CANOEING AND MOKORO

A canoeing and walking safari is probably as close as one can get to nature and get to feel and absorb their surroundings in a physically involving manner. In the silence away from any mechanical devices one gets to feel the ambience of the African wilderness.

The canoeing and walking trail along the Mana Pools shoreline of the Zambezi River is said to be amongst the finest adventure safaris in Africa and having been privileged enough to manage and guide this safari for 4 years of my career I can only but share my experience with guests seeking unique adventure. The acacia woodland, usually filled with herds of relaxed wildlife creates an extremely picturesque scene with a backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment on the other side of the ancient river. Whilst on the river, canoeing past pods of hippo, prolific bird life while watching thirsty animals coming for a drink is the order of the day and on foot, track and scat identification usually interrupted by the sighting of a predator or other large herbivore will keep one thoroughly entertained. No heavy physical ability or prior canoeing experience is required even though it is recommended for first time canoeists to get comfortable with the idea of being in a canoe while they are still at home in order to enjoy their safari from the word go.

Canoeing safaris are also available in other areas of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe and vary in length from just an afternoon trip from your semi permanent camp to a few nights of adventure.
A mokoro (dugout canoe) safari in areas of the Okavango Delta is an experience similar to the canoeing but usually a lot more calm. Being poled through areas of papyrus swamps, palm islands interspaced by narrow channels often with prolific bird and wildlife guests get to experience life in a manner similar to the Bayei tribe who have been resident in this unique inland delta for the last few hundred years. Mokoro safaris vary in length from a few hours to trails that last a few days camping in pre-erected camps or self contained adventures.

What guests think about the Mana Pools safari?

What can I say? It's a safari that has everything, great upper (canoeing) and lower (walking) body workouts, adrenalin filled days, getting close to elephants, hippos and even lions, nights surrounded by the sounds of the African bush outside our tent. We are grateful to the staff that made sure we were well fed and taken care of, which is a rather impressive feat in the middle of the bush. Humphrey will always be remembered as our wild man of Mana Pools fearless and absolutely fun. This has been unforgettable, thank you…

Shy and Jay Sala,
Hong Kong.