The Mokoro Canoe Safari Tours in Okavango Delta Botswana
The Mokoro Canoe Safari excursion and tours Packages in The Okavango Delta Botswana
With the rising water levels in the Okavango Delta, our safaris go to the water. A contemporary take on the ancient wooden mokoros used by indigenous peoples as a mode of transportation offers a serene and exciting alternative to driving or walking around the reed-lined rivers in search of exotic wildlife.
*Please be informed that the availability of Mokoro Safaris can be impacted by water levels.
The iconic symbol of the delta
Because of the mokoro’s relative calm, wildlife is less likely to flee in fear, increasing your chances of getting a great shot or seeing a less common bird.
- See the Okavango Delta from a different point of view.
- A skilled “poler” will guide your mokoro with control and dexterity.
- Access places that land vehicles can’t.
- Photographer’s dream as the silence of the mokoro lets you capture those perfect shots.
- Get a new perspective on the Okavango Delta.
What is a Mokoro
Traditional canoes or dugouts used in the Okavango Delta region of Africa, especially Botswana, are called mokoro. Among the indigenous Bayei and BaYei people, the word “mokoro” is reserved for their boats. The canoes play a crucial role in the transportation network of the Okavango Delta’s waterways.
Historically, mokoros were fashioned from the trunks of massive trees, typically ebony or sausage trees. On the other hand, fiberglass and other more commonly available materials are commonly used to construct modern mokoros. They can maneuver through the deceptively shallow waters, reeds, and lily pads thanks to their long, thin, and shallow draft.
The conventional way to propel a mokoro is to stand at the back of the boat and push against the riverbed with a stick. Using this technique, one may cruise through the delta’s meandering channels while dodging underwater hazards and vegetation. Polors are the boatmen who are so adept at controlling the mokoro that they can glide across the water like a bird.
Mokoros provide multiple functions, including as conveyance, fishing, and observation of fauna and flora. They offer a serene and unobtrusive method to see the Okavango Delta’s rich ecosystem and animals in their native environment on safari.
It should be mentioned that mokoros are a sustainable and environmentally responsible way to explore the delta, as they leave minimum environmental footprints and help to preserve this special ecosystem.
The History of the Mokoro
In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the mokoro has a long and storied past that is intricately linked to the local population and the waterways.
The Bayei and BaYei are thought to have arrived in the Okavango region from central Africa some two thousand years ago, and the mokoro custom is closely linked to them. The mokoro became an essential component of these populations’ everyday existence as they depended on the resources of the delta for their livelihoods.
Massive tree trunks were the original material for mokoros. For their canoe-like vessels, the indigenous people would expertly hollow out the trunks of appropriate trees like the ebony or sausage tree. Carving and shaping the wood expertly was a prerequisite for this traditional building process.
The mokoro has changed in appearance throughout the years. They were initially wide and quite short, which gave them stability as they navigated the small canals and prevented them from capsizing. More recent innovations in fiberglass construction have resulted in longer and slimmer mokoros, which improve their agility.
For the Bayei and BaYei people, mokoros were mainly a means of transportation that helped them traverse the vast rivers of the Okavango Delta. Poling, which involved standing behind the mokoro and pushing against the riverbed with a long pole, was the method used to propel the boats.
As a stealthy and discreet way to lure fish in the shallow waters, mokoros have also found use in fishing throughout the years. Tourists are flocking to them as a novel and environmentally conscious way to see the delta and all its species.
The mokoro is an important cultural artifact for the indigenous people of the Okavango Delta. They have a strong bond with their ancestral history, which is reflected in their profound knowledge of the waterways and their harmonious coexistence with nature.
Responsible tourism that helps local communities and protects the Okavango Delta’s delicate ecology has been more popular in recent years, and one way to help is by reusing and recycling mokoros.
Six Reasons Why You Should Try a Mokoro Safari
What makes a mokoro safari different from other safari activities is the variety of unique and special experiences it gives. Some of these elements are:
1. Intimate and Peaceful
As you ride softly over the water in a mokoro, you can take in the peaceful atmosphere of the delta. There are no rumbling motors to disrupt the tranquility, so you can fully enjoy the natural environment.
2. Close Encounters with Wildlife
Because of its modest draft, the mokoro can squeeze into tight channels, letting you get up close and personal with wildlife. It is possible to approach birds, elephants, and hippos in a low-key manner that will not disrupt them or interfere with their natural behavior. This is a once in a lifetime chance to get breathtaking shots of wildlife while seeing them from a new angle.
3. Minimal Environmental Impact
Traditional mokoro materials or contemporary fiberglass both have low environmental impact. Because these traditional canoes leave such a small ecological imprint, booking a mokoro safari is a great way to support conservation efforts in the Okavango Delta.
4. Expert Local Guides
Mokoro safaris are usually guided by our knowledgeable local guides who are well-versed in the delta’s wildlife, plants, and rivers. They teach others about the area by pointing out different kinds of birds, animal tracks, and environmental features. Their knowledge and experience elevate the safari to a more interesting and educational level.
5. Unique Perspective of the Delta
Taking a mokoro ride around the Okavango Delta is a unique way to see the area. Getting closer to the water’s edge offers a unique vantage point from which to take in the scenery, illuminating the delta’s waterways, plants, and the dynamic relationship between the two.
6. Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
Responsible and environmentally friendly tourism is in line with mokoro safaris. They aid in the preservation of the Okavango Delta, which they promote, while also providing assistance to local populations. Involvement in a tourist strategy that places an emphasis on environmental preservation and community well-being is encouraged when one opts for a mokoro safari.
Embark on a mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta for an unforgettable experience that combines tranquil exploration, intimate encounters with wildlife, minimum environmental effect, expert guides, and a fresh viewpoint.
Botswana: Explore the Magical Okavango Delta in a Traditional Mokoro Boat
Mokoro Safari
Mokoro experience in the Okavango Delta
Frequently Asked Questions About Mokoro Safaris
Some questions that people often have regarding Mokoro safaris are as follows:
Are Mokoro safaris safe
As a rule, mokoro safaris are risk-free. The canoes are sturdy, and there are knowledgeable guides on board who can expertly paddle the mokoros. But keep your balance and listen to the guide; they’ll tell you exactly what to do. Wearing the life jacket that the safari company provides is also a good idea.
What should I bring on a Mokoro safari
Hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, binoculars, sunblock, and lightweight, comfortable clothing are all good ideas. You should also bring along any personal goods you might need, as well as food and water, depending on how long the safari is.
Can children participate in Mokoro safaris
whether you are concerned about the safety of your children on a mokoro safari, it is important to contact the safari operator in advance to find out whether there are any age limitations. While older kids might be able to go in their own canoe, younger ones would need an adult to ride shotgun in the mokoro. Take into account the child’s level of comfort and ability to follow directions while planning the safari.
Do I need previous paddling experience
You can go on a Mokoro safari even if you’ve never paddled a boat before. You may kick back and enjoy the ride because the guides will be in charge of poling and navigating the mokoro. But to keep your balance and have a safe trip, be sure to follow the directions.
What wildlife can I expect to see during a Mokoro safari
Many different kinds of animals call the Okavango Delta their home. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, monkeys, and a plethora of bird species are all within the realm of possibility on a Mokoro safari. Because they are in their native environment, animals’ activities and appearances are always a mystery.
Are Mokoro safaris available year-round
Although the experience may change with the seasons, mokoro safaris are usually available all year. Due to seasonal floods, certain portions of the Okavango Delta may not be accessible at all. To find out when the delta is at its best and what the present conditions are, it’s wise to contact the safari operator.
How long do Mokoro safaris usually last
Mokoro excursions can last anywhere from one to two days. It may be anything from a short outing to a multi-day camping adventure. Your choices, the details of your itinerary, and the safari company you go with will all play a role in determining how long your safari is.