Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

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.

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

904 Reviews - 5/5 Stars

Craft your journey with the expertise of our dedicated Africa Safari Experts

Start Planning

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"The best trip of our lives!! I am so glad I came across Discover Africa and was paired with Dev. We started with a video chat and Dev listened to my vision for the trip- all of the things I was excited to do, and he shared his travel expertise. He took thos..."

Nithya Mohrfeld, United States27 Oct 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Discover Africa planned a fabulous trip for us! The travel planner came up with an itinerary that included everything we wanted; the trip was extremely well organized; the accommodations were lovely; and the activities were fun and interesting. We especiall..."

Kim Bixenstine, United States30 Sep 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Susan and the team from Discover Africa you have excelled yourself through the initial contact to the very end of our journey. We were dazzled with the views of Cape Town. Victoria Falls and of course the game parks. The animals did not disappoint the spect..."

Andrew Wales, Australia29 Sep 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We just completed our second African safari planned by Megan Warrington, this one to Botswana, and we couldn't have been more pleased with our trip! Megan did a fantastic job of starting us out in the Kalahari (Tau Pan Camp) which was unique in its landscap..."

Darrh, United States09 Sep 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We booked a safari through Discover Africa for Botswana and Zambia and it was fantastic! Chrizaan was super helpful and accommodating, especially when we had to change our dates of travel slightly. She worked with the lodges to accommodate us and found a so..."

Alice & Ross, Monaco09 Sep 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We had a wonderful experience with Discover Africa and, specifically, Dev Panaino. Dev helped us plan a dream vacation to South Africa and Zimbabwe and made the planning from our end effortless. We met with Dev via Zoom calls for the initial trip planning, ..."

Sally, United States28 Aug 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.