Hartley’s Safaris UK
+44 (0) 1673 861 600 info@hartleysgroup.com
Hartley’s South Africa
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Jewel of the Kalahari
Described as the “Jewel of the Kalahari”, the Okavango Delta is where the floodplains have created a beautiful labyrinth of waterways, lagoons and islands and travellers are treated to unsurpassed game viewing activity in the humble Mokoro.The people of Botswana, who lived in and around the waterways of the Delta before the advent of tourism, used a wooden canoe carved from the stems of trees found in the Delta, namely the mokoro. It was used for hunting, fishing and transportation of goods through the maze like channels and shallow lagoons of the Delta. Today this is still in practice; however the trait is slowly giving away to the march of westernization into the area and most makoros are used in the tourism industry, opening up employment opportunities with many of the hunters and fishermen employed as 'polers' by the safari companies.Described as one of the most peaceful ways to experience Africa in its entire splendour, mokoro safaris provide an opportunity to observe the sights and sounds of nature at water level, without running the risk of scaring off animals and birds with the noise of a motor.For the modern traveller, the mokoro safari usually entails a guide standing at the back (stern) of the boat using the Ngashe Pole to steer and propel the boat forward, whilst one or two guests sit at the front of the boat relaxing and enjoying the view. The advantage of a mokoro is that it can be ‘poled’ across deep lakes and rivers as well as the scenic papyrus and reed filled channels and waterways, allowing one to traverse shallower waters, getting closer to the wildlife and birds frequenting the edge of the riverbanks.The photographic opportunities provided on a makoro safari are immeasurable as one glides past the herds of animals on the banks of the Delta river system. As tourism to Botswana has increased, the mokoro has since become an iconic symbol of the Delta. Be sure to take part in a mokoro experience during your next Botswana Safari!