Kayaking in Botswana
Including Boteti River, Chobe River, and Okavango Delta Panhandle. On the map.
The vibe
Paddling through the narrow, papyrus-lined channels feels like a silent, intimate encounter with nature where you are at eye level with the reeds and water birds. It is best enjoyed during the cooler months when the water is high and the heat is manageable for a full day of exploration. You will typically join a guided excursion, which keeps the experience safe and well-managed while allowing you to drift past grazing wildlife in total quiet.
Boteti River
Central District
Explore the intermittent floodwaters of the Boteti River as it carves along the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Paddling here reveals dramatic desert-edge landscapes and visiting zebras.
Access. Accessible via seasonal guided river safaris arranged through lodges in the Makgadikgadi region near Khumaga.
Notes. Water levels vary wildly depending on annual flood inflows; check local conditions before planning.
Chobe River
Chobe District
Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Glide along the broad, tranquil frontier waters of the Chobe River where herds of elephants swim across the channels. Kayakers experience up-close wildlife viewing from water-level amidst floating meadows and floodplains.
Access. Guided day-paddles and sunset kayak excursions are operated by specialized eco-lodges based out of Kasane.
Notes. Beware of hippos, crocodiles, and commercial river traffic; guided trips with experienced safety escorts are mandatory.
Okavango Delta Panhandle
North-West District
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Paddle through crystal-clear labyrinthine channels and papyrus-fringed lagoons in the upper Okavango Delta. This remote riverine wilderness offers multi-day expedition kayaking alongside hippos, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
Access. Multi-day guided wilderness kayak safaris depart from Shakawe and Sepopa, utilizing professional support motorboats.
Notes. Experienced paddlers only due to large wildlife encounters and strong seasonal flood currents. Best from June to September.
Selinda Spillway
North-West District
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Navigate the historic Selinda Spillway connecting the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti river system when seasonal waters flow. This remote corridor provides secluded wilderness touring through untouched wetlands.
Access. Exclusive guided multi-day expeditions operate out of high-end private safari camps in the Selinda Reserve.
Notes. Highly seasonal flow; fully guided expedition style only due to complete wilderness remoteness.