Top Khwai River Cruises: Find Your Perfect Safari Sailing Tour
Thinking about getting out onto the water for a safari? The Khwai River, snaking through Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta, offers something pretty special when it comes to experiencing wildlife. Ditching the usual jeep for a boat gives you, like your, a whole different view, bringing you closer to animals and birds in a surprisingly intimate way. Very different kinds of cruises are available, that is, from short, chilled-out mokoro trips (traditional dugout canoes), right up to several days, kind of, living on a houseboat affair. I want to help find just the right one to float your boat (yes, that’s a boat joke!).
Why Choose a Khwai River Cruise?
Jeep safaris, they can be awesome, sure. But honestly, a cruise, it’s just something else. The quiet approach on the water, well it seems to let you creep up a little closer to animals as they come down to the riverbank to drink. That sort of experience is incredibly special. Instead of just a quick peek, or a long wait to see something, you watch elephants splashing, hippos grunting, plus countless bird species, all without the engine’s roar of a vehicle. Very magical in some respects. Also, you get some amazing photo opportunities from the unique water-level vantage point.
Top 5 Khwai River Cruises & Sailing Tours
So, how do you go about sorting through all the different tour outfits to pick something truly awesome? This, too, is the bit where I step in. I’ve compiled what is like a rundown of 5 great Khwai River cruises, keeping in mind stuff, such as comfort, value, how eco-friendly they are and the kind of wildlife sightings people tend to experience.
1. The Mobile Mokoro Trail (Okavango Explorations)
Looking to slowly float along, soaking up the tiny details? A multi-day mokoro trip, like the ones offered by Okavango Explorations, can be super immersive. Imagine gliding silently through reed beds, basically your only sound is the gentle ripple of water as your poler (the guy steering the mokoro) propels you along. This is often a walking safari as well, with guides who seriously know their stuff about the local flora, fauna, and what the animals get up to. Anyway, these expeditions are run with sustainability at the forefront, having very little impact on the precious surroundings. That, like your, might appreciate something.
What’s good: Intimate wildlife encounters, walking safaris, amazing guiding, and truly eco-friendly operation.
Points to remember: Camping is basic, but honestly, this is about getting as close to nature as you can.
Read our full review: Okavango Explorations Mokoro Trail Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Okavango Explorations)
2. Khwai River Houseboat Safari (African Luxury Hideaways)
Craving some comfort? The Khwai River houseboat safaris operated by outfits such as African Luxury Hideaways bring together wildlife viewing and a seriously pleasant place to sleep. So you spend your days on smaller tender boats getting really close to the action, but when the sun dips, you retreat back to the houseboat for meals, drinks, and maybe a dip in a small onboard pool (some houseboats even have these!). At the end of the day this is obviously more of a leisurely way to take it all in, ideal maybe if traveling with family. We kind of get like our.
What’s good: Comfortable lodging, onboard amenities, expert guiding, awesome for families.
Points to remember: Maybe you’re looking for something with more adrenaline-pumping, then there are better options.
Read our full review: African Luxury Hideaways Houseboat Safari Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (African Luxury Hideaways)
3. The Khwai Canoe Safari (Wilderness Botswana)
Feeling like actually doing something? A canoe safari with Wilderness Botswana lets you be a bit more involved. Paddling down the Khwai in a stable canoe, there is an even closer feel to nature, that might appeal to some people. The guides seriously take care of all the logistics, finding killer campsites each night, fixing really awesome meals, also still keeping a proper eye out for game. As a matter of fact this gives a really neat mix of activity and observation.
What’s good: Hands-on experience, active adventure, expert guiding, gorgeous campsites.
Points to remember: Expect some physical exertion (paddling isn’t always as easy as it looks!)
Read our full review: Wilderness Botswana Canoe Safari Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wilderness Botswana)
4. Photographic River Safari (Captured in Africa)
Seriously want to get some killer shots? Then check out photographic river safaris put on by specialist operators. Something like Captured in Africa focuses pretty strongly on positioning, lighting, and the behaviour of animals, that is, so that people come away with images which would get you noticed. Very skilled photographic guides are also on board to give instructions and guidance, also using boats kitted out with camera mounts for stability. By the way it’s photography heaven!
What’s good: Expert photographic guidance, tailored itineraries, great for all skill levels.
Points to remember: Maybe your budget’s tight, because this may very well be at the premium end.
Read our full review: Captured in Africa Photographic Safari Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Captured in Africa)
5. Community-Run Khwai Cruises (Khwai Development Trust)
Do you fancy something that benefits the locals? Supporting a community-run operation such as the Khwai Development Trust gives something back. All right, you’re investing directly into local livelihoods. That being said these cruises, even still they provide good opportunities for wildlife sightings and some insight into the Khwai people’s culture. Guides who really grew up in the area share some awesome knowledge about the local ecosystem. And, it’s helping with sustainability.
What’s good: Supports local community, offers authentic cultural insights, promotes sustainable ecotourism.
Points to remember: Operations maybe are not as slick or refined, possibly, as some commercial setups.
Read our full review: Khwai Development Trust Cruises Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Khwai Development Trust)
Read our full review: Khwai Development Trust Cruises Full Review and Details