2025 Okavango Delta Safari Forecast: Exceptional Mokoro Season Ahead

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is set to experience an exceptional safari season in 2025. Thanks to record rainfall in Angola and Botswana, mokoro safaris—a hallmark of Delta exploration—are expected to be longer and more immersive than in recent years.

For travelers seeking authentic African safari experiences, this year presents a rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most iconic wetland ecosystems at its fullest.

What Makes 2025 a Standout Year for Mokoro Safaris in Botswana

The 2025 mokoro safari season is shaping up to be one of the best in over a decade due to exceptional rainfall in the Cubango-Okavango River Basin. Torrential rains in Angola’s highlands and widespread local rainfall across Botswana have already pushed Okavango Delta water levels to impressive heights.

According to data from the Mohembo gauging station, water levels rose by 1.3 meters on January 10, 2025—matching records not seen since the 2017 cyclone season. With floodwaters already arriving early, mokoro tours are projected to begin sooner and last longer into the dry season.

The Okavango Delta: Botswana’s Natural Masterpiece

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. What sets this inland delta apart is that its waters do not flow into the sea—instead, they disperse into the sands of the Kalahari Desert.

Fed by the Cubango River—which becomes the Kavango River as it flows through Namibia—this remarkable ecosystem supports an abundance of life, from aquatic birds to big game.

When the floodwaters arrive, the dry savannah transforms into a maze of crystal-clear lagoons, reeds, and palm-dotted islands, creating a paradise for wildlife and an unforgettable setting for mokoro safaris in Botswana.

What is a Mokoro Safari?

A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe originally crafted from large trees like sausage or ebony trees. Today, many are made from eco-friendly fibreglass alternatives to protect local forests. Powered silently by a standing guide using a long pole—called a poler—the mokoro is the most intimate and peaceful way to explore the Okavango floodplains.

Why Choose a Mokoro Safari?

• Silent and Eco-Friendly: Perfect for getting close to wildlife without disturbing them.
• Immersive Experience: You glide just inches above the water’s surface, giving a unique perspective of the Delta’s beauty.
• Expertly Guided: Local polers know the Delta’s network of waterways intimately, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Expect sightings of hippos, elephants, red lechwe antelopes, and a diverse range of birdlife like kingfishers, jacanas, and the iconic African fish eagle.

Weather Update: El Niño to La Niña—What Changed?

The 2023-2024 season brought severe drought to parts of Southern Africa due to El Niño conditions. However, the 2025 turnaround comes courtesy of La Niña, bringing with it abundant rainfall.

Key Climate Highlights:

• SARCOF-29 forecasts above-normal rainfall from October 2024 to March 2025.
• Significant rains in Angola’s highlands are boosting the Cubango River.
• Floodwaters are arriving early—expected in April rather than the usual late May or June.
• Local rainfall in Botswana has been strong, contributing to early flooding across the Delta.

These factors combine to create perfect conditions for both mokoro and motorboat safaris throughout the Delta.

Delta Flood Season: When to Go for the Best Safari Experience

Timing is everything in the Okavango Delta, especially when it comes to water-based safaris.

Two Key Safari Seasons:

Dry Season (May – November)

• Peak water levels in the Delta
• Ideal for mokoro and boat safaris
• Excellent game viewing, as wildlife gathers near water
• Pleasant daytime temperatures (around 25°C)
• Best time for first-time visitors

Wet Season (December – April)

• Lush green landscapes and excellent birdwatching
• Fewer tourists and more intimate camp experiences
• Frequent, but usually brief, rain showers
• Some camps offer child-friendly policies

When is the Best Time to Go in 2025?

Due to early and heavy flooding, April through September 2025 will offer a longer high-water season, making this an extraordinary year to visit. Lodges that typically offer mokoro safaris for 2–3 months may now extend their operations by several additional weeks.

Extended Mokoro Safari Season in 2025: What This Means for Travelers

• Mokoro trips may begin as early as April
• The season may last through October
• More Delta regions will be accessible by canoe, allowing deeper exploration into secluded waterways
• Wildlife sightings will increase due to a healthier, revitalized ecosystem

For safari-goers, this means more photo opportunities, fewer crowds, and the chance to experience the Delta at its absolute best.

Top Places to Visit in the Okavango Delta in 2025

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime mokoro safari holiday, the following Delta hotspots offer the most immersive experiences:

• Moremi Game Reserve: Mokoro and land-based safaris, high predator density
• Khwai Community Concession: Walking and mokoro safaris, community-run lodges
• Chief’s Island: Largest Delta island, luxury lodges, Big Five viewing
• Xakanaxa Lagoon: Birdwatching and boating paradise

Planning Your Okavango Delta Safari in 2025

This is a rare opportunity—book early to secure your place during peak flood season. Lodges offering mokoro safaris typically book out months in advance due to limited space and high demand.

Key Travel Tips:

• Choose a lodge or mobile safari that includes mokoro trips
• Travel light—mokoro space is limited
• Bring waterproof gear, binoculars, and a good camera
• Consider combining your Delta trip with Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls

Check out our guide to planning your dream Okavango Delta safari here: Plan Your Trip

Top Safari Packages for 2025: Experience the Delta at Its Best

Want to make the most of this incredible season? Here are 10 amazing safari packages that showcase the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas:

• 11-Day Botswana Camping Safari: View Package
• 9-Day Northern Botswana Premium Safari: View Tour
• 8-Day Okavango Delta & Kazuma Pans Fly-In Safari: View Safari
• 8-Day Okavango, Moremi & Chobe Fly-In Safari: Learn More
• 7-Day Chobe, Okavango & Moremi Lodge Safari: Explore Tour
• 7-Day Budget Okavango Delta & Savuti Safari: See Package
• 7-Day Walking & Mokoro Safari in the Delta: Check Availability
• 7-Day Lodge Safari: Okavango to Chobe: Book Now
• 6-Day Moremi & Okavango Tented Safari: View Itinerary
• 5-Day Chobe & Okavango Lodge Safari: Get Details

Budgeting for Your Mokoro Safari in Botswana

Prices for safaris in the Okavango Delta vary greatly depending on:

• Time of year (Peak flood season = higher rates)
• Lodge vs. camping accommodation
• Private vs. group tours
• Fly-in vs. overland travel

For a detailed breakdown, check out our pricing guide: Cost of Okavango Safari

Book with Local Experts

Looking to tailor your perfect mokoro safari in Botswana? The experts at Adventure in the Wild Safaris are here to help. Their experienced travel consultants can customize the ideal trip based on your interests, budget, and preferred travel style. Speak to a Safari Expert

Final Thoughts: Why 2025 is the Best Year Yet for Mokoro Safaris

The stars have aligned for an unforgettable season in the Okavango Delta. With early flooding, high water levels, and revitalized ecosystems, this is the ultimate time to experience the magic of a mokoro safari in Botswana.

Don’t miss your chance to paddle silently among elephants, birds, and dazzling landscapes in one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildernesses.

Ready to plan your adventure? Start exploring our best safari packages now: Browse Safaris