The objective of this study is to examine the use of indigenous knowledge in the promotion of ecotourism based livelihoods in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Theoretically, the paper uses the concepts of indigenous knowledge and sustainable livelihoods to address the following questions: a) what is the link between indigenous knowledge and promotion of ecotourism-based livelihoods? and, b) how effective is indigenous knowledge in promoting ecotourism livelihoods in the Okavango Delta? Results from primary and secondary data sources indicate that communities such as the Wayei of Seronga and other surrounding villages like Ditshiping use their traditional knowledge of the river waterways to transport tourists in mekoro (dug-out canoe). The Hambukushu and Wayei in Etsha 6, Gumare, Shakawe, Shorobe and Maun produce baskets for sale to tourists. Basket production and mekoro safaris are some of the ways rural communities aim at using their local knowledge to benefit from the growing tourism industry in the Okavango Delta. This promotes the development of ecotourism-based livelihoods in the Okavango Delta.