Flying over the Okavango Delta

Juliet's small suitcase lies open in her bedroom, ready for a flight that will take her above one of Africa's most extraordinary landscapes. A friend had suggested she join an elephant count during her stay in Botswana, and she couldn't resist. Now she is one of four observers who will board a Cessna 172 and visually count elephants from the air, contributing to data needed for conservation strategies. The eastern panhandle of the Okavango Delta is home to around 18,000 elephants, part of the largest population in Africa with 200,000 spread across Angola and neighboring countries.

The view from above

As the small plane lifts off, the Okavango Delta unfolds below like a vibrant abstract painting. Waterways glisten with electric blues and mossy greens, reflecting the sun's light. Deep blue channels contrast with shimmering emerald islands. Golden grasslands sway like a sea of waves, providing a warm canvas against the cooler tones of the water. Sunlight dances across the grass, casting enchanting patterns. Splashes of earthy browns and burnt oranges emerge, signaling the terrain where elephants blend in camouflage. The acacia trees, with their dainty foliage, add touches of green to the delta's palette.