Three Germans dare to make a new start in the unique Okavango Delta!

Three Germans dare to make a new start in the unique Okavango Delta!

An adventure very close to the heart of Africa - the Okavango Delta in Botswana not only attracts with its unique flora and fauna, but also with inspiring stories of people who dared to make a new start here. The film “Hello Germany: Emigration Adventure – A New Beginning in Botswana” by Maja Dielhenn and Barbara Radl, produced by Visioneers, highlights the experiences of three German emigrants who have settled in the Delta. The 27-minute documentary shows how they realize their dreams and discover the magic of this extraordinary place.

The Okavango Delta, considered the largest intact inland delta in the world, stretches into the picturesque Kalahari Desert. It is created by the Okavango River, which drains rainwater from the Angolan highlands. About 11 km³ of water flows annually over an area of ​​6,000 to 15,000 km², making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is home to a breathtaking variety of wildlife, including the famous “Big Five,” as well as numerous plant species that are important not only for stabilizing the sand but also for creating new islands.

A life under the African sun

Among the emigrants shaping their new lives in the Delta is Maika Kretschmer, an ex-Berliner who now offers adventure trips in Botswana. Marc Baar from Bavaria has fulfilled a dream and is now opening his own restaurant in Maun, the small town on the edge of the delta. Anja Barnard, originally from Hamburg, brought her experience to the project that she founded with her husband. Together they run a lodge construction company in the Okavango Delta.

Experience the wilderness up close

Visitors to the Okavango Delta can not only admire the breathtaking nature, but also take part in various activities. Whether exploring the calm waters in a traditional mokoro canoe, observing the wildlife on game drives or relaxing with a sundowner under the African sky - the experiences are diverse and unforgettable. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts and offers plenty of highlights with over 400 species of birds and 122 species of mammals.

The high water period from March to June attracts additional visitors, but temperatures can reach up to 40°C in the summer months. The delta varies in size, but reaches impressive dimensions of up to 22,000 km² in the rainy season. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, the region is also home to several ethnic groups whose lifestyle is closely linked to nature.

But paradise is not without its challenges. Planned oil exploration by the Canadian company ReconAfrica could potentially have negative consequences for the delta's sensitive ecosystem. Climate change could also affect rainfall and temperatures in the region and have long-term effects on wildlife.

For anyone wanting to experience the magic of the Okavango Delta, there is no better time than now. A trip here promises not only exciting adventures, but also the opportunity to discover the stories of the people who have made this special place their home. “Hello Germany” is just one of many stories that bring the magic of Africa to life.

For more information about this fascinating region and what it has to offer, take a look at reports from ZDF, Wikipedia and Botswana Tourism.