Activities in the Okavango Delta
Mokoro Trips
Possibly the most authentic way to experience the Okavango Delta is a wooden canoe called ‘Mokoro’. Silently floating through the lush vegetation with your body barely above water level, you are surrounded only by the sounds, smells and vivid images of the world’s largest inland delta. Using a pole to gently push the Mokoro forward, your guide brings breathtakingly close to large hippos and crocodiles or the rare and elusive sitatunga.
Most lodges in the delta will offer mokoro trips with qualified guides, taking you into parts of the Okavango delta, inaccessible by other means of transport. Prepare to feel dwarfed as elephants and hippos cross your path. The subtlety of the mokoro will also allow you to spot fascinating birdlife, amonst others the African fish eagle.
Mokoros are a traditional canoe carved from a single tree seating 1-2 persons. They are punted by a skilful guide standing on the back of the canoe, slightly resembling a wilderness version of Venice. Closely surrounded by water you will experience moments of tranquillity along with excitement at the impressive wildlife.
Boat rides
Travelling through the vast Okavango Delta on the water is a unique experience. Pack your drinks and your camera and head off into the network of rivers and swamps, where you will see large game, stunning birdlife and picturesque sunsets. Even though a motorboat will not get you as close to the water as a mokoro, it will allow you to cover greater distances and enter deeper waters. The comfort and stability of the boat will give you great opportunities to capture the elephants, hippos and crocs with your camera.
If you are fascinated by birds a boat ride through the delta won’t disappoint. Various species of storks, herons and egrets are abundant and fish eagles and king fisher are a common sight as well.
Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer great opportunities to spot Botswana’s predators in action. Spot a shy leopard in the woods or witness the brutality of a lion taking down a buffalo. Game drives in the Okavango Delta will not only take you through contrasting landscapes such as swampy marshes and open grasslands, but this habitat also offers a great number and diversity of wildlife.
The Delta has all the large predators, the big five, rare antelope and a huge variety of birdlife. It is one of the best places to see endangered species like the cheetah, the African wild dog and black and white rhinoceros. In the rivers you will find hippos and crocodiles and elephants are abundant.
If you would like to see a leopard with its kill or shy nocturnal animals like porcupine, honeybadgers or the beautiful serval, you can try a night drive. Many animals only become active during the cool of the night, so a game drive after sunset can be incredibly rewarding.
The game drivers are conducted by knowledgeable guides in open 4×4 vehicles giving you an all-round view and stunning photographic opportunities.
Birding
The avid birder won’t find many places better than the Okavango Delta to exercise his passion. Contrasting habitats and more than 500 species make this a birder’s paradise. The bird watching opportunities are almost too good to be true when the migratory birds arrive during the rainy season. Whether you chose to quietly approach the feathered fauna in a mokoro or prefer the land based options of an open 4×4 or your own two feet – the birdlife of the Okavango Delta never disappoints.
With some many factors in you bird watching trip you are spoilt for choice. Do you want to see as many species as possible? Or is there a particularly shy species you’d like to spot?
Staying close to the water you will find African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, cranes, and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. The woodlands host owls, parrots and sunbird. The migratory species include bee-eaters, storks and cuckoos.
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are a great way to get an intense and intimate wildlife experience. Exploring the bush at your own pace allows you to focus your attention on the little things and your guides will have answers to all you questions. An encounter with one of the large mammals is even more fascinating without the protection of your vehicle. However walking safaris are still safe, as your guide knows the animals’ behaviour and is armed in case of emergencies.
Moving though the African bush you are easily aware that you are the visitor in this habitat. Seeing a lion or an elephant with nothing but the crisp morning air separating you from these impressive animals is an experience you will never forget.
Fishing
Even though fishing isn’t the major attraction in the Okavango Delta, the large amount of water does support some attractive fresh water fish. The prestigious tiger fish is known for giving a tough fight to any angler and bream is always a popular catch. Even though the fish in the Okavango is not as prolific as other destinations in Africa an afternoon angling in the delta is definitely well spend.
