions including annual Delta crossings and cross-Basin treks from Angola’s Highlands, through Namibia into Botswana. The resulting data forms a baseline for this understudied area, helping lay the foundation for securing the Basin’s permanent protection.
Video
Defining the Boundaries of the Angolan Highlands Water Tower
A recent academic paper by members of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project team focuses on the importance of the Angolan Highlands Water Tower (AHWT), which provides freshwater to seven countries and numerous biodiverse areas, including the Okavango Delta. The research unveiled a staggering fact: the AHWT holds 423 cubic kilometers of water annually, equivalent to nearly 170 million Olympic-size pools. This research marks the first to define the AHWT’s boundaries and quantify its contributions to rivers downstream — a crucial step in conserving the vital resource and ensuring water and food security for millions in Africa.
Documentary Film
Nkashi: Race for the Okavango
Nkashi: Race for the Okavango is a feature-length documentary that details the triumphs and challenges of three mokoro polers, celebrates cultural heritage and shows the importance of protecting the Okavango Delta. It was made in Setswana in close collaboration with a team of Batswana filmmakers.
Podcast Series
Guardians of the River
This is the story of the guardians of the Okavango who have a monumental task: safeguard a remote, near pristine environment facing threats from all sides. This podcast follows what happens when worlds connect, and at times collide, with the common goal of protecting a place.
DOCUMENTARY FILM
Into the Okavango
Follow the story of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, produced by National Geographic Documentary Films. Into the Okavango is streaming on Disney+ and is available for purchase on Amazon, Apple/iTunes, GooglePlay, and Vudu.
DOCUMENTARY FILM
Kwando
Kwando is the story of a young Angolan fisherman, haunted by his past as a child soldier and unsure of his future, who joins the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project’s exploration of one of Angola’s most remote rivers. The journey deepens his love of birds and connection to the land.
De Beers and National Geographic have partnered to address one of the most critical conservation challenges in Africa: Protecting the near-pristine source waters of the Okavango Delta.
Learn MoreProject Partners
Wild Bird Trust
Angola Ministry of Environment
Angola Ministry of Tourism
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
The HALO Trust
Kissama Foundation
Botswana Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation, and Tourism
Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism
The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservaton Area (KAZA TFCA)
The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM)
The Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM)
Support Us
Help Us Protect the Okavango Watershed
Our work to explore and protect the biodiversity of the Okavango River Basin is vital to the health of the region. Your contribution to the National Geographic Society funds this critical work and the work of our Explorers fighting to save threatened species, protect fragile habitats, conduct rigorous scientific research and create a more sustainable future for our planet.