A mokoro safari in Botswana is one of the most tranquil ways to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most pristine and biologically diverse wetland systems. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe that glides silently through the delta’s channels, steered by a poler using a long wooden pole. These safaris offer a peaceful, low-impact experience that allows visitors to observe wildlife and birdlife up close, without the disruption of motorized boats or vehicles.
The most popular areas for mokoro safaris are in the heart of the Okavango Delta, particularly within the Moremi Game Reserve and private concessions such as the Khwai, Jao, and Xigera areas. Community-run concessions around Maun and the western delta also offer more affordable and culturally immersive mokoro experiences, often guided by locals who share insights into the delta’s ecology and their traditional way of life. Depending on the operator, safaris range from short excursions to multi-day journeys with bush camping, allowing for a deeper connection with the wilderness.
Wildlife sightings from a mokoro are often intimate and memorable. Guests may encounter elephants bathing, sitatunga antelope wading through the reeds, or vibrant kingfishers darting across the water. The quiet, slow pace of the journey heightens the senses, making it easier to spot smaller species and appreciate the delta’s unique flora. Because mokoro excursions are typically conducted in shallower, floodplain regions, they complement traditional game drives and walking safaris that take place on dry islands or surrounding savanna.
For a well-rounded safari experience, mokoro excursions are best combined with other activities such as motorboat safaris, which can access the deeper, faster-flowing channels of the delta, or guided bush walks that focus on tracking wildlife and understanding the ecosystem from the ground. Game drives in neighboring areas like Moremi or Savuti offer a chance to see larger predators such as lions, leopards, and wild dogs. A scenic helicopter or fixed-wing flight over the delta also provides a breathtaking aerial perspective of the landscape’s intricate waterways and wildlife patterns.