The Okavango Delta
Tucked away in northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This lush, water-filled paradise is where the Okavango River fans out into the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique inland delta teeming with wildlife.
Among the many ways to explore the Okavango Delta, nothing quite compares to experiencing it by mokoro—the traditional dugout canoe used by locals for centuries.
A mokoro ride offers a completely different perspective of the Delta. Forget safari trucks and big crowds. This is slow, silent, and deeply immersive travel. Picture gliding across glassy channels, surrounded by papyrus reeds, birdsong, and the occasional grunt of a nearby hippo—no engines, no noise, just you and the wild.
What’s a Mokoro?
A mokoro (pronounced “mo-KO-ro”) is a traditional dugout canoe once carved from large trees like the sausage tree or ebony. These days, to help protect the Delta’s fragile ecosystem, most mokoros are made from fiberglass—same shape, same vibe, less impact on the environment.
A local guide (also known as a poler) stands at the back and navigates the canoe with a long wooden pole, pushing you gently through the shallow waters of the Delta. Think Venetian gondola—but way cooler and with more elephants.
Why You Should Definitely Do a Mokoro Ride
It’s peaceful and quiet. No engine sounds, no rush. Just water gently rippling under the boat, the breeze through the reeds, and the soundtrack of nature.
You’ll get insanely close to nature. From tiny frogs resting on lily pads to herds of antelope drinking just a few feet away, this is a front-row seat to life in the Delta.
It’s completely unique. Nowhere else in the world offers this kind of water-based safari through such a rich ecosystem.
Where Do You Take a Mokoro Ride?
Mokoro safaris take place in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most iconic and diverse wildlife areas. The Delta is located in northern Botswana and is actually a giant inland wetland that floods seasonally—turning dry savannah into a maze of waterways and islands.
Most mokoro experiences are based out of:
- The Moremi Game Reserve (which covers the eastern part of the Delta)
- Khwai Community Concession (a great place for community-run lodges and cultural exchange)
- The Delta Panhandle (known for fishing and birdwatching)
You’ll usually access these areas by flying into Maun, then either driving or taking a small plane to your lodge or camp. Trust me—the views from those flights alone are worth it.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
The flood season (May to August) is ideal for mokoro rides. That’s when the water levels are high enough to really explore the Delta’s channels and lagoons, and wildlife tends to congregate near the water.
During the rainy season (December to March), some camps may close or offer limited access due to flooded roads and weather. Still, some areas offer mokoro rides year-round—just double check with your lodge or tour provider before you go.
What to Expect on the Ride
Colorful birds, tiny reed frogs, antelope like lechwe and sitatunga, hippos and crocodiles, and jaw-dropping scenery, especially around sunset. You’ll usually go out for a few hours in the morning or late afternoon, but some tours offer multi-day mokoro safaris, where you camp overnight on remote Delta islands.
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
