Where are the best places for water-based safaris?

For mokoro, the Okavango Delta’s seasonal floods create perfect shallow channels. For canoeing, the Zambezi through Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi offers classic multi-day trips. Boat safaris are signature on Tanzania’s Rufiji in Nyerere and Rwanda’s Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera.

When is the best time to go?

Okavango floods usually peak from June to August, ideal for mokoro. Canoe and boat safaris on the Zambezi are popular from about May to October. Green months bring superb birding and moody skies across all destinations.

Is boating available in Namibia’s far northwest?

Yes. Seasonal boating on the Kunene River from Serra Cafema gives a striking desert-and-river contrast, with crocodiles and desert scenery along the Angola–Namibia border.

What about safety on the water?

Licensed guides manage distances to hippos, crocodiles and elephants, and provide clear briefings. We choose operators with strong safety protocols and low guest-to-guide ratios.

Boat, Mokoro, & Canoeing Safaris

Mokoro safari with expert poler, viewing Cape buffalo on the Okavango Delta plains

From Botswana’s Okavango channels to Zimbabwe’s Zambezi and Rwanda’s lake-dotted Akagera, boat, mokoro and canoeing safaris slow the pace and sharpen every sense. Drift from Eagle Island Lodge, cruise the Zambezi from Matetsi River Lodge, trace Mana Pools near Ruckomechi, and follow the Kunene beside Serra Cafema. Wildlife and birds at water level.

Plan Your Journey

Canoe safari close-up with stork in flight along the Zambezi River

Quiet Water, Wild Encounters

At Nxabega, a mokoro poler glides between lily pads as reed frogs chirp. Afternoon brings the Zambezi’s flow, Old Mondoro’s canoes slip past elephant crossings and yawning hippos. Evening settles at Thorntree River Lodge: a private boat, sunset fizz, and fish eagles calling as the river turns to gold.

QUICK FACTS
Mokoro drifts
Zambezi canoes
Birdlife bonanza
Hippo & croc
Water-level views

Guided canoe safari with elephants on the bank, Lower Zambezi National Park

Close elephant crossing beside safari pontoon, Chobe River boating

Photographic boat cruising Okavango floodplains with elephants grazing in the distance

Experiences & Highlights

Water-based safaris reveal a calmer side of the wild with close yet gentle encounters. In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, mokoro outings from Nxabega, Jacana and Pelo glide through reed lined channels where elephants feed, tiny frogs cling to papyrus, and kingfishers flash past. At Vumbura Plains or Little Vumbura, combine boating with drives on rich floodplains for an easy rhythm between water and land. Further north in the Delta, Jao Camp and Tubu Tree add seasonal boating to explore quiet lagoons at golden hour.

On the Zambezi, canoe or boat from Chiawa Camp, Old Mondoro and Lolebezi to watch hippos, crocodiles and shifting birdlife from a safe, low perspective, often ending with a quiet drift and sundowners. In Mana Pools, Ruckomechi and Nyamatusi bring wide river views backed by acacia woodland, ideal for elephants crossing channels at sunset. Rwanda’s Magashi adds boat excursions on Lake Rwanyakazinga for birding and relaxed game viewing. Guides manage distances carefully, read water conditions, and position you for photographs and still moments that land based safaris rarely offer.

CUSTOMISE YOUR JOURNEY.

Talk to us to customise your journey

Journey Inspiration.

Zimbabwe Expedition Bush Adventure, with a touch of Indulgence on Lake Kariba

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Zimbabwe Expedition Bush Adventure, with a touch of Indulgence on Lake Kariba

$840.00

*Indicative of per person sharing/night. Subject to availability, season, reserve fees, and flight transfer price changes. Includes intercamp fixed wing flight transfers, including from and to Harare

Venture deep into the wilds of Mana Pools on foot, by canoe, and by 4x4, before retreating to the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba. This 9-night expedition blends classic adventure with contemporary luxury. From remote tented camps teeming with wildlife to indulgent lakeside serenity. A journey for those who seek immersion, exclusivity, and soul-stirring safari moments.

Highlights/Activities

Walking safaris in Mana Pools, canoeing on the Zambezi River, Armchair Safari at Kanga Pan, catch-and-release fishing, game drives, birding, fire-to-plate dining, exclusive private concessions, luxury tented expedition camps, wildlife-rich floodplains, private lake yacht night, Lake Kariba infinity pool, spa & wellness, cultural visits, sunrise and sunset boat cruises, no Wi-Fi digital detox, award-winning guides.

Countries Covered: Zimbabwe

Southern Africa Safari Water Trilogy - Okavango Delta - Victoria Falls - Lower Zambezi

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Southern Africa Safari Water Trilogy - Okavango Delta - Victoria Falls - Lower Zambezi

$1,310.00

*Indicative of per person sharing/night. Subject to availability, season, reserve fees, and flight transfer price changes. Includes intercamp helicopter/flight transfers

Experience the wild elegance of Africa across three iconic destinations: the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi. Stay in handpicked luxury lodges offering complete seclusion, riverfront views, and expert-guided adventures. This seamless journey combines water, wildlife, and wonder, perfect for a couple, family, or travelers seeking refined adventure in the heart of Southern Africa.

Highlights/Activities

Private luxury suites, mokoro canoe safaris, game drives with expert guides, bushwalks, river cruises, Big Five sightings, Victoria Falls exploration, Zambezi River activities, sunset boat safaris, Victoria Falls helicopter flight, fine bush dining, intimate lodge settings, spa treatments, stargazing, air transfers between lodges, photographic opportunities, secluded nature escapes, immersive safari experience, wildlife-rich regions.

Countries Covered: Zambia, Botswana

Exclusive Zimbabwe Luxury Tented Camp Family Safari - Hwange to Mana Pools

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Exclusive Zimbabwe Luxury Tented Camp Family Safari - Hwange to Mana Pools

$1,055.00

*Indicative of per person sharing as a family/night. Subject to availability, season, reserve fees, and flight transfer price changes. Includes intercamp fixed wing flight transfers

From Hwange’s elephant-filled plains to the wild beauty of Mana Pools, this luxury family safari through Zimbabwe is curated for comfort, connection, and discovery. Stay in intimate family tented camps with private plunge pools, enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences, and delight younger explorers with personalized kids’ activities, all while immersed in the raw, untamed elegance of Africa’s finest wilderness.

Highlights/Activities

Luxury family tented suites, private plunge pools, engaging family game drives, nature walks, walking safaris, birding safaris, fishing excursions, canoeing safaris, cultural village visit, kids cooking activities with camp chef, traditional storytelling, arts and crafts, Junior Guide certification, swimming pools, Elephant Pool experience, communal firepits, off-grid solar-powered camps, Zambezi River setting, UNESCO World Heritage wilderness, high concentration of wildlife.