Experiencing the Okavango by Mokoro

There are few safari experiences that change your perspective as completely as travelling by mokoro through the winding channels of the Okavango Delta. The low profile of the ‘canoe’ offers a peaceful way to spot the Delta’s inhabitants up close and at eye level.

For travellers who want to experience the Delta in a more immersive way, time on the water is a fantastic option to add on to your safari holiday.

What Is a Mokoro Safari?

A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe that was traditionally made from large trees. Now, they are mostly crafted from fibreglass to reduce environmental impact. It is propelled by a poler who uses a long wooden pole to guide the canoe through shallow channels. Participating in this experience is a unique way to support local communities and help preserve the traditional skills of polers who will also impart their knowledge about the habitat and share local stories as you wind your way through the Okavango Delta.

What You See from the Water

The experience is all about moving slowly and shifting your perspective from big game to the smaller details that are often missed from a vehicle. You’ll likely spot a variety of birds (fish eagles, kingfishers and herons are regularly spotted along the water’s edge), frogs, insects and some bigger animals like hippos and elephants. It is less about seeking out specific sightings and more about understanding how the Delta functions as an ecosystem.

Where Mokoro Safaris Work Best

Not every part of the Okavango Delta offers consistent mokoro experiences. Water levels, seasonal flooding and camp location all influence what is possible. Camps in the northern and central Delta tend to offer the most reliable mokoro conditions, particularly during the flood season when channels are well established.

Among the properties Mahlatini frequently recommends for this experience are:

Sitatunga Private Island

Set in the waterways of the Northern Okavango, Sitatunga offers direct access to channels and floodplains where water activities such as mokoro rides, boating and fishing, and walking safaris form a central part of the experience. It suits travellers who want to spend time on the water, and it is particularly good for travellers who want to embark on photographic safaris, as the Sitatunga Private Island Suite has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses.

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Nxabega is a strong choice for travellers who want a broader Delta experience. Depending on seasonal water levels, guests can combine mokoro excursions with game drives, which gives the stay more variety and helps build a fuller picture of the landscape.

Xigera Safari Lodge

Positioned in the Moremi region of the Delta, Xigera focuses heavily on water-based activities. Glass-bottom mokoro outings in this region are perfect for discovering the filigree of smaller channels, catching fleeting glimpses of African pike or bright-green nembwe fish.

When to Go to the Okavango Delta

Mokoro safaris are closely tied to the annual flooding of the Delta. Rains fall in the Angolan highlands and travel more than 1000 kilometres to reach Botswana, where it soaks into the sands of the Kalahari.

The annual flood arrives between May and August, peaking in the middle of the dry season. This is when channels are at their fullest and mokoro routes are most accessible. This timing often surprises travellers, as the Delta is at its most water-filled during Botswana’s dry months.

Your Travel Expert will guide you on the best time to visit based on how much emphasis you would like to place on water-based activities.

Planning Your Okavango Experience

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, and experiences such as mokoro excursions are in high demand during peak travel months.

At Mahlatini, our Travel Experts draw on first-hand experience to match guests with camps that offer strong water-based activities alongside exceptional guiding. Our recognition as one of the best tour operators in the world in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards reflects the expert care taken in designing our client’s journeys.

If you are considering the Okavango Delta and would like to include mokoro safaris as part of your itinerary, speak to one of our Travel Experts or begin outlining your ideas through our Trip Planner.