Mokoro & canoe safari experiences

After the rains come, the lower stretch of the Zambezi branches out onto the floodplains of Northern Zimbabwe. This natural waterpark is a haven and a canoe safari is the best way to explore this seasonal gathering, bringing you much closer to the animals than possible on the land - especially as you wend your way past harrumphing pods of hippo. Sit safely just a few yards from an unhurried pride of lions lapping at the water’s edge, paddle past elephants as they cross from one side of the Zambezi to another and enjoy the myriad of bird species that make their homes on the banks of the river. Crocodiles and hippos are in abundance and therefore these magical journeys are not for the faint hearted. This experience is always carried out with a highly qualified guide and can last anything from 2-3 hours to 2-3 days, the choice is yours.

Change your game-viewing perspective with a Zambezi canoe safari. Take to the water with a local guide and paddle expert to help you navigate the river, home to hippo, crocodile and flocks of birdlife. Meander downstream using the current as your engine before mooring on the riverbank for a cup of tea and a muffin. As other sources dry up from May, the life-giving waters of the Lower Zambezi attract herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and, if you're lucky, a big cat or two. Scan your eyes along the tree-line to catch the flicking tail and stealthy gaze of a leopard. And nothing quite compares to a stare down with an elephant bull from the water!

A special activity offered exclusively from King Lewanika Lodge (the first permanent safari camp in Liuwa Plains), canoeing in the rivers around the lodge is a real treat. Between late January and early April, the lands flood temporarily with water, producing pretty, reed-fringed rivers, just deep enough for canoeing. And when you’ve finished paddling, cool off with a refreshing dip – there’s not a hippo or a crocodile in sight.

When planning your Okavango Delta safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many water-based lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. A true fluke of nature, the dry season months of July to October are when the Delta is at its fullest.

When planning your Moremi safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and over 400 species of vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and crocodile, and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. A true fluke of nature, the dry season months of July to October are when the Delta is at its fullest.

When planning your Central Okavango safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. A true fluke of nature, the dry season months of July to October are when the Delta is at its fullest.

When planning your Khwai safari, there's sure to be one word on your lips, 'mokoro'. Many based lodges offer a scenic ride on these traditional dugout canoes, where you'll depart in the early morning or late afternoon to traverse the liquid passageways with your guide at the helm. No one knows the Delta better! Take this time away from the rumble of a 4x4 to spot the smaller creatures of the Delta, from tiny, emerald frogs clinging to the reeds and vivid birdlife flitting between the papyrus. You'll also navigate round wallowing hippos and see members of the Big Five drinking on the banks. The dry season months of July to October are when the waterways are at their fullest.