The Okavango Delta's tranquil waterways hold many treasures for visitors, but none quite as magical as experiencing a traditional Mokoro safari. For those wondering "what is a Mokoro safari in Botswana," it's an unmissable water-based adventure that offers a unique perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Traditional Craft Meets Modern Sustainability

A Mokoro (plural: Mekoro) is a slender, low-riding canoe that has been the lifeblood of delta transportation for thousands of years. Traditionally crafted from hollowed-out hardwood tree trunks, these vessels have evolved with conservation in mind. Today's Mekoro are predominantly constructed from fibreglass, offering a more sustainable alternative that helps preserve the delta's native trees. While purists might wonder about authenticity, the modern versions are virtually indistinguishable from their wooden ancestors when gliding through the water – and notably more comfortable for visitors.

Wildlife Encounters from a Unique Perspective

What makes Mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta truly special is the extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities they present. Imagine being mere inches from the water's surface, providing a perspective that's simply impossible to achieve through any other safari experience (unless you fancy a swim with the locals!).

The crystal-clear, tea-tinted waters reveal a underwater world, whilst at eye level, you'll discover:

• The fascinating Angolan Reed Frogs, whose night-time chorus creates an amphitheatre of sound. These tiny amphibians come in an astonishing array of colours and patterns, making them perfect subjects for wildlife photography in the Okavango Delta.

• Red Lechwe antelope, which often create spectacular displays as they leap across channels, their hooves throwing sparkling water droplets into the African sunshine.

• African Jacanas performing their seemingly impossible totter across lily pads, earning their nickname "Jesus birds" thanks to their extraordinarily long toes which spread their weight across surface vegetation and allow them to appear to walk on water.

Some of the wildlife is less comfortable with human visitors but the polers know their areas intimately and take great care to avoid deeper channels where hippos hang out and can be unhappy about having their territory encroached on.

Where to stay: Sable Alley

📸: Reed Frogs in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Best Time for Mokoro Safaris in Botswana

While Mokoro trips are available at some camps throughout the year, timing your visit can enhance your experience:

• Peak Season (July to September): The delta's waters are at their highest, offering maximum accessibility and optimal wildlife viewing. Morning safaris (6:00-9:00) provide the best light for photography and increased animal activity.

• Shoulder Season (May-June, October): Less crowded but still excellent conditions. Evening trips (16:00-18:00) offer spectacular sunset opportunities and different wildlife encounters.

• Green Season (November-April): More challenging but uniquely rewarding, with fewer tourists and abundant birdlife. Weather conditions can affect availability. Stay at camps with are located on permanent water.

Community Connection and Local Expertise

One of the most enriching aspects of a Mokoro safari in Botswana is the connection with local communities. Your poler-guide, having grown up in the delta, brings generations of knowledge to your experience. Many areas now operate mokoro trips through Community Trusts, ensuring tourism benefits flow directly to local inhabitants. On these trips there are often a few canoes out at a time and the banter between the polers, who clearly have known each other for life, is alone worth the trip. As a parting gift the guests are given Waterlily necklaces as a lovely biodegradable (and short-lived) memento.

Safety and Considerations

Professional polers undergo rigorous training and licensing to ensure guest safety. They're expertly familiar with hippo territories and maintain strict protocols regarding deeper channels where these powerful animals reside. This local knowledge is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Extended Adventures: Multi-day Mokoro Safaris

If you like the idea of a Mokoro safari and would like to take it to the next level it’s possible to take a longer trip. With your guide you will travel by Mokoro and on foot between permanent camps, or you can take part in a mobile camping safari where you travel between islands, sleeping in dome tents in basic but comfortable camps. This is the best way to get really immersed in the rhythms of the delta, travelling in the cooler parts of the day and resting in the shade during the hotter parts, just relaxing and watching what nature might present to you next!

Where to stay: Delta Camp

Practical Planning Tips

When planning your Mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta, consider:

Water levels at your chosen camp (some require short drives to Mokoro stations)
Time of year and its impact on accessibility
Duration of trip (typically 1-3 hours for day trips)
Photography equipment protection (waterproof bags essential), and take a tether to your phone!
Appropriate clothing (light, quick-drying fabrics recommended, a sunhat)
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

A Mokoro safari transcends the typical tourist experience, offering a genuine glimpse into delta life while providing an environmentally conscious way to explore this remarkable ecosystem. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking a unique African adventure, this traditional mode of transport delivers an unforgettable journey through one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness areas.

My Definitive Guide to Mokoro Safaris in Botswana's Okavango Delta: Everything You Need to Know!