Moremi Game Reserve: The Jewel of the Delta

A Unique and Diverse Ecosystem

Moremi Game Reserve is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta. It is a unique and diverse ecosystem, with a mosaic of lagoons, floodplains, and forests. This variety of habitats supports an incredible abundance and diversity of wildlife. Moremi is widely regarded as one of the best game viewing destinations in Africa. For more on the Okavango Delta, visit our destinations page.

The Big Five and More

Moremi is a Big Five destination, with healthy populations of lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. It is also one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered African wild dog. The reserve's waterways are home to a large number of hippos and crocodiles, and the birdlife is prolific. Game drives and boat cruises in Moremi are always full of exciting sightings. Our safari operators can help you plan a trip that maximizes your chances of seeing the Big Five.

A Community-Run Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is unique in that it was the first reserve in Africa to be established by local residents. The reserve was created by the BaTawana people in 1963 to protect the area's wildlife. Today, the reserve is still managed by the community, and a visit to Moremi helps to support the local people and their conservation efforts. For more on community-based conservation, visit our knowledge center.

Planning Your Moremi Safari

Moremi is a year-round destination, but the best time for game viewing is during the dry season, from July to October. The reserve is home to a number of luxurious lodges and camps, which offer a high level of comfort and service. To get an idea of the costs for a safari to Moremi, use our cost calculator. Our team can help you plan an unforgettable safari in the jewel of the Okavango Delta.

A Deeper Dive into Moremi's Seasons

While the dry season from July to October is often cited as the prime time for a Moremi safari, a more nuanced understanding of its seasonal rhythms reveals opportunities for incredible experiences year-round. The best time to visit truly depends on your priorities, whether they are predator action, birdwatching, or lush landscapes.

The Dry Season: July to October

This is classic safari season in Moremi. As seasonal waterholes dry up, wildlife congregates in massive numbers along the permanent rivers and lagoons like the Xakanaxa Lagoon. The bush thins out, making animals easier to spot from a distance. This is the best time for observing predator-prey interactions, particularly with lions and leopards. The critically endangered African wild dog, a Moremi specialty, is also more frequently sighted during these months as they require vast territories to hunt.

> Expert Insight: The late dry season (September and October) offers the most dramatic game viewing but also the highest temperatures. If you can handle the heat, the density of wildlife around the remaining water sources is a spectacle you will never forget. It's the perfect time to witness large herds of elephants and buffalo.

The Wet Season: November to April

Often called the 'Green Season', this period transforms Moremi into a lush, vibrant paradise. The rains bring life, and with it, the birthing season for many antelope species. This, in turn, attracts predators, offering unique sightings of young animals and predator action. It's also the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive in their thousands. The landscape is stunningly beautiful, perfect for photography.

> Traveler's Tip: While the wet season offers incredible value and fewer crowds, be prepared for afternoon thundershowers. Some roads may become impassable, so it's crucial to travel with an experienced guide. A mokoro (traditional canoe) trip during this time is magical, gliding through channels filled with water lilies. For more tips on planning your trip, connect with our safari operators.

Exploring Moremi's Key Wildlife Hotspots

Moremi is a mosaic of different habitats, each offering a unique safari experience. Knowing where to go is key to unlocking the reserve's treasures.

Chief's Island

The largest island in the Okavango Delta, Chief's Island is the former hunting ground of Chief Moremi and is now a protected sanctuary. It is renowned for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The island is also a vital area for rhino conservation, with both black and white rhinos having been reintroduced.

Xakanaxa Lagoon

Located in the eastern part of the reserve, the Xakanaxa Lagoon is a permanent body of water that attracts a plethora of wildlife. It's one of the best places in Botswana for boat-based safaris, offering close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds, including the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl. The surrounding woodlands are home to leopards and a healthy population of elephants.

Khwai River Area

The Khwai River forms the northern boundary of Moremi Game Reserve. The area is famous for its resident packs of wild dogs and regular leopard sightings. The Khwai Community Concession, adjacent to the reserve, offers the flexibility of night drives and walking safaris, which are not permitted within the national park. This provides a more intimate and varied safari experience.

Accommodation: From Classic Camps to Ultimate Luxury

Moremi offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Whether you're looking for a rustic bush camp or a lavish lodge, you'll find it here. For a detailed breakdown of costs, our cost calculator is an excellent resource.

• Luxury Lodges: For those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and service, camps like Mombo Camp and Chief's Camp on Chief's Island offer an unparalleled luxury experience. Expect private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and expert private guides.
• Classic Tented Camps: Camps such as Camp Moremi and Xakanaxa Camp provide a more traditional safari experience with comfortable en-suite tents, excellent guiding, and prime locations within the reserve.
• Mobile Safaris: For the adventurous traveler, a mobile safari offers an immersive way to explore Moremi. These safaris move between private campsites, allowing you to discover different areas of the reserve while enjoying a high level of comfort and service.

A Sample 3-Day Moremi Itinerary

To give you a taste of what a Moremi safari can be, here is a sample itinerary. Remember, every safari is unique and can be tailored to your interests.

• Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon Exploration. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch, settle in, and then head out for your first game drive. Explore the surrounding area, getting a feel for the landscape and its inhabitants. Return to camp for a sundowner and dinner under the stars.
• Day 2: Land and Water Adventures. Start the day with an early morning game drive, when predators are most active. After a leisurely brunch, embark on a boat safari on the Xakanaxa Lagoon or a mokoro trip through the channels. This offers a different perspective of the Delta's ecosystem. In the late afternoon, another game drive will take you in search of new sightings.
• Day 3: One Last Safari and Departure. Enjoy a final morning game drive, perhaps tracking a leopard or a pack of wild dogs. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your onward journey, filled with memories of the jewel of the Okavango Delta. To start crafting your own Moremi adventure, plan your safari with us.