Engaging in water-based game viewing ranks among the most enriching experiences on an African safari. Observing wildlife from the vantage point of a small boat or canoe offers distinct perspectives, and drifting along Africa’s rivers and lakes stands as one of the most serene adventures conceivable.

Navigating the Pristine Waters of the Okavango

For enthusiasts eager to spend time on water, Botswana’s Okavango Delta emerges as a premier destination. Whether you’re angling from a motorized boat, paddling in a canoe, or gliding through the delta in a mokoro (a traditional dug-out canoe, which is now often crafted from fiberglass to conserve trees), the aquatic activities and the wildlife encounters along the waterways provide a remarkable and distinct viewpoint for appreciating the natural world.

Canoeing the Mighty Zambezi

For those seeking adventure, three- or four-night canoe expeditions on the Zambezi River offer the chance to navigate your own canoe, encounter wildlife, camp in simple tents at fly camps along the riverbanks, and even experience bushwalking. The Zambezi’s prime locations for canoe safaris include Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe and Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Additionally, canoeing expeditions are available on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba or along the Selinda Spillway near the Okavango Delta.

The Majestic Luangwa River of Zambia

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is another prime destination for water-based exploration. During the summer, the Luangwa River floods, becoming navigable by mid-January. This season showcases the valley’s dramatic beauty, with lush vegetation, full rivers and lagoons, and boating safaris that offer close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Visitors can also enjoy stunning skyscapes, sunsets, a plethora of migratory birds, clear night skies, and the occasional dramatic tropical rainfall, making it an exhilarating time to explore the South Luangwa Valley.

Exploring Africa’s Wildlife-Rich Rivers and Lakes

Water-based activities extend beyond these locations to include the remote Kunene River in northern Namibia, the extensive Zambezi River from Victoria Falls downstream, the Rufiji and Sand rivers in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, and the iconic Rift Valley lakes across Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi.

Water is the lifeblood of Africa, with many of the continent’s most significant wilderness areas sustained by rivers or vast bodies of water. These waterways provide ample opportunities for water safaris, allowing adventurers to experience Africa’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife from a unique perspective.