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The Okavango Delta In Botswana

The Okavango Delta By Boat.

The Okavango Delta is a massive delta filled with waterways in the north of Botswana.

It can be seen from a vehicle, a local canoe called the mokoro, by speedboat or from the air.

Starting out in a speedboat from the nearby city of Maun, you cruise along at a good speed for an hour or so to get deeper into the Okavango Delta.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

On the way you pass lush lowland scenery.

Scenery in the Okavango Delta.
Scenery in the Okavango Delta.

Speeding on the boat is fast and super fun, with your legs up on the front of the boat and everything zooming by.

Cruising on the speedboat.
Cruising on the speedboat.

Soon enough you reach the area where you transfer to a local canoe called the mokoro.

This is traditionally made from the sausage tree, but these days some are made from different material.

Makoro canoes.
Makoro canoes.

Getting on board you change from the fast speed of the boat, to a very slow and relaxed trip on the canoe. Sitting up front, someone behind you pushes the canoe along with a pole.

Almost like the Venice of Africa.

Passing reed beds and many birds, it is a very peaceful way to see the Okavango Delta.

The guides will pull the canoes over for you to get out and see some wildlife on the way.

Looking for wildlife.
Looking for wildlife.

However don’t expect a safari like elsewhere, there are not many big animals to be seen.

You will have to make do with zebras, hippos, and if you are lucky elephants.

This is more about a peaceful canoe trip than a safari experience. With the mokoros waiting you get back on board.

The canoes wait on the side of the water.
The canoes wait on the side of the water.

Moving back slowly to the start, you reach the area where the speedboat dropped you off and you get back on the boat to cruise at full speed back to Maun.

Going from the slow canoe to the fast boat is a difference for sure!

Speedboat in Okavango Delta.
Speedboat in Okavango Delta.

A very chilled out way to see the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta From The Air.

From a previous trip 3 years ago to the delta you can fly in a small plane, normally with around 4 people.

Small plane to take you over the delta.
Small plane to take you over the delta.

This is a great way to see the vastness of the Okavango Delta.

The massive waterways of the Okavango Delta.
The massive waterways of the Okavango Delta.

Passing not so high up you can spot big groups of elephants moving around.

Group of elephants from the plane.
Group of elephants from the plane.

It is also great fun just to be flying around in a tiny plane.

Flying in the small plane.
Flying in the small plane.

The plane is a highly recommended way to get an overview of the Okavango Delta. If in Botswana anytime, go check it out.

Read more on safaris in East Africa in my long detailed guide.

okavango-delta-safari

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