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Mokoro Safaris

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

Take to the waters of Botswana for a different perspective on the country’s ecosystems and wildlife that call them home. Ideal for birdwatching, mokoro safaris will bring you closer to the smaller species that are sometimes overlooked on game drives.

Why Should You Go on a Mokoro Safari in Botswana?

A mokoro expedition is a highlight of a Botswana safari | Photo: Khwai Tented Camp

Close Wildlife Encounters

A mokoro safari is a Botswana safari on water in a traditional dugout canoe. During this experience, you’ll navigate tranquil waterways for close encounters with aquatic wildlife not typically seen during game drives.

Tranquil Way to Explore

A mokoro is silent – you glide through the water as your guide uses a long pole called a “ngashi” to push the mokoro forward. This allows you to enjoy a peaceful, quieter, non-motorised safari, and you may even see more wildlife as animals won’t be disturbed by the noise of an engine.

Learn More About Nature

A Botswana mokoro safari allows you to be immersed in nature and explore fascinating watery landscapes. During this experience, the safari guide, or “poler”, will enthral you with stories and interesting facts about the area.

Alternative to Regular Game Drives

Game drives are amazing, but you remain on the outskirts of one of the most incredible ecosystems of Botswana: the rivers. A mokoro safari is ideal for those seeking a serene alternative to traditional safaris and one that gives you a whole different perspective of wildlife.

Best Destinations for Mokoro Safaris in Botswana

Mokoro on the water near Chief's Island, Okavango Delta
A mokoro safari is ideal for those seeking a serene alternative to traditional safaris | Photo: Getty

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, one of the most famous wildlife spots in Africa, is a thriving wetland home to a variety of animals, including big cats and over 400 species of birds. This is the best location for mokoro safaris in Botswana.

Chobe River

While the Chobe River in Chobe National Park is well-known for boat safaris, exploring in a mokoro is also available. From the water you could see herds of elephants and buffaloes drinking at the riverbank. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the phenomenal birdlife here, including African fish eagles and African skimmers.

Khwai

Bordering Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai offers exceptional wildlife viewing and a stunning array of ecosystems to explore, including the Khwai River. This river flows from the Okavango and is a lifeline in this concession, attracting diverse animal life, from antelopes and elephants to African fish eagles.

5 Tips for Mokoro Safaris in Botswana

kwando splash camp okavango delta accommodation botswana safari mokoro
The Okavango Delta is one of the best spots for a mokoro safari | Photo: Kwando Splash Camp

1. Safety First

When in a mokoro, always follow your guide’s instructions. They know how to remain safe while on the water.

2. Sit Still

When in a mokoro, it’s important not to shift around too much or stand up unexpectedly, as this can throw the vessel off balance.

3. Sun Protection

The sun can be harsh in Botswana, so bring a high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself. Insect repellent is also a good idea.

4. Protect Your Gear

Pack waterproof gear for electronics and personal belongings. Waterproof gear can include a dry bag to house everything you want to take with you and a clear waterproof pouch for your phone so you can still take photos.

5. Opt for Early Morning or Late Afternoon Trips

These times of the day offer the best light and wildlife sightings, as animals are more active.

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"Bianca, thank you for making this a wonderful trip. When we contacted Discover Africa we did not know what to expect. It was the best decision we could have made. The attention to detail made the trip go smoothly. When I asked a question, and there were man..."

Janet Orr, United States•29 Sep 2026•

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"We initially felt quite overwhelmed by the number of different tours, lodges and options available when planning an African adventure, so we decided to speak with Discover Africa to help us create a memorable trip. We are so glad we did! Chrizaan took th..."

Leanne & Cassie, Australia•18 Aug 2026•

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Safari Bookings review

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada•10 Mar 2026•

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"I had a great trip organised by Chrizaan. Everything went very smoothly including all of the pickups, flights and accommodation. I visited Namibia and loved seeing the dunes, springboks and oryx. I also visited the Okavango Delta and saw so many anim..."

Leanne Harrison, South Africa•03 Feb 2026•

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"We had an amazing experience at Walkers Plains Camp. The wildlife viewing was superb from start to finish. Our guide Millie and tracker were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made the game drives an absolute pleasure. The camp was very luxuriou..."

Sue Panayiotes, United Kingdom•28 Dec 2025•

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"This was a well organized trip that smoothly transitioned us from one adventure to the next. All our transfers from hotels to airport to safari lodges were professional, courteous, and timely. We loved the places that were recommended and felt the pace of o..."

Jeanne Bryan, United States•22 Nov 2025•

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