
A Beginner's Guide To Mokoro Safaris In The Okavango Delta Of Botswana
"Mokoro"; A traditional canoe made from a hollowed-out tree trunk, the iconic symbol of a Botswana safari.
A Mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta of Northern Botswana is the perfect way to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this fantastic wildlife region of Africa.
A traditional dugout canoe in which passengers can enjoy a peaceful ride through the waterways while taking in the sights and sounds as the crystal clear waters of the Okavango River pass underneath.
If you are looking for an exciting yet relaxing adventure, a mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta is worth considering!
This activity should be included on most if not all Botswana safari itineraries unless, of course, that itinerary goes nowhere near the Delta.
This traditional canoe is environmentally friendly and tranquil, making it the perfect way to explore this special place. Whether you are hoping to spot wildlife, birdlife, frogs, or snakes or simply want to sit back and relax in peaceful surroundings, this is an excursion that will undoubtedly create lasting memories.
As a side note, most of the safari lodges and camps in and around the Okavango waterways offer up either boat safaris or traditional mokoro excursions as part of their safari activity list. These two water-based activities go perfectly with land-based game viewing safaris.
How Are Mekoros Made?
A traditional canoe is made by hollowing out large tree trunks. The trunk is then cut into manageable sections, which are transported to the delta by boat or road.
The sections are then trimmed and carved until they are the correct shape and size for a canoe. Finally, the canoe is smoothed and polished, and then it is ready for use in this watery world.
Mekoro (plural) are an important part of the traditional way of life for the people of the Okavango. They are used as a form of transport, fishing, and even as a form of entertainment.
What You Need To Know Before Going On A Mokoro Safari
You should know a few things before embarking on your first safari in a mokoro, in other words, a few tips;
- Fitness levels bare no impact as one is just sitting in the traditional mokoro; the poler (ngashi) will be doing all the hard work.
- Weight limits are applicable but in saying that, it is very rare that one is turned away.
- Be sure to pack sun protection. A wide brim hat and sun cream is a must as one will burn will under the African sun, especially considering these trips are normally +- 3 hours in duration.
- Be sure to pack insect repellent as mosquitoes and malaria are present in the Okavango. We need not say more about the importance of protection again malaria.
- Although the chances of seeing dangerous animals close by are slim, it is always best to be prepared. Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions at all times.
- Water, one needs a water bottle or two.
Keep these tips in mind, and you will have a memorable and amazing experience in one of Africa's top safari destinations.

The Different Types Of Animals You Can See On A Mokoro Safari
A mokoro safari is a great way to view the sights and sounds of the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. It is a way to experience the crystal clear waterways, palm fringed islands and the vegetation that is within touch, and as an added bonus, one might just bump into some other wildlife along the way.
This is not necessarily the best way to view wildlife but it is the best way to view the Okavango Delta. Think of a Mokoro ride as rounding off an Okavango Delta experience; you have seen the wildlife on game drives and walks, now is the time to relax, sit back, glide across the waters, and simply take it all in.
Elephants and hippos are all common sightings, along with a variety of birds, frogs and occasionally a snake or two. One has to be exceptionally lucky to spot lions or leopards, but you never know.
With a camera in hand, one will get some fantastic photographs all from a very different angle and perspective brushing past reeds from water level (a waterproof camera bag would be a very good idea, there is always water at the bottom of a mokoro).
This is a great way to see some of the diversity that Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve has to offer.

Where Do Mokoro Excursions, Trips And Safaris (Or Boat safaris) Start From?
There are several options when looking at mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta.
If you are looking for a mokoro trip to be part and parcel of one's safari experience, we would highly recommend a stay at a safari lodge or camp that offers both water and land-based safari activities year-round to be included in one's safari itinerary.
We offer numerous safari lodges and camps throughout the delta that offer a mokoro experience as part of their activity list.
If budget and time are against you, then simply look at a half-day or full-day tour that departs from the town of Maun. The day tour option is perfect if you have a few hours free before your safari starts or ends.
And lastly, there are a few dedicated mokoro safaris whereby one spends 3 to 5 nights out in the wilds as one moves from island to island. These safari options are in general, basic wild camping options with no frills or luxuries whatsoever.
Is A Mokoro Okavango Delta Trip Safe?
As with any outdoor activity in Africa or Botswana, there is always some element of risk involved.
Fortunately, the chances of experiencing danger while on a mokoro ride are small. With a little common sense and caution, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Always listen to the guides and polers; they know the area like the back of their hands and do this on a daily basis.
Make no mistake; accidents do occur, but they are few and far between. Wildlife is unpredictable at the best of times.
And lastly, a personal experience from a few years back :)

Our Personal Okavango Delta Mokoro Trip went like this;
For me (Ryan), it is the ultimate in the sense of relaxation while on safari. Perhaps a massage at the in-house spa of a game lodge is high on the list, but a mokoro will get you up close and personal to fauna and flora of all shapes and sizes while on safari. Not just with wildlife and game you might encounter, but also with the water and the flora surrounding these waterways.
The land glides past as your poler sweeps you through the narrow channels and into bodies of water that seem to hide the mysteries of the African bush... what lurks beneath... not sure I want to know...
More than likely, your poler grew up on these waterways; he knows the land and the secrets that it hides. He tells you the stories of his father and grandfather and how he came to be here.
You learn about the smaller details - the frogs you'll never encounter anywhere else, what you can (and can't) use the water lilies for and how the afternoon thunderstorms play their role in the magic of the Okavango Delta.
It's quiet; you can hear yourself breathe, the reeds rustle, and the hippo's come up for air.
The wildlife watches you from the banks as you float past; you almost feel at one with your surroundings. Even once your time on the water is over, you still feel a sense of calm as you head back to the vehicle or the lodge.
An experience in Botswana allows you to simply melt into the surrounding environment and become almost invisible to the wildlife surrounding you.
Truly spectacular...
Shinde Footsteps Camp
The ultimate destination for those who dream of an authentic, old-school safari experience, Shinde Footsteps Camp offers unparalleled privacy and intimacy, accommodating no more than seven guests at a time. It’s truly a hidden gem, delivering a safari unlike any other.
Nestled in the heart of the Okavango, Shinde Footsteps Camp is the perfect escape from the demands of modern civilization. One of the most magical and serene safari camps for those seeking luxury and adventure in equal measure.
Duba Explorers Camp
Duba Explorers Camp is a wonderful safari camp that offers luxurious accommodations. It can be found in the Duba Plains Concession, which is a privately-owned reserve measuring 33,000 hectares. The private Concession is situated in the pristine Okavango Delta region of Botswana.
Explorers Camp offers breathtaking views of permanent floodplains, seasonal floodplains, grasslands and pockets of mopane and acacia woodlands.
Visitors can stay in only five tented safari suites and enjoy a range of activities from game drives, bush walks, bird watching or fishing trips.
Savuti Camp
Savuti Camp with seven safari suites is ideally situated on the banks of the Savutie safari region and Channel; discover all the channel has to offer on game drives in custom safari vehicles with the chance to spot lions, hyenas, elephants and wild dogs
A fantastic viewing deck and swimming pool (with sun loungers) overlooks a water hole teeming with the best birdlife and wildlife of the of the Savute and Chobe National Park region.
Mashatu Tent Camp
Mashatu Tent Camp is a luxurious safari destination situated in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve.
This picturesque tented camp offers an African experience, combining home comforts and nature's sounds.
Tent Camp consists of 8 Meru-style tented suites, each fully furnished with modern amenities and creature comforts, while the surrounding wilderness offers a range of activities, including night game drives, guided nature walks and bird watching.
A stay of 3-5 nights is recommended for a truly unique African bushveld experience.
Kings Pool Camp
Kings Pool Camp in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve offers up nine of the most luxurious safari suites in the whole of Botswana; overlooking Kings Pool Lagoon, each suite has its own private plunge pool and a sala.
Kings Pool Camp is one of the best Linyanti bush camp options; yes, expensive, but oh so worth it in every way possible.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Ngoma provides an exclusive luxury safari lodge experience situated on the western edge of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. This intimate retreat features just eight elegantly designed suites, each offering a private plunge pool and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can enjoy personalized service, gourmet dining, and guided activities such as game drives and boat safaris, immersing themselves in the beauty of the Chobe River ecosystem.
Baines Camp
Are you looking for an unforgettable African safari experience? Then Baines' Camp in Botswana should be at the top of your list.
This luxurious camp is located in a private wildlife concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve and offers guests amazing views of the Okavango Delta waterways and wildlife. Baines' Camp is perfect for those who want to experience Africa in style.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango Safari Camp is a budget-friendly tented camp located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in the Khwai Reserve.
Surrounded by a stunning natural landscape, guests at Sango are treated to spectacular views from the comfort of their tents. They can enjoy a variety of safari activities such as game drives, mokoro excursions on the Khwai River, night drives, and cultural walks.
The area's abundant wildlife also makes for amazing sightings during game drives and walking safaris.
With its unique combination of affordability and luxury, Sango Safari Camp is the ideal destination for those looking to get an unforgettable Botswana safari experience without breaking the bank!