Water-Based Safaris
in Botswana

Experience More
With a Water Safari

There are various ways to experience a safari. The most common, or traditional, is from a safari vehicle. However, alternative modes of transport exist for travellers seeking a different kind of adventure. From horse riding through the wilderness in pursuit of big game, drifting silently over the savannah in a hot-air balloon watching the wildlife from above, to traversing the plains on foot – each offers a unique perspective of the African wilderness.

When visiting Botswana, a water safari is one of the most iconic and memorable ways to immerse yourself in the landscape. Explore the breathtaking Okavango Delta and the renowned Chobe National Park to enjoy Botswana’s finest water-based safari activities.

Water-Based Safaris in
the Okavango Delta

Water-based safaris in the Okavango Delta are one of Botswana’s unique safari experiences. They highlight the country’s distinctive terrain and climate. The unspoilt wetlands teem with life, forming a labyrinth of waterways created by seasonal floods. These waterways create a vast network of life-giving channels, viewable even from space. They sustain both animal and plant life, attracting a variety of species to the life-giving waters.

A water safari can be done in a few different ways. The most typical in the area is by mokoro. A mokoro is a Botswanan low-slung dugout canoe, shaped by hollowing out a long, straight tree trunk like ebony or Kigelia. Traditionally, locals use mokoros to travel around the shallower waters of the delta, similar to punting (poling the boat along). Today, mokoros are commonly used to transport tourists, and the boats are increasingly made of fibreglass to preserve endangered trees.

What Are The Benefits?

There are numerous benefits to experiencing a water safari by mokoro. This mode of transport allows for an intimate journey through maze-like waterways from a different angle. It offers a fresh vantage point and the chance to spot smaller creatures that might be missed in a vehicle.

The stealthy movement of the mokoro means animals are less likely to be startled. This makes up-close sightings much easier. The silent, gliding vessels are unobtrusive, and the absence of engine noise helps keep both game and birds at ease. This creates a serene experience, offering a closer connection to the landscape and a more authentic viewing experience.

The smoothness of the mokoro’s passage through the water, combined with the opportunity for close wildlife encounters, allows for more productive photography. This is ideal for both amateurs and experts. The ability of mokoros to navigate shallow water also gives access to areas that are unreachable by vehicle. This further enhances the water safari experience.

The Best Time to Go?

Lastly, the expert ‘polers’ – local men with intimate knowledge and love of the land – provide skilled guidance through the water. They offer valuable insights into your surroundings during your water safari.

When enquiring about water safaris in the Okavango Delta, note that not all camps offer this activity year-round. The seasonal waters peak between June and August and recede during other periods. Certain camps are uniquely positioned to offer both water safari and land-based activities, such as walking safaris and game drives.

Okavango Delta camps are among the most sought-after in Africa and are limited in size. Generally, they have no more than 10 rooms, so they tend to be booked well in advance.

Water-Based Safaris
in Chobe National Park

For something a little more luxurious, and longer-lasting than a mokoro cruise, head to Chobe National Park and let Safari365 book you a houseboat. The Chobe River is flanked by riverine forests, floodplains and open woodlands that set the scene for some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa! These settings also provide a haven for the continent’s greatest concentration of elephants. 

An idyllic way to watch the world go by and enjoy the serenity of the water, houseboats offer a good base from which to embark on various water activities. From here, you’ll be able to head off on more compact and mobile boats to view game, split off for tiger and bream fishing in season, and birdwatch from smaller vessels. After a day spent on the water, you’ll then head back to your aquatic HQ for drinks while you watch the sun dip below the water. 

Safari365 is well-versed in designing the ultimate safari experience and can customize a dream itinerary for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure around Botswana’s magical waterways, and beyond. And because not all Okavango lodges offer water-based safaris all year round, we can guide you to the ones that do during the time you plan to travel. We’ll take care of all the details, you enjoy the safari!

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