Okavango Delta Mokoro Day Trip: An Honest Review

Okay, so, you’re thinking about doing a mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta? That’s really great! Honestly, it’s quite an incredible experience, and truly something you’ll likely not forget any time soon. It gives you a totally new viewpoint on perhaps one of the planet’s actual natural wonders. The Okavango Delta is this amazing, sprawling inland river system right in Botswana, and basically exploring it in a mokoro – that’s this traditional dugout canoe – is, in a way, totally unique. But, that said, like any adventure, a bit of homework really does help you get the absolute best out of your time there. So, I’m gonna share my own personal take on doing a day trip, that way you can know just what to realistically expect and maybe make some informed plans.

What is a Mokoro, Anyway?

Right, so, before we even get started, what’s this mokoro thing I’m even talking about? Basically, it’s sort of the OG means of transport out in the Delta. Picture this slender, wooden canoe that’s expertly pushed through the waterways using a long pole, not paddles, you know? Historically, mokoros were these handcrafted canoes, carved from a single trunk of a big tree – usually a massive ebony or a sausage tree, which is something. Nowadays, for the reason of sustainability, quite a lot of them are made from fiberglass, that still offers a similar experience while easing the pressure on these ancient woodlands. It’s just a very tranquil, sort of low-impact way to travel, allowing you to soak up all the stunning scenery and, that way, get really up close and personal with the wildlife without disturbing things a great deal.

Choosing the Best Tour Operator for a Day Trip

Alright, in that case, you’ve decided you are doing a trip; finding a reliable tour company can just make or break the whole experience, so, do your homework. I located numerous operators in Maun, which really is considered the gateway to the Delta. Don’t go just for the very cheapest option – sometimes, in this instance, paying just a little bit more could, in a way, mean a world of variance in the quality and how responsibly it is operated. You should seriously check out some reviews online. See what other travelers actually say. So, I wanted to focus on outfits committed to working alongside the local communities. So, like ones that hire local guides and, too, contribute toward conservation schemes.

Really, having a guide that actually grew up in the area just adds an extra special layer, if you know what I mean. They truly have this intimate insight into the ecosystem, like, they’re experts at finding wildlife that someone who just parachuted in would actually totally miss. Plus, you know that money is going back into helping the very people who are dedicated to protecting this incredible area, which is all pretty nice, if you stop and think about it.

What to Expect on Your Mokoro Adventure

As a matter of fact, an average day trip usually starts pretty early in the morning, I guess. It’s to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat and you might just see some extra animals when they’re active first thing in the morning. What actually happens is, you’ll most likely get picked up right from your lodge or accommodation in Maun. From there, there is usually this transfer by like, a 4×4, for the reason that, in some cases, you are heading into pretty rugged territory to arrive at the “mokoro station,” if that is something. Along the way, it’s actually worth keeping your eyes open – you really can spot all kinds of wildlife from the jeep itself.

Anyway, when you get to the water’s edge, you will then meet your poler, who’ll likely be steering the mokoro. It’s very traditional to introduce yourself, that way you might have a chat while floating on the water, maybe finding a bit more about their life and the Delta itself. And, off you will go! Be aware, though, that the beginning is usually somewhat shallow, in some places your poler is likely going to jump out and, just for a bit, pull you along! Try to make the most of those opportunities to stretch a little, and of course assist too. It will mean so much to them! Then the actual tranquil part of the ride really begins, when the waterway is actually deep enough.

Gliding across this still water is quite soothing; the main sounds truly are the gentle splash of the pole and birdsong. So, I could just see colorful lily pads and tall reeds – just a paradise. You just might spot loads of fantastic birds, maybe fish eagles, kingfishers, all manner of brightly colored bee-eaters. Larger animals come down to the water to drink at varying times, you might actually just see elephants, maybe giraffes, or all manner of antelope, really. Honestly, just keep an eye out and bring some binoculars – your guide truly will work wonders pointing things out that you yourself may well have otherwise overlooked. That said, really big game is actually quite a rarity for day trips, at least from what I could find, if they even approach that section of the delta, which is really, really seldom. Even without those sightings though, in general it’s simply wonderful to actually be out in nature just soaking it all up, something you won’t experience back home!

Many day trips are usually involved with a stop at one of the islands for just a bit of a guided walk. Here is an opportunity for stretching a bit while hearing even more regarding the plants, tracks, or smaller critters you encounter, arguably. Usually the guides also prepare your lunch out in the open. A bush picnic, really! Really something to remember! After this, you will float back again, just watching the landscapes in different light, perhaps.

What to Pack for Your Mokoro Day Trip

Alright, getting properly packed just makes a big impact on your comfort and enjoyment, really. Given the African sun, it’s pretty essential to slap on heaps of sunscreen. Basically, I’m talking SPF 30 or even higher. Don’t forget sunglasses and, just as important, a wide-brimmed hat in order to just keep the sun right off of your face and neck. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is a must, especially long sleeves and pants; just covering your skin keeps you really cool while sort of protecting you from the sun and maybe even biting insects.

Talking about the insects – bring along some pretty reliable insect repellent, preferably something that’s designed for tropical areas. And actually, while you’re wading into the water you are actually in some cases advised to tuck those trousers right into your socks just for additional protection. Don’t neglect a small backpack in order to carry stuff, so you can keep things hands-free on the mokoro. Ensure you stock it with lots of water – basically staying hydrated is actually always important, and is even more true in this heat! You just should throw in a few snacks. I mentioned that your tour provides lunch, still a couple of granola bars actually can’t hurt if you want a boost, which is really what you might feel like when you don’t expect it. Finally, so don’t forget your camera, along with maybe extra batteries or even a power bank! Trust me, really, you’re gonna want those pics.

Respecting the Environment and Local Culture

Right, now, I think, the crucial element of your mokoro trip would be really to act respectfully both toward the delicate environment and towards the local communities who call the Delta home. Adhere to this “leave no trace” rule: Take all of your trash with you, really don’t disturb plants or the wildlife, and be certain to stay on all of the designated paths when you actually get a chance to walk on an island. It also is very advisable just to be considerate while taking pictures, right? That is that you refrain from actually photographing anyone without their express consent. The Okavango is really more than a spot for vacation photos, it’s someone’s actual backyard and heritage.

Photographing Your Mokoro Day Trip

Photographing from this mokoro gives genuinely unique chances to actually capture this magic of this Delta from an absolutely amazing viewpoint. I would certainly say that you bring a camera with good zoom capabilities for the reason that capturing the wildlife from a safe distance is advisable, and a camera having good zoom helps make those images better, arguably. Just for landscape photos, you should consider perhaps a wide-angle lens – that is it really does emphasize just how vast the Delta is.

Just before you get there, ensure your camera is actually fully charged, and actually have plenty of storage capacity on those memory cards! The Delta really is really photogenic, and I can tell you that, right? So you’ll just fill those cards very swiftly. So, experiment just a bit with angles and try catching these reflections on still water that can provide some very, very memorable pictures.

A Few Words of Advice and Important Considerations

Basically, doing a mokoro trip at Okavango Delta truly is just an unforgettable experience, still there certainly are a few other things that are worth thinking over before setting off. So, really the first thing you must remember would be that safety actually has to be first. Simply just pay attention to your poler’s guidelines all the time, that, in this instance, you just may not be getting out from the mokoro at any time they tell you to not. Respectful wildlife viewing and proper safety can really just coexist.

Next, so be ready just to unplug. Even though taking some photographs would be great, really take the time to actually be completely in that setting, I reckon. Actually observe your surroundings without seeking to capture everything via that camera lens all the time, at the end of the day, right? Really get a great feel for these sounds, just pay attention to subtle variances from the air around you, or to that soft movement from your boat as it floats quietly over the water. Be absolutely present. Really, experience all of it.

• Pick the right tour: Seek out sustainable outfits focused on wildlife conservation.
• What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and your camera.
• Respect: Keep the environment unspoiled; respect local customs.