Maun , Botswana

Mokoro Day Trip in the Okavango Delta

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About this experience

A highlight on any Botswana safari is a mokoro trip. It's a unique, gentle, relaxing, and eco-friendly way of enjoying and exploring the Okavango Delta’s meandering channels and hidden lagoons. It also allows visitors to get up close to the diverse ecosystem and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Embarking on a mokoro trip has fast become one of the top reasons to visit the Okavango Delta. The silence of travelling in a mokoro means that birdlife and wildlife is less likely to take fright, allowing you to capture the perfect photo.

Available options

Mokoro Day Trip in the Okavango Delta

Pickup included

What's included

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Lunch

Detailed itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your Maun based accommodation at 07:30 am. You'll then be escorted to a game viewing vehicle for a one hour drive to the mokoro station in Morutsa, on the edge of the Okavango Delta where you'll meet your concession guides. Renns Excursions runs all its mokoro trips through the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) who control the use of a large area of the delta and who set the guide and community fees for safari activities.

From there, you'll board a mokoro and your guide or “poler” will use a long pole called a "nkashi" to push along the bottom of the waterway to propel the vessel forward, giving you the freedom to absorb the diversity of the delta’s wildlife species from the comfort of your seat. Guides that command mokoro are highly knowledgeable about the environment and as such these trips are considered safe and enjoyable.

A mokoro is a traditional canoe-like vessel commonly used in the Okavango Delta as a popular mode of transport, and now utilized for game viewing safaris. Originally, mokoros were handcrafted from large tree trunks. However, mokoros are now made from environmentally friendly fiberglass.

The Okavango Delta covers between 6,000 and 15,000 square kilometers of the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and is fed by the Okavango River which flows from the Angolan highlands across the Caprivi Strip in Namibia and into the Kalahari Desert.

It is characterized by a complex network of channels, lagoons, and islands, which are home to an incredible and diverse array of wildlife along with a wonderful variety of bird species. The area is particularly renowned for its population of African Wild Dogs, which are among the most endangered wildlife species in the world.

Not only is it one of Africa’s most fascinating and captivating regions to discover, it is also one of the most unique ecosystems, as well as one of the world’s premier wilderness areas and largest inland deltas in the world. The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

You may encounter grazing herds of Elephant, Red Lechwe or the rare and secretive Sitatunga antelope on palm islands, while Crocodiles and Hippos wade nearby. Also keep your eyes peeled for Painted Reed frogs, Long Reed Frogs, African Fish Eagles, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Pygmy Geese, as well as African and Lesser Jacanas.

Take your adventure to the next level as you go on a short guided bush walk on one of the islands within the Okavango Delta. This is one of the rare chances in Africa to get out of the safety of your vehicle and walk with the wild animals. This will be followed by resting in the shade enjoying a picnic lunch, and watching what nature might present to you next. We will return to Maun in the late afternoon.

What's not included

Restroom on board

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Maun

Maun is the capital of Ngamiland and the gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most renowned wildlife destinations. Known for its vibrant tourism industry, Maun offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and access to some of the world's most pristine natural environments.

Top Attractions

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a unique ecosystem where the Okavango River spreads out into a vast wetland, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife.

Nature Full day to multiple days Moderate to Expensive

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including large populations of elephants, lions, and leopards.

Nature Full day to multiple days Moderate to Expensive

Maun Museum

The Maun Museum offers insights into the history and culture of the Ngamiland region, showcasing traditional artifacts, photographs, and exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems.

Historical 1-2 hours Budget

Thamalakane River

The Thamalakane River is a tributary of the Okavango Delta, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching and boat cruises.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget

Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park is known for its vast open grasslands, baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migrations, particularly during the wet season.

Nature Full day to overnight Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Seswaa

A traditional Botswana dish made from shredded meat (usually beef, goat, or chicken) cooked in its own juices and served with maize meal (bogobe) or rice.

Main Course Contains meat; vegetarian and vegan options may be available with alternative ingredients.

Dikgobe

A thick porridge made from sorghum or maize meal, often served with meat or vegetable stews.

Main Course Vegetarian and vegan-friendly when made without meat.

Capenta

Dried small fish, often fried and served as a snack or side dish. It is a popular street food in Botswana.

Snack Contains fish; not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Mophane Worms

A traditional delicacy made from caterpillars of the mopane worm, usually fried or boiled and served as a snack.

Snack Contains insects; not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Game drives in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve Quad biking in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris in the Okavango Delta Boat cruises on the Thamalakane River Visiting local spas and wellness centers Enjoying a meal at a riverside restaurant Visiting the Maun Museum Exploring local art galleries

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This is the dry season, offering excellent game viewing opportunities in the Okavango Delta. The weather is pleasant, and wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Setswana, Other local languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Botswana Pula (BWP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Maun is generally safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, particularly in crowded areas and at night.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services to avoid scams.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, particularly at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Maun Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Maun Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Taxis are the primary means of public transportation in Maun. They are affordable and can be hailed on the street or booked through local services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi apps are limited; hailing on the street is common.

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Thamalakane Botswana Wildlife Training Centre

Day trips

Nxai Pan National Park

250 km from Maun • Full day to overnight

Nxai Pan National Park is known for its vast open grasslands, baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migrations, particularly during the wet season. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching, and scenic views.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

150 km from Maun • Full day to overnight

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is one of the largest salt pans in the world, offering a unique and otherworldly landscape. Visitors can enjoy quad biking, game drives, and cultural experiences with the local San people.

Khwai Village

100 km from Maun • Full day

Khwai Village is a small community located near the Moremi Game Reserve, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Botswana life. Visitors can enjoy cultural tours, traditional dances, and local crafts.

Festivals

Maun Festival • Annual, typically in July Okavango Delta Birding Festival • Annual, typically in September Botswana Independence Day • September 30

Pro tips

Book accommodations and tours in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons (May to October).
Hire a local guide or join a guided tour for the best wildlife viewing and cultural experiences.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the outdoors.
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and protected from the sun and insects.
Learn a few basic phrases in Setswana, the local language, to enhance your cultural experience and connect with locals.