Why Borokwe Island Stands Out
Borokwe Island sits deep within the Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters create a mosaic of channels, islands, and floodplains. The island offers visitors an intimate experience of the delta without the crowds found at larger camps. Its location supports abundant birdlife and allows easy access to both permanent waterways and seasonal grasslands that attract elephants, lechwe, and other antelope.
How to Reach Borokwe Island
Most travelers fly into Maun International Airport, then continue by light aircraft to a nearby airstrip such as Xakanaxa or Khwai. From the airstrip, a short boat transfer across the delta channels brings visitors to the island. Some operators also arrange scenic helicopter flights that provide aerial views of the winding waterways before landing.
Activities on and Around the Island
Mokoro and Motorboat Excursions
Traditional dugout canoes, known as mokoros, glide silently through narrow channels, allowing close observation of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Motorboat trips reach wider lagoons where larger game can be viewed from the water.
Walking Safaris and Birding
Guided walks on the island and neighboring land reveal smaller wildlife and more than 400 bird species recorded in the delta. Early morning and late afternoon walks yield the best sightings of bee-eaters, kingfishers, and raptors.
Stargazing and Camp Life
With minimal light pollution, clear nights offer exceptional stargazing. Evening campfires often include stories from local guides about delta ecology and traditional use of the waterways.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October brings lower water levels that concentrate wildlife near permanent channels and make walking easier. Peak flood months of July and August offer the most dramatic water scenery, while the green season from November to April suits birders seeking breeding plumage despite occasional heavy rains.
Nearby Places Worth Exploring
- Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing by vehicle on the eastern edge of the delta.
- Chief’s Island provides larger floodplains and higher concentrations of big game during the dry months.
- Khwai Village and its community-run camps give insight into local Bayei culture and conservation efforts.
