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Mokoro

Experience Botswana's Waterways the traditional way

 

— Mokoro —

waterways

 
 

Mokoros are traditional dugout canoes that offer an intimate and serene way to explore the intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Crafted from the trunks of large trees like the sausage tree or ebony, these canoes have been used for centuries by the indigenous people of the Delta to navigate its labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and reed beds. Today, mokoros remain an iconic and indispensable part of the Delta experience, providing visitors with a unique perspective on one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Gliding silently through the the waterways, mokoros allow for close-up encounters with the Delta’s diverse wildlife. Passengers can expect to see a variety of animals, from elephants and hippos to countless bird species, all while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. The slow pace of the mokoro and the expertise of the local polers, who skillfully navigate using long wooden poles, create a peaceful and immersive safari experience that contrasts sharply with the typical game drive.

The journey by mokoro also offers a deep connection with the natural environment, as the absence of motorized noise enhances the sounds of nature, from the call of the African fish eagle to the gentle rustle of reeds. The polers, often local guides with extensive knowledge of the Delta’s ecology and culture, provide insights into the flora and fauna, as well as the traditional ways of life that have sustained communities here for generations.

Allow yourself to fully immerse in the rhythm of the wilderness, experiencing breathtaking sunsets, star-filled nights, and the dawn chorus of birds awakening with the rising sun.

A mokoro trip offers a profound and memorable way to experience the Okavango Delta. It is a journey that not only showcases the incredible biodiversity of this unique ecosystem, but also honors the rich cultural heritage of the people who call it home.
 
 

WHEN TO GO

Botswana is a year-round destination, but ideal times to visit depend on preferred activities:

  • June - October is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta, when the floodplains fill with water from the Okavango River, but it’s the dry season, without rains. However during this time visitors will get the peak of the inundation and be able to experience the Okavangoes unique water activities at their best. This is also a good time to visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan to see it as a shimmering white desert, when you can bike, quad, and sleep out on the dry earth under the stars. September and October is the best time for dry season game viewing as animals are drawn to the last water reserves. It can also be extremely hot, but you’re rewarded by the absence of tourists as the height of the season has passed.

  • By contrast, the rains bring about a green season from November to April. This is the ideal time to visit the Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari region, when the flooded salt pans draw flocks of flamingos and other migratory species, and you can see the famous zebra migration from the outskirts. In the delta this time of year offers excellent birding with the return of the summer migrants, while mammals are giving birth and offering visitors a chance to be wowed by babies of all species This is also the low season, with even fewer visitors in an already less-discovered destination. Finally, the evening thunder clouds make this season the best for photography, offering moody skies and fresh bright days.