Mokoro Channels
Mokoro
Ride a traditional dugout canoe, poled by a guide standing at the back, as you glide silently through channels lined with papyrus and water lilies. You'll see reed frogs, kingfishers, and elephants wading nearby.
The mokoro (plural: mekoro) is the traditional vehicle of Delta residents. It was originally carved from a single sausage tree or ebony trunk. To protect the trees, most are now made of fiberglass. Visitors sit low in the boat while the poler stands at the stern, pushing with a long pole through channels only one or two meters wide. Papyrus taller than your head lines the water, and white and purple water lilies bloom around you. The water is clear enough to see the aquatic plants below, and you can often spot brightly colored reed frogs, African jacanas, and kingfishers, as well as elephants and hippos wading in the distance. The poler keeps a safe distance from them. Along the way, the boat usually stops at small islands for walking safaris, where a professional guide points out tracks and plants. There are two ways to experience it: a day or multi-day community mokoro trip from Maun, usually departing from landings in villages such as Boro, which offers good value and allows camping on the island; or staying at a camp deep in the Delta, with transport arranged by the camp. In the low-water season (about November to March), some channels are impassable. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. On the boat, stay quiet and don't put your hands in the water.
Opening hours
Daytime activities (per itinerary)
Nearby sights
- Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
- Thamalakane River
- Nhabe Museum
- Maun
- Maun Educational Park
- Chief's Island
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Third Bridge (Moremi)