Discovering Bokwi Island
Bokwi Island sits amid the intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta, offering visitors a quiet base for experiencing one of Africa’s most remarkable wetland ecosystems. Unlike larger, more developed islands, Bokwi remains largely untouched, with mopane woodlands, palm groves, and seasonal floodplains that attract both resident and migratory species.
How to Reach Bokwi Island
Most travelers fly into Maun, the gateway to the delta. From there, light-aircraft transfers land at nearby airstrips such as Xakanaxa or Khwai, followed by a short boat or mokoro ride across the channels to the island. Self-drive visitors can reach the delta’s eastern fringes via the Moremi Game Reserve roads, then arrange boat transport with licensed operators.
Wildlife and Activities
Early-morning mokoro excursions reveal hippos surfacing in the deeper lagoons and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Birdlife is exceptional: wattled cranes, African skimmers, and Pel’s fishing owls frequent the reed beds. On land, game walks or game drives may encounter impala, tsessebe, and the occasional elephant herd crossing between islands. Night drives, when permitted, often spotlight smaller nocturnal mammals and owls. Fishing for tigerfish and bream is popular from the island’s sheltered shores during higher water months.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, making game viewing most reliable. Peak flooding from June to August creates dramatic reflections and easier boat access. The green season (November to April) brings fewer visitors, lush vegetation, and breeding bird activity, though some tracks become impassable.
Nearby Attractions
Bokwi lies close to the Moremi Game Reserve’s eastern boundary and the Khwai community area, where day trips can combine delta waterways with classic savanna game drives. Further afield, the Chobe Riverfront and Savuti region offer contrasting elephant concentrations and predator sightings.
