Connected Landscapes: The Okavango Delta in 360°
A sensory journey into one of the Earth’s most biodiverse and dynamic ecosystems
Combining immersive technology with ecological fieldwork, this VR project traces the movement of wildlife and water through Botswana’s iconic wetland - a landscape shaped by ancient rhythms and urgent conservation needs.
Featuring 360° Films by Director, Elaine Ford
In collaboration with Wild Immersion, endorsed by the Jane Goodall Institute
Field Collaborators: With deep gratitude to the researchers at Elephants for Africa and the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, whose work and hospitality made this project possible.
Supported by the Global Challenges Research Fund.
Immersive Storytelling from the Wild
The Okavango Delta is a living, breathing ecosystem, its heartbeat pulsing with the seasonal rhythm of water flowing thousands of kilometres from the Angolan Highlands to nourish this inland oasis. As part of my Connected Landscapes research expedition, I ventured deep into this wilderness to document how species move, adapt, and survive across vast, shifting terrains.
This VR experience offers a rare glimpse into one of the planet’s most biologically rich regions. Much of the footage was captured in the heart of the Delta during my fieldwork.
Camping with scientists from Elephants for Africa and the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, I documented free-roaming elephants, wild dogs, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, lions, and other keystone species in their natural habitats - observing their behaviours, movements, and connection to the land and each other.
Some scenes in the film include footage filmed by other contributors. Together, these visuals form an immersive window into the intricate, interconnected fragile beauty of life in the Delta.
Up Close with the Delta’s Wildlife
360° stills from the field — intimate encounters with the wild.
“To move with wildlife is to understand them, not just in data, but in breath, in silence, in scent. Immersive technology lets us bring that understanding into new spaces.” — Elaine Ford
The Seasonal Pulse of the Okavango Delta
This satellite timelapse reveals the annual journey of floodwaters from the Angolan Highlands into the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta - a rare inland wetland. These waters reshape the landscape each year, guiding wildlife migrations, nourishing ecosystems, and sustaining one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
This project is born from an innovative research expedition that harnessed immersive technology to explore ecological connectivity and wildlife corridors of the Okavango Delta. Through fieldwork, 360° filmmaking, and scientific insight, the unique pulse of this living landscape was captured for virtual reality experiences. The goal: to deepen understanding of dynamic ecosystems and inspire meaningful engagement with wildlife and conservation.
Global Impact & Collaborations
From the Delta to the World: Global Reach & Impact
This 360° footage forms part of a larger immersive experience that brought the African savannah to life for global audiences including its exhibition in Mexico City at UNAM’s University Science Museum.
Developed in collaboration with Wild Immersion, this project demonstrates how ecological fieldwork can evolve into globally accessible immersive storytelling.
Connect & Collaborate
Whether you're looking to exhibit this film, license footage, or commission a new immersive project, I’d love to explore what’s possible. Let’s bring these powerful journeys to your audience.