My Adventure in the Okavango Delta: A Serene Safari Experience
The Okavango Delta is an enchanting oasis of water and wildlife, often hailed as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Each year, floodwaters from Angola spread out across this vast region, creating a lush and vibrant environment teeming with life. Nestled within this watery paradise are the Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai area, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
Journey to the Delta
After a grueling bus journey from Gaborone, Botswana’s capital city, I finally arrived at the Delta, exhausted and ravenous. The excitement of my African adventure had kept me going, but as I prepared for the next leg of my journey north, towards the Nile in northern Egypt, I should have realised that I had been moving too fast. In hindsight, I would advise my younger self to savour the journey and take time to enjoy each destination more fully. – but i wouldn’t have listened.
Upon reaching northern Botswana, I found the hostel bustling with activity as travellers geared up for their excursions. Feeling the need to stay active and avoid collapsing from exhaustion, I sought the most relaxing activity available and was recommended a mokoro safari. Despite the cost being higher than expected, I decided to book it-an experience I had heard was quintessential to the Delta.
The Mokoro Safari Experience
The mokoro, a traditional canoe once crafted from tree trunks and now often made from fiberglass to preserve the environment, is propelled by a guide using a long pole. This method of travel is gentle and respectful to the delicate ecosystems of the Delta. As I boarded the bus for the safari, I discovered it was just me and my guide-an experienced local who preferred silence over conversation. Despite the Delta’s breathtaking scenery, I felt a pang of loneliness, having spent so much time on the road alone. I longed for the camaraderie of fellow travellers, but my interactions were limited.
Just before boarding the mokoro, I met a Spanish traveler, and we quickly bonded, sharing stories of our journeys. Although we hoped to share a mokoro to chat during the ride, it wasn’t permitted. Thus, we each embarked on our own mokoros, separated but united in our silent contemplation of the Delta’s beauty.
A Peaceful Retreat
The mokoro safari proved to be an extraordinary experience, even if it wasn’t the social adventure I had anticipated or longed for The slow, serene pace of gliding through lily-covered waters and past palm-fringed islands offered a refreshing contrast to the noisy bus rides and bustling cities. Although we didn’t encounter the large game animals typical of other safaris, the tranquility of the Delta was a soothing balm for my travel-weary soul. i therefore sat back and listend tothe limited spats of inforation which my guide would share about the flora and fauna and the vital role the Delta plays in supporting one of the world’s largest concentrations of wildlife.
Even though wildlife sightings may be less frequent compared to other safari experiences, the opportunity to immerse yourself in such a peaceful and picturesque environment is unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit
For those planning a mokoro safari, the optimal time is between July and August when water levels are high. I visited in mid-May, and while the water was lower and wildlife sightings were fewer, the experience of being on the water surrounded by the Delta’s natural beauty was still remarkable.
In conclusion, the mokoro safari provided a much-needed respite from the hustle of my travels. The serene waters and stunning landscapes of the Okavango Delta offered a perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the natural world in its quiet splendor. It was a beautiful reminder of the slower, more reflective side of travel that’s sometimes lost in the rush to see and do everything.
