Can I bring my regular hiking boots?

No. Mokoros require you to step in and out of shallow water frequently. Bring quick-dry water shoes or lightweight hiking sandals with good grip.

How much camera gear can I bring?

Keep camera gear under 5kg total. Long telephoto lenses are difficult to use from a low, moving mokoro. A 70-300mm zoom covers most wildlife photography needs.

Do I need to bring bedding?

No. Safari camps provide tents, bedding, and meals. Focus your packing weight on clothing and personal items.

What if my gear gets wet?

Mokoros will get your gear wet despite precautions. Pack everything in waterproof bags and bring quick-dry alternatives for essential items.

How to pack for a Botswana mokoro safari

Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors, waterproof bags for electronics, and insect protection. Your dugout canoe has limited space, so bring only essentials in a soft duffel bag. Most camps provide bedding and meals.

Choose the right luggage. Bring a soft duffel bag, not hard luggage. Mokoro canoes are narrow dugouts with minimal storage. Airlines allow 20kg but camps often restrict to 15kg including camera gear. Pack in a waterproof duffel or use dry bags inside a regular duffel.
Pack moisture-wicking clothing. Bring 3-4 quick-dry shirts, 2 pairs of zip-off pants, and lightweight long sleeves for evening. Avoid cotton - it stays wet and attracts mosquitoes. Choose khaki, olive, or brown colors. Bright colors spook wildlife.
Waterproof your electronics. Double-bag cameras, phones, and chargers in waterproof pouches. Mokoros sit low in the water and splash is inevitable. Bring extra batteries - solar charging is unreliable in the delta's dense vegetation.
Plan for insects and sun. Pack 30+ SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and 20% DEET repellent minimum. Tsetse flies bite through thin fabric, so choose thicker materials. Bring a mosquito head net for particularly buggy areas.
Include water essentials. Bring a 2-3 liter hydration system or bottles. Water is provided but having your own supply in the mokoro prevents dehydration. Pack water purification tablets as backup.

Can I bring my regular hiking boots?: No. Mokoros require you to step in and out of shallow water frequently. Bring quick-dry water shoes or lightweight hiking sandals with good grip.
How much camera gear can I bring?: Keep camera gear under 5kg total. Long telephoto lenses are difficult to use from a low, moving mokoro. A 70-300mm zoom covers most wildlife photography needs.
Do I need to bring bedding?: No. Safari camps provide tents, bedding, and meals. Focus your packing weight on clothing and personal items.
What if my gear gets wet?: Mokoros will get your gear wet despite precautions. Pack everything in waterproof bags and bring quick-dry alternatives for essential items.