How to ford a river in the Okavango Delta: tips and steps to follow

If you're about to travel to Botswana and your itinerary includes a stop in the Okavango Delta, you should be prepared for the possibility—actually, a fairly likely one—of fording some rivers. In other words, crossing the river by driving your Jeep through it, trying to make it safely from one bank to the other.
Sometimes it's simply unavoidable: the Okavango Delta is a maze of dirt tracks and waterways, and if you choose not to ford... the only alternative is to turn back and abandon your route.
To ford a river with a Jeep or any 4x4 vehicle, it's important to use the right technique. So we’ve put together a few key steps and tips to follow.
 

Steps for fording a river in the Okavango Delta

1) Assess the situation

First of all, assess the depth and current of the river, and try to identify the safest crossing point. 
 

2) Prepare the Jeep

Make sure the windows are closed and that the snorkel is working properly, to prevent water from getting into the engine.

3) Low-range gears

When crossing a river, it's best to engage low range. If you travel with us, for example on our Botswana trip, our Expedition Leader will explain how it works. Low range increases torque at the wheels, giving you better control of the vehicle at low speed.

4) Choose the right gear

The gear you should use depends on the depth of the water, the strength of the current, and the type of riverbed. In general, we always recommend using a low gear, such as first or second, so you can maintain a steady, controlled pace without pressing too hard on the accelerator.

5) Keep a steady pace

Maintain a steady, moderate speed. The goal is to create a small bow wave in front of the vehicle, which helps keep water away from the engine. Avoid changing gear during the crossing, as this could cause you to lose traction.
 

6) Hold your line

Once you’ve started fording, it’s important to keep a straight line and avoid stopping. If you run into difficulty, it’s better to reverse along the same path than to try turning the vehicle around.

Once you're across, check that the Jeep hasn’t lost any parts—and that your luggage isn’t floating away in the Okavango because the trunk was accidentally left open. 
 

CONCLUSION
In this article, we’ve looked at how to ford a river in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, with useful step-by-step advice. You may be thinking, “Ford a river?! I’ve never done that—I’ll never manage it!” But setting off on a Sto Gran Tour Expedition means challenging yourself, building new skills, and taking on new adventures. You’ll discover an inner strength you didn’t know you had—and you’ll be amazed when you make it through. Even across a river. Discover our Botswana itinerary!