Exploring Botswana’s Okavango Delta
Botswana’s mighty Okavango Delta, which expands annually up to a size of almost 20,000 sq km, is one of Africa’s greatest and most pristine wildernesses. To take in its beauty and all the iconic wildlife that call it home, there are six enthralling activities available, but none so entrancing as a trip in a traditional mokoro (narrow dugout canoe).
The Ultimate Okavango Activity: The Mokoro
There is no experience more connected to Botswana’s Okavango Delta than a journey through its reed-lined channels in a mokoro. Propelled by expert local polers, these traditionally-styled craft glide you through the wild with your eyes just above water level. From this relaxed vantage point, the scale of everything becomes more grand—trees tower into the blue African sky, reeds arch overhead, and animal encounters feel more dramatic. The polers utilize their wider view to observe large and small animals, ensuring a safe distance is maintained from larger species like hippos.
Even with large animal sightings, the greatest joy of a mokoro trip is absorbing the delta’s surreal landscapes in the most peaceful manner.
Making a Mokoro Trip (and Five Other Remarkable Safari Activities) Happen
Most lodges in the delta organize mokoro trips, although some land-based camps on larger islands do not provide this service. Lodge-based trips tend to occur in the late afternoon, often concluding with sundowner drinks at a scenic location. Typically, these trips are included in the accommodation fee.
You can also arrange independent mokoro trips directly from the safari hub town of Maun. The Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust coordinates trips with local polers into the Eastern Okavango. These trips can vary from just a day to several days, including camping on islands. Most excursions also feature some nature walks where wildlife can be spotted.
The ideal time to explore in a mokoro is from July to October, when water levels are high and the skies are predominantly clear. Interestingly, the delta reaches its wettest during the dry season due to floodwaters originating from the highlands in Angola.
Boat Safaris: Speed and Distance Equals Unrivaled Wildlife
While less tranquil than mokoro trips, power boats enable you to cover more ground, increasing the likelihood of encountering diverse wildlife. These power boat adventures often include short walking safaris along the journey.
Most water-based lodges in the delta incorporate boat safaris as part of their all-inclusive options. Prices generally start around P650 (US$70) per hour for an eight-seat boat.
Wildlife Drives: The Classic Safari Dream
Riding in an open-sided 4WD vehicle across grassy plains in search of iconic African wildlife is a dream for many. With the recent re-introduction of rhinos, it’s now possible to see all of the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). In addition to these majestic animals, visitors can spot packs of wild dogs, pods of hippos, and a variety of antelope, including the red lechwe.
Land-based lodges often include extensive wildlife drives year-round in their packages, while water-based camps typically offer these experiences during the off-season (November to May) when water levels have significantly decreased.
Walking Safaris: To Follow in the Footsteps of Greatness
Observing wildlife on foot provides an enlightening and thrilling experience. Following your guide, you can learn about the environment and encounter smaller creatures often missed during wildlife drives. Although covering less ground than in 4WDs, there remains a chance to see elephants and other wildlife.
Horseback Safaris: Become One of the Herd
If you’re experienced with horses, consider a horseback safari. This traditional mode of transport allows for a closer interaction with wildlife, giving the impression that you are just another animal in the environment.
Scenic Flights: Take to the Skies for a Bird’s Eye View
Seeing the Okavango Delta from the air reveals breathtaking patterns woven by reed channels and temporary islands. The view helps to understand the greater picture of animal behavior and habitat relationships, making the experience exceptionally remarkable.
Various operators offer scenic flights by plane, while helicopter flights and hot-air balloon rides over the delta can also be arranged. These unique perspectives provide an unforgettable experience of Botswana’s natural beauty.
Matt Phillips travelled to Botswana with support from Botswana Tourism. iBestTravel contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.