Mokoro 3 Days / 2 Night Trail Safari

WILD CAMPING in the OKAVANGO DELTA

• Departure from Maun is approx at 0700hrs, the exact departure time is agreed with the guests the night  before the activity.
• There is a choice of Mokoro station we can use either Xaraxao, Boro or Ditshipi. The Xaraxao mokoro station is closer to Maun and for most of the year has more water (being fed by the Boro Channel and adjacent floodplains ) than Boro or Ditshipi.
• At Xaraxao lies on a tributary of the Boro channel and some smallish lagoons close by. Driving time to Ditshipi is about one hour. Scenically, there is not much to choose between the mokoro stations, all offer a little game viewing en route. Afro Trek Safaris prefer to go to Xaraxao where we experience more aquatic ambience.
• The drive to the mokoro mooring station on the Boro Channel, situated in the south east of the Okavango Delta in the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT ) concession area, will take around an hour. The transfer is in customised safari vehicles ( Toyota Landcruisers ) with rear mounted game viewing seats beneath a canvas canopy.The vehicles are fitted with individual style seats with seat belts installed, each vehicle can take a maximum of ten passengers with luggage placed in the trailer.
• On arrival at the mokoro mooring station you will meet your mokoro poler guides and polers who will assist with the loading of luggage into the mekoros and with the seating arrangements. Each mokoro takes two persons. The guide polers and polers will be available at all times to help and assist participants whenever required and also to ensure the safety of the participants throughout the mokoro trail.
• The mokoro poler guides are licensed and it is the poler guides who lead the mokoro trails , with a guide poler leading and a guide poler at the back of each group of mekoro, steering through this serene area of narrow reed lined channels in traditional dug-out mekoros, floating through the myriad of waterways which open out unexpectedly onto beautiful lagoons. The most rewarding way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of these lily-filled waterways is undoubtably by dug-out canoe or mokoro.
• The Mokoro Trails offers a snapshot view of the traditional mode of transport utilized for hundreds of years by the Bayei tribes people living in the area. Although the mokoro trails is not primarily a game viewing activity , a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area including elephant, giraffe and zebra.
• Lions are also present in this area and have sometimes been spotted, from a distance on the bush walks.
• After arriving at one of the many secluded islands , which make up this fragile yet dynamic , unique eco-system , camp is erected followed by lunch after which a guided bush walk will commence around 1500hrs or a little later dependant on the afternoon temperature, returning to camp before sunset.
• Prior to the guided bush walk, the guides will give a comprehensive safety briefing about the environment of the Okavango Delta.The guided bush walk will also be available on the second day. The polers remaining in the camp will help in collecting firewood and water whilst the guides take the game walks. After the bush walk, time to prepare and take dinner and maybe reflect on the day.

• An early morning game walk will be available for interested persons, returning to to the camp when ready to prepare and enjoy breakfast.
• After breakfast or brunch, the mekoros can be taken again to enjoy the channels, these intricate veins of waterways which interconnect the lagoons, or take a guided bush walk before having lunch or snacks.
• In the afternoon, the guides will take their guests in the mekoros to a safe location where swimming is possible in the waters of the Okavango Delta, followed by a chance to learn how to pole a mokoro using the nkashi.
• Time can be taken to relax and drink in the landscape.
• After the bush walk, we can relax and unwind in the camp, refresh and take dinner under the milky way starlit skies after which the guides and polers will narrate cultural stories and entertain with traditional dances which display animal tracking techniques and gathering methods for traditional medicinal purposes.
• Guests interested in astronomy will be treated to one of the most expansive displays of stars on earth, before retiring in cozy tents for the night and drifting off to the sounds of the wild.

• Start the day with another bush walk, experiencing the sights and sounds of this wild magnificent oasis. After the bush walk, a swim maybe, if it is not too cold depending on time of year and time to relax and Unwind in the camp for a while enjoying a late breakfast or brunch.
• When ready, the polers will help in breaking the camp, packing tents and loading luggage into the mekoro for the return journey through the channels back to the mekoro mooring station where Afro Trek Safari guides will be waiting with the safari vehicles and cold beverages for the transfer to Maun.