Embarking On A Okavango Delta Mokoro Camping Safari Deep In The Heart Of Botswana

 If one truly wants to encounter Africa at its most charming, there is a no better option to do it than with an Okavango Delta mokoro ride. The Delta is almost 5 million acres of wetland and grassland in northern Botswana. A mokoro is a traditional canoe that is used to navigate the area’s challenging territory.

Nothing will make you feel like you’re completely in the middle of nowhere like being paddled by a poler through watery channels between towering grasses out to a small island in the middle of the Okavango, with hippopotamuses, hyenas, and elephants serving as some examples of Okavango Wildlife that you’re likely to catch sight of.

 Background for taking a Mokoro Ride in Okavango

Okavango is renowned as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. And mokoro rides are growing in popularity among visitors. The water in the delta comes from Angola’s highlands, where the early summer flooding propels gallons of water in Botswana. And, it starts appearing from March to June.

Some mokoros are traditional tree canoes, while more recently some are made from fiberglass.

Mokoro has an instructor or poler who propels the canoe with the help of a long pole. In most places, the water level is only a few feet. The natives have a well-versed lay of the land, and they’ll be able to guide you in the exact right direction even without signs along the way.

The experience of riding in a mokoro is something that you can only get in Botswana. The ride is serene and peaceful. The only sounds you can hear are the whizzing sounds of the water of the Okavango Delta.

2.    The Tranquil Mokoro Ride!

Hopping on a mokoro ride feels as though time has come to a halt. The ride is so peaceful that you can even hear the sounds of Botswana Wildlife from far away. It’s because mokoros don’t have motors. The polers make use of traditional wooden canoes just as it has been done for many years. The polers stand at one end of the mokoro and propel it forward with the help of a long wooden pole.

3.    How safe is the Mokoro Ride?

Generally speaking, the mokoro ride is very safe. However, Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve share borders, so there are several animals in Okavango Delta like hippos and crocodiles. But you don’t need to be worried as an experienced poler will always be with you. They’ll be standing at the edge of the canoe and ensure that no animals are getting too close.

4.    The Experience of Camping in Okavango

Even though water commands Okavango, there are large segments of dry land. You will be establishing camp here. These campsites have no fences surrounding them. You’ll be out in the authentic African Bush. There are several trees that act as a barrier from predators. The campfire and noises will also keep the hyenas away during nighttime.

·         If animals come wandering on your campsite, you should make sure to stay in your tent.

·         Between mokoro rides and hikes, you’ll get to indulge in authentic Okavango food, and experience the culture of Okavango. And, your guides and instructors will give you the lay of the land.

·         You’ll also get to see some perfect sunsets. This will be a great Botswana Photographic Safari opportunity.

Camping out at night, and sleeping in the heart of African Bush will be an unforgettable and unique experience.

 

5.    Okavango Camping Safari Activities

 

5.1  Okavango Wildlife Sightings and Bush Hike

You can go on a hike around the African Bush. In most Southern African national parks like Serengeti, Chobe, and Etosha, you have to remain inside your safari vehicle. But in Okavango, you can go on a bush hike with your guides after you’ve set up camp. It’s also one of the few places on the tourist trail in Africa where you can be outside the vehicle, and walk around in the untamed wilderness.

You can witness Okavango Wildlife like wildebeests, ostriches, giraffes, and zebras. You can also see hippos and baboons. But, elephant sightings are the most impressive, as you can even see them while on a mokoro ride. If you’re lucky, you may even see herds of elephants.

The camping experience in Okavango is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. And, you’ll be able to witness several birds when you’re camping.

 

6.    Reasons to go on a Mokoro Camping Safari in Okavango

We’ve curated a bunch of reasons why you should go on a Mokoro Camping Safari in Okavango like:

·         The first and foremost reason is that you will get to experience Okavango at its peak richness.

·         Mokoros can go to areas where most 4WD vehicles and jeeps can’t enter.

·         You will be able to experience Okavango’s wonderful waterways and splendid Botswana Wildlife.

·         It’s a perfect destination for a Botswana Photographic Safari. You’ll be able to capture some up close and scenic pictures. Not to mention, the many pictures of birds that you’ll also get a chance to take.

·         Stargazing in the middle of the night from your tent in Okavango is an experience that will leave you enthralled.

Besides the over 400 species of birds that Okavango possesses, you’ll also be able to see antelopes, golden orb spiders, painted reed frogs, and many more aquatic species. And, an expert guide will also shed light on the Okavango ecosystem. A camping safari is also budget-friendly and you’ll be able to get the most out of your time while also saving money.

7.    Some Helpful Suggestions for your Okavango Camping Safari

June through August are the prime months for Okavango Delta weather. Despite it being winter in Southern Africa, the average temperature is still around 70 F.

·         You also won't have to worry about rain because it's the dry season. And, you’ll have a great experience setting up tents and Camping in the wilderness of Okavango.

·         Both solo travelers and the entire family can enjoy a mokoro safari. You can either ride alone or join other canoe safari groups. One thing to keep in mind is that canoe rides are not permitted for anyone younger than 16 years old.

·         Accommodations in the Okavango Delta range from luxurious guest homes to rustic campsites. The latter is virtually cost-free, however, to get you into the wilderness by mokoro, you'll have to pay your guide.

·         In the city of Maun, you'll discover the majority of hotels and lodges. Options include Rivernest Boutique Cottages, Thamalakane River Lodge, Queness Inn, and Senthaga Guest Lodge.

 

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning after a while, the Mokoro Ride and the Camping experience in Okavango will unquestionably charm you. Make sure to go through our curated list of camping and mokoro rides and you’re likely to have a great Okavango Experience. If you have any queries/and, or suggestions, feel free to contact us on the following details

 

 

+263 83 284 1840/1 or

Email: info@falconsafaris.com

 

 

And, make sure to check out some of our other blogs on Okavango:

https://falconsafaris.com/blog/how-to-visit-okavango-delta-safari-on-a-budget/

https://falconsafaris.com/blog/untamed-botswana-an-unparalleled-botswana-safari-experience/

 

Conclusion

If you’re planning an Okavango Trip, make sure to go through our list of how to have the best camping and mokoro ride experience in Okavango. While also keeping some tips and suggestions in the back of your mind. The Okavango unique experience is sure to leave you mesmerized and you’ll create lots of unforgettable memories.