THE
MOKORO
The traditional dug-out canoe, or “Mokoro” (plural, “Mekoro”) was originally introduced into the Okavango Delta by the Bayei tribe who moved into the region from the Zambezi river area after the 1750’s. The presence of the tsetse fly meant that pastoralism was not possible and instead they relied on hunting and fishing for subsistence.
Trees that were favoured by the Bayei people for the construction of Mekoro were, the Kiaat (Pterocarpus Angolensis) or “mukwa” in Setswana, the Jackal Berry tree (Diospyros Mespiliformis) or “Mokutshumo” and the sausage tree (Kigelia Africana) or “Moporota.”
A tree might take well over a century to attain Mokoro size, but the lifespan of the Mokoro would typically only be about 5 - 8 years.
In the interests of conservation and the protection of the trees and ecology of the Delta it is a recent policy of most camps and
lodges in the area to use fibre-glass canoes that are modelled on the traditional wooden Mekoro.
The pole or “ngashi” that is used to push the Mokoro along is commonly made from the Silver Terminalia tree (Terminalia Sericea) or “Mogonono”. The straight growth form of the young branches, coupled to the elasticity of the wood, make it ideally suited to the task.
The Mokoro Trail should not really be considered as a game viewing safari, even though a variety of game is invariably seen, but more of a cultural snapshot of the traditional mode of transport used over the past few hundred years in the Okavango Delta and the opportunity to experience, through your guide poler, traditional knowledge and skills.
NOTE : The MokoroTrails are self catering , camping and cooking equipment , including food, need to be taken, so , not forgetting that each Mokoro carries only two persons with very limited luggage, luggage must be very carefully selected.
It should be noted that the MokoroTrails are undertaken in remote areas, welcome to the real wilderness, the real bush ……… there are no ablution facilities here: no showers – no toilets!
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(SELF CATERING)
Ø Our Mokoro Trails begin and end at Sedia Riverside Hotel in Maun.
Ø A licensed guide poler accompanies all Mokoro Trails.
Ø Participants should use footwear that will withstand some exposure to shallow water.
Ø A good wide hat is useful for protection from sun and a good sun block.
Ø Participants are advised to bring warm clothing from May to August.
Ø During the summer months September to April, rain may be encountered.
Ø Participants to provide their own camping equipment and food/beverages.
Tents and Sleeping Bags can be hired from AFRO TREK
OKAVANGO MOKORO TRAIL
DAY TRIP
This safari commences and ends at the AFRO TREK office located at the Sedia Riverside Hotel Complex
Depart from Sedia Riverside Hotel at around 07h30 (or arrange departure time with safari office) for a one to one and a half hours transfer by 4 x 4 safari vehicle to the Mokoro station near the Ditshipi of the south-east in an exclusive wilderness area where you will meet your Professional Guide and polers.
You will then travel by Mokoro, gliding effortlessly across the lagoons and through the papyrus and reed-fringed channels which are part of the Okavango Delta system.
Your guide will help to select a bush picnic site on the banks of one of the Okavango Delta channels where you will enjoy your lunch followed by a walking trail.
2 DAYS, 1 NIGHT
This safari commences and ends at the AFRO TREK office located at the Sedia Riverside Hotel complex.
DAY 1
Depart from Sedia Riverside Hotel at around 07h30 for a one and half hour transfer by 4x4 safari vehicle to our Mokoro station near Ditshipi in an exclusive wilderness area, where you will be introduced to your professional guide and Mokoro polers.
You will then travel by Mokoro, gliding effortlessly across the lagoons and through the papyrus and reed-fringed channels which are part of the Okavango Delta system.
Your guide will, later in the afternoon, select a secluded campsite, helping to pitch camp and source firewood for the evening campfire.
A walking trail may be undertaken with the guide prior to preparing the evening meal.
From your campsite, experience the silence and beauty of this unspoilt wilderness.
Relax around the campfire in the late evening, under the bright stars of the Southern Hemisphere
Early morning game walks together with Mokoro trips along nearby channels are undertaken from your bush camp. You have a chance of seeing a variety of mammals (different types of antelope, elephant, giraffe, zebra and smaller species such as mongoose and squirrel); lion, leopard, hyena and hippo are occasionally spotted. The area attracts many different aquatic and woodland bird species and is graced by scenic riverine and woodland vegetation.
You will then glide slowly back along the myriad of channels, pausing wherever to absorb the unique atmosphere which permeates this wetland
On arrival back at the Mokoro station, AFRO TREK will be waiting in readiness to transfer you by 4x4 vehicles to Sedia Riverside Hotel.
OKAVANGO MOKORO TRAILS
DAY 1
Depart from AFRO TREK Office located in the Sedia Riverside Hotel complex at around 07h30 for a one and a half hour transfer by 4x4 safari vehicle to the Mokoro station near Ditshipi in an exclusive wilderness area, where you will be introduced to your professional guide and licensed Mokoro polers.
You will then travel by Mokoro, gliding effortlessly across the lagoons and through the papyrus and reed fringed channels of the Okavango Delta.
Your guide poler will, later in the afternoon, select a secluded bush campsite, helping to pitch camp and source firewood for the evening campfire.
From your campsite, experience the silence and beauty of this unspoilt wilderness.
Relax around the campfire in the late evening, under the bright stars of the Southern Hemisphere
DAY 2
Early morning and late afternoon game walks, together with Mokoro trips along nearby channels, are undertaken from your bush camp.
You have a chance of seeing a variety of mammals (different types of antelope, elephant, giraffe, zebra and smaller species such as mongoose and squirrel).
Lion, leopard, hyena and hippo are occasionally spotted. The birdlife is abundant with many aquatic and woodland bird species inhabiting this wilderness area of scenic riverine and woodland vegetation. Relax, read and unwind in this pure wilderness area.
Break camp after breakfast and head slowly back along the channels through the lagoons, pausing wherever to absorb the unique atmosphere which permeates this wetland.
On arrival back at the Mokoro station, AFRO TREK will be waiting in readiness to transfer you by 4x4 vehicles to Sedia Riverside Hotel.
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