Okavango Delta: Tour with game drives & mokoro trips

If you’re dreaming of an authentic African adventure, this Okavango Delta safari from Enjanga Tours & Safaris might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and reviews suggest it offers a true taste of Botswana’s wild heart.

Expect a mix of water-based adventures in mokoros, thrilling game drives, and bush walks—all within some of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

We particularly love how this tour combines immersive watercraft experiences with thrilling safaris, giving you a well-rounded, intimate encounter with nature. The chance to glide quietly through channels in a traditional dugout canoe is a highlight, as is walking among herds of elephants and buffalo.

One thing to consider is the price—$3,215 per person—which, while not cheap, covers a comprehensive experience packed with activities, comfortable accommodations, and expert guiding.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic wildlife encounters, are eager to explore off-the-beaten-path areas, and prefer small, private campsites over large resorts. It’s ideal for those ready for a multi-day adventure that balances adventure and comfort, with a focus on sustainable tourism in one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness regions.

Key Points

• Water-based exploration: Glide through the delta’s channels in traditional mokoros, a peaceful way to see wildlife and scenery.
• Diverse activities: Combines game drives, bush walks, and mokoro trips, offering a well-rounded safari experience.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance your understanding and chances of wildlife sightings.
• Comfortable camping: Tented accommodations with shared facilities provide an authentic yet comfortable stay.
• Wildlife encounters: The tour offers opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and many bird species.
• Value for nature lovers: The price includes all activities, park fees, meals, and transfers, making it straightforward and hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Journey Through Botswana’s Wild Side

This five-day safari takes you from the bustling town of Maun into some of Botswana’s most remarkable wilderness areas. It balances adventure and comfort, with a focus on personalized experiences within private campsites and exclusive reserve areas.

Day 1: From Maun to the Okavango Delta

Your adventure begins with a short drive from Maun, a key gateway town, to the spectacular Okavango Delta. This vast inland delta is often called the “Jewel of Botswana” for good reason. Once there, you’ll meet your community guides—local experts who know every twist in the delta’s waterways and islands.

The highlight here is the mokoro ride, which promises a serene, almost meditative glide through narrow channels. These traditional dugout canoes are silent, allowing you to get close to wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the water. The guides are skilled at navigating these waters, and their local knowledge adds richness to your experience.

Your camp here is set up in the wild, offering basic but comfortable tented accommodations with bedrolls and linen. The shared ablutions include bucket showers and bush toilets—an authentic way to connect with the environment.

Day 2: Walking and Water in the Delta

The morning kicks off with a bush walk on one of the delta’s islands. Walking in this environment offers a different perspective—closer to the ground, you’ll notice details often missed from a vehicle, like animal tracks and plants. Expect to see herds of elephants, impala, buffalo, and perhaps shy predators like leopards.

Later, you’ll have the chance to revisit the waterways in a mokoro, drifting through winding channels as you listen for bird calls. The guides’ deep knowledge helps you spot kingfishers, herons, and other aquatic birds, enriching the experience.

Reviews highlight how peaceful and immersive these water trips are—“it’s a slow, beautiful way to see the delta,” one traveler said. This day showcases why the Okavango’s biodiversity is so celebrated.

Days 3-4: Into Khwai Concession for a Wild Game Safari

After exploring the delta, it’s time to head to the Khwai Concession, a private reserve bordering the famous Moremi Game Reserve. Here, you’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, which generally allow for better wildlife viewing than larger tour buses.

The landscape shifts from water to grasslands and lagoons. The Khwai River acts as a natural boundary to the Moremi, creating a corridor for animals. Expect to see lions, wild dogs, zebras, kudus, and perhaps elusive leopards, especially with the insights of your knowledgeable guides.

The private setting of Khwai means fewer travelers and more personalized attention. Many reviews praise the guides’ ability to spot wildlife and share their expertise. After a day of searching for cats and herds, you can relax with sundowners—a South African tradition of enjoying drinks at sunset while soaking in the views of the river and plains.

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Day 5: Return to Maun

The safari wraps up with an early morning drive back to Maun for your flight home or onward journey. You’ll leave with a camera full of photos and a memory of Botswana’s vibrant wildlife and landscapes.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour covers a lot—all meals, park fees, transportation, and guiding are included. The tented accommodations are designed to provide a comfortable base while respecting the wilderness, with shared facilities that keep things simple and authentic. The expert guides, safari chefs, and camp assistants ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Cost-wise, at $3,215 per person, it’s a significant investment, but the comprehensive nature of the trip—including multiple activities and private camps—makes it worthwhile for wildlife enthusiasts. Many reviews note the value of the experience, especially considering the quality of guiding and the chance to explore less crowded areas.

Packing Tips and Practicalities

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and warm clothing for early mornings and evenings. Since the environment is outdoors, packing a rain jacket and extra clothes is wise. The tour advises bringing binoculars and a camera to capture wildlife moments.

Notably, the tour has strict restrictions on luggage size and types, so avoid oversized luggage, pets, and items like drones or fireworks. These restrictions help maintain the wilderness experience and safety.

Access and Suitability

The tour is not suitable for young children under 8, or for travelers with mobility issues, back problems, or specific allergies. It’s best suited for active, adventurous travelers who comfortably handle outdoor camping and variable weather.

Authenticity and Experiences That Matter

What sets this safari apart is its focus on authentic experiences. The use of traditional mokoros allows for silent, eco-friendly travel, giving you a close-up view of wildlife and habitat. Walking through the delta’s islands opens your eyes to details often ignored from game drives.

Many reviewers appreciate the knowledgeability of guides, who share insights into animal behavior and ecological relationships. The stunning scenery—from winding waterways to grassy plains—offers picture-perfect moments at every turn.

While the price may seem high, it reflects all-inclusive activities, private camping, and the chance to see Botswana’s wilderness with local guides—elements that many travelers find worth the investment.

The Sum Up

This Okavango Delta safari offers a balanced blend of water-based serenity, thrilling game viewing, and authentic wilderness camping. It’s best suited for travelers who want to experience Botswana’s wildlife in a small, intimate setting with knowledgeable guides. The variety of activities ensures you leave with a well-rounded picture of the delta’s ecosystems.

If you’re eager to explore one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, enjoy slow, peaceful watercraft, and value personalized, eco-conscious travel, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s a chance to connect with nature in its purest form, guided by local experts who know the land and its creatures intimately.

While it requires a fair bit of investment, the combination of guided excursions, stunning vistas, and immersive bush experiences makes it a memorable, worthwhile adventure for wildlife lovers and curious explorers alike.

FAQs

What is included in the price of $3,215?
The price covers all activities including game drives, mokoro trips, bush walks, and park fees. It also includes comfortable tented accommodations, all meals, beverages like tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks, imported wines, and transfers from and back to the airport.

Are there shared facilities during the safari?
Yes, the accommodations have shared ablutions. In the Okavango Delta, the facilities include overhead bucket showers and bush toilets, while in Khwai Concession, each tent has an en suite bush bathroom with a stretcher bed.

What activities are involved in this safari?
Expect game drives, bush walks, and mokoro rides. These activities are designed to give you a full experience of wildlife, landscape, and water-based adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old. It’s designed for active travelers comfortable with outdoor camping and wildlife encounters.

What should I pack for this safari?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, warm clothing, a camera, binoculars, and rain gear. Essentials like a flashlight, power bank, and toiletries are also recommended.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

In summary, this Botswana safari offers a genuine, immersive journey into one of Africa’s most stunning wilderness areas. With knowledgeable guides, authentic water-based adventures, and the chance to see iconic wildlife in a private setting, it provides excellent value for travelers looking for a meaningful and exciting African safari experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby