Virtual Botswana: A Mokoro Safari Adventure

Today we set out on a virtual Mokoro Safari from Camp Machaba!

This is a Mokoro boat.

Traditionally a form of dugout made from a single tree that has been burned and dug out.  Modern Mokoro are generally made of fiberglass.

The man with the pole who guides and propels the Mokoro is called a Poler.

These have been referred to as the Gondola of Africa.

Come along...and let's explore the watery avenues of the Delta.

Mokoro Experience

https://youtu.be/0KuHX2Hqr3Q

Some of the wildlife we spot from the Mokoro

as we silently glide through the water...becoming one with the Delta.

Out here you really get a feel for how many elephants call this place home.

As well as the vastness of the grass sea of the Okavango Delta.

The Mokoro is also the best way to see the Hippos. Often submersed until only their nose and ears and eyes are above the surface of the water.

Only when you see them at the shoreline can you grasp how HUGE these water-horses really are.

An adult can be 11-17 feet long and weigh in excess of 4000 pounds.

Their canine teeth can be over a foot long.

They are quite territorial and are fierce.

A Canine for scale...

A Hippo takes down an Impala.

And are fearless.

Seriously fearless...

Hippo taking on Nile Crocodiles

https://youtu.be/zBnchVmArKE

Oh...and yes..there are crocs here.

 

But mostly this place is just silent and beautiful.

The Delta from the Air

Mack Air

https://youtu.be/iJtQeuMmIWw

Remember when your parents said they didn't want to go to Timbuktu to look for you...well this actually is Timbuktu...

Make sense now???

And at last evening approaches and we make our way off the water.

And even darkness is lovely in the Delta...

Next up:  Our Night Safari...