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.