Mokoro Ride in the Okavango Delta. The channel is narrow, the water still. Papyrus rustles in the breeze. A kingfisher darts ahead. Beneath you, the mokoro glides silently, the only sound the quiet splash of the pole as your guide steers. Welcome to one of the most peaceful and intimate safari experiences in Africa—a mokoro ride through the Okavango Delta.
Long before 4×4 vehicles and safari aircraft, the mokoro (or ‘mekoro’ in plural) was the main mode of transport in Botswana’s river country. It still is—for many communities who live near the Delta. Traditionally carved from large hardwood trees, these dugout canoes were used for fishing, travelling between villages, and exploring flooded reedbeds. Today, they’re also the best way for visitors to experience the quieter side of safari.
A mokoro ride isn’t about speed or covering distance. It’s about slowing down, listening, and seeing the Delta from the water’s surface. Here’s what to expect—from the wildlife you might encounter to the story behind the mokoro itself.
The Mokoro: From Wood to Fibreglass
Originally, mokoros were carved by hand from large hardwood trees, especially the sausage tree (Kigelia africana) and the African ebony. These trees grow slowly and take generations to mature. Each dugout took weeks to make and would last about 10–15 years with care.
But as tourism expanded and conservation became a priority, it became clear that felling centuries-old trees for mokoro building wasn’t sustainable. The last traditional wooden mokoros were carved in the early 2000s, and some of those are still in use—but they’re rare.
Today, nearly all mokoros are made of fibreglass, shaped to mimic the look and feel of their wooden ancestors. They’re lighter, longer-lasting and far more environmentally friendly. While purists may miss the texture of timber and the sound of water against carved wood, fibreglass mokoros allow traditional guiding to continue without harming the Delta’s tree population.
Your poler may still refer to the mokoro as if it were alive. For many, it’s more than just a boat—it’s a symbol of cultural identity and knowledge passed down through generations.
The Role of the Poler
Every Mokoro Ride in the Okavango Delta begins with a poler—your guide, navigator, and storyteller. Most polers come from Bayei or Hambukushu communities, and many grew up paddling mokoros long before they entered the tourism industry.
They stand at the back of the boat and use a long pole to propel and steer. Watching them work is like watching water itself—smooth, unhurried, and intuitive. They know the depths, the currents, the hippo paths, and the moods of the water. Many also double as trackers, naturalists, and sometimes even poets.
Before you set off, your poler will give a short safety briefing—how to sit still, where to put your feet, and what to do if you encounter wildlife. Don’t worry—your guide has been here before. Often hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
What You’ll See and Hear
The first thing you’ll notice on a Mokoro Ride in the Okavango Delta is the sound—or rather, the lack of it. No engines. No tyres. Just birdsong, breeze, and water. You’ll glide through papyrus, water lilies, reeds and open lagoons. You might pass a submerged tree trunk or steer around a bend into a secret channel few tourists ever see.
Wildlife sightings are often more subtle than on game drives, but no less magical.
Common Sightings on a Mokoro Safari:
- Angolan reed frogs – Tiny, brightly coloured amphibians clinging to reeds or lily pads. Often pink, orange, or red with spots, they’re a delight to find.
- Dragonflies and butterflies – Iridescent flashes hovering just above the water’s surface.
- African jacanas – “Jesus birds” that seem to walk on water thanks to their long toes.
- Kingfishers, bee-eaters, and weavers – Flashing between reeds and calling from papyrus stalks.
- Elephants – You may see one crossing a channel ahead, or hear them feeding just beyond the bank.
- Lechwe antelope – Adapted to marsh life, they splash through the shallows with ease.
Sometimes you see less. But you hear and feel more. The reeds part. The water hushes. A hippo groans in the distance. And for a while, you remember how to be quiet.
Elephants and the Three Warnings
Elephants are sometimes encountered on mokoro trips—usually at a safe distance. But because you’re lower in the water and less visible, it’s essential to listen to your guide and know how elephants behave.
Guides will always keep at least 100 metres away from elephants. This distance gives the animal space and time to move on without feeling threatened.
But if an elephant does become agitated, it will show clear warning signs:
- First charge – Ears up, trunk high, head shaking. A display.
- Second charge – Similar, with added foot stamping or mock charge.
- Third charge – Ears back, head down, and trunk tucked. It’s not bluffing.
If this happens—and it’s rare—your guide will immediately move the mokoro to a safer channel or reverse course. Never stand up. Never panic. The best way to avoid danger is awareness and respect.
Hippos – The Unseen Presence
Hippos are the main wildlife concern during mokoro trips. Despite their cartoonish looks, they are territorial, aggressive, and fast, especially in water.
Polers know where resident pods live and will avoid active hippo channels. If you do come close, your guide will quietly steer you to the bank and wait. The key is never to surprise a hippo. They prefer open space and predictable movement.
Most sightings are at a safe distance—eyes and ears poking above the water, a snort of warning, maybe a tail flick. But the thrill of knowing you’re floating in hippo country adds a certain pulse to the journey.
What to Wear and Bring on a Mokoro Ride in the Okavango Delta
Mokoro rides are usually offered in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the heat is bearable.
Pack and dress smart:
- Neutral clothing – Bright colours disturb wildlife.
- Sun hat and sunglasses – Reflection off the water is intense.
- Light fleece – Mornings can be chilly.
- Camera with strap – But don’t raise it too fast; sudden movements can startle wildlife.
- Dry bag – To protect electronics if water splashes.
- Binoculars – For spotting frogs, birds, and distant animals.
- No food – Keep scents to a minimum.
Shoes are often removed before boarding. Sit low, back straight, and let the boat do the work.
Multi-Day Mokoro and Walking Safaris
For the adventurous, multi-day mokoro safaris are a brilliant way to explore deeper into the Delta. These trips combine poling through channels with camping on islands and guided bush walks.
You sleep in dome tents under stars, eat around a fire, and listen to hyenas whooping in the night. It’s simple, raw, and unforgettable.
Some mokoro trails are fully supported with a mobile camp crew; others are self-contained, with the polers cooking, guiding, and sharing stories of their lives on the water.
Local Mokoro Safari Operators
Several community trusts and eco-tourism operators offer mokoro trips ranging from one hour to multi-day adventures.
Trusted Operators in the Okavango:
- Boro Polers Trust – Community-run station near Maun offering authentic mokoro trips into the Boro Channel and adjoining floodplains.
- Xaxaba Mokoro Station – Another village-based outfit offering local polers and access to quieter parts of the Delta.
- Okavango Expeditions – Offers multi-day mokoro/walking trails with wild camping and traditional guiding.
- Delta Rain’s Okavango Horse Safaris – Also runs mokoro extensions from their base near Maun.
- Footsteps Across the Delta (Ker & Downey) – Higher-end operation offering fully guided walking/mokoro safaris in private concessions.
Choosing a community-run mokoro station ensures your visit directly supports local livelihoods and helps preserve guiding traditions.
The Spirit of the Mokoro Ride in the Okavango Delta
There’s something spiritual about travelling through the Delta by mokoro. You’re low in the water. The world feels larger. The silence settles around you like a second skin.
It’s not about getting anywhere fast. It’s about noticing—the way water lilies close at night, how frogs call just before dusk, the soft exhale of a hippo after sunset. These are the things you remember. Not just the sightings, but the feeling of being part of something older than roads, boats, or borders.
In an age of noise and rush, a mokoro ride is a reminder of pace, patience, and presence.
If the 4×4 safari is the adventure, the mokoro is the heartbeat.
Check out our other Safari Botswana blogs –
- Safari Botswana – A Tourist Heaven of Wildlife, Wilderness and Wonder
- Visiting the Okavango Delta – What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Nxai Pan National Park – Salt, Stars and Safari Stories in the Sands
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park – Zebra, Rivers and the Silence of the Salt
- Savuti – Wild Dogs, Lions and Rock Outcrops in Chobe’s Wild Heart
- Moremi Game Reserve – Flooded Forests, Wild Dogs and the Pulse of the Okavango
- Khwai Game Reserve – Wild Dogs, Community Conservation and the Spirit of the Delta
- Walking Safari in the Okavango Delta – What to Expect
- Ancient Voices on Stone: Bushman Rock Art at Savuti, Chobe National Park
- Mobile Safari Camp or Self-Drive?
- Why Do Hunting Safaris Still Exist in Botswana?
- Are There African Wild Dogs in Botswana? Tracking One of Africa’s Rarest Predators
- Are There Ground Hornbills in Botswana?
- Dr Livingstone in Botswana: Footsteps Across the Kalahari
- Is the Hippo the Most Dangerous Animal in Africa? It Might Just Be
- Sunset Safari on the Zambezi: An Evening Boat Ride from Kasane, Botswana