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Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve Luxury Botswana Safaris

Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. This is one of the Okavango Delta’s most remote and unspoiled regions with a great selection of luxury lodges and camps with Mokoro safaris and excellent game viewing.

Moremi Game Reserve lies peacefully in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the ultimate African destination for luxury Botswana safaris. A dream holiday to what’s considered to be the most beautiful wildlife sanctuary in Africa can be part of special multi-country itineraries. Voted Best Game Reserve in Africa in 2008, this biodiversity hotspot is also the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta. 

It’s here where intimate eco-camps take cover beneath tall statuesque trees signifying a safari like no other in all of Botswana. Community guides paddle traditional canoes up secret channels in pursuit of Pels Fishing Owls on your journey of a lifetime to Moremi.

Did you know?

The Moremi Game Reserve spans nearly 40% of the Okavango Delta, a unique ecosystem fed by the Okavango River, flowing from Angola before vanishing into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the Indian Ocean. Renowned for its diverse habitats and thriving wildlife, Moremi is a biodiversity masterpiece and a true safari paradise.

Highlights

  • Moremi Game Reserve is called the Garden of Eden for a reason – lush riverine habitats, grasslands, floodplains, lagoons, and tall trees full of presence. 
  • It’s a good place to see rare predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, lions, leopards and African wild dogs.
  • Both black and white rhinos are slowly being reintroduced into Moremi for safekeeping.
  • The dry season (May to November) is best for exciting game drives to water sources where a wealth of thirsty animals gathers. The wet season (December to April) is best for Mokoro rides to secret lagoons.
  • Moremis is one of the only places and reserves in the delta where game drives are permitted. there are some restrictions with no night driving and sticking to existing tracks.

Whats special about Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi was the first reserve in Africa to be established by local residents in 1963. Mrs Moremi, the wife of deceased Chief Moremi lll, supported the Batawana initiative to protect the wildlife in their ancestral lands from uncontrolled hunting and cattle encroachment. In the 1970s, Chief’s Island was added to the game reserve, having previously been the chief’s hunting grounds. The reserve is a tribute to these tribal members for their foresight. 

The Khwai Concession spans 1,800 km on Moremi’s border and has been transformed from a hunting concession to an actively managed conservation area. The Khwai Development Trust runs the show on behalf of the Khwai Village community offering popular rustic eco-camps with mokoro and boat excursions, walking, and cultural tours. Meanwhile, Khwai Private Reserve embraces an astonishing 200,000 hectares of untamed wilderness on the edge of the Delta, tucked between Moremi, Chobe, and the Kwara concession to the west. The Khwai River is the central feature. 

When is the best time to visit Moremi Game Reserve?

The best time for a safari to Moremi is during the dry season (May–October), when wildlife gathers around permanent water sources, making animals easier to spot. June to August offers travellers cooler temperatures and some of the best game viewing in Botswana, if not Africa!. The wet season (November–April) brings lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, but some areas become inaccessible due to flooding. If you want a quieter experience with fewer tourists, the green season (December–March) is ideal, offering discounted lodge rates and stunning photographic opportunities.

Is Moremi Game Reserve part of the Okavango Delta?

Yes, it is. Moremi Game Reserve is in the eastern Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta in Botswana. Covering a large part of the delta’s eastern sector, it serves as a crucial protected area within this unique ecosystem. Established in 1963, it was the first reserve in the Okavango, allowing indigenous Bushmen and Batswana to remain. The reason why Moremi was elected as a game reserve instead of a national park was to still allow the native Bushmen and Batswana people to stay within the Moremi. Moremi Reserve boasts diverse landscapes, from mopane woodlands to floodplains and lagoons and is a prime game-viewing destination in Botswana.

How do I get to Moremi Game Reserve?

Most visitors fly into Maun, Botswana’s safari hub, and then take a light aircraft flight to airstrips within the reserve. Moremi is also accessible by 4×4 from Maun, with the drive taking around 4–5 hours. The roads can be rough, so be prepared. Moremi is well-connected to other destinations like Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, making it easy to combine different safari experiences. By far the easiest option linking Moremi to other safari destinations in Botswana is by light air transfer.

Where To Stay in the Moremi Game Reserve?

Lodges and camps in Moremi and the Okavango region vary in experience and exclusivity. Moremi’s safari camps are spread across different areas, with some in the publicly accessible Xakanaxa Lagoon region and others in private reserves, including those on and around Chief’s Island. Our Travel Experts have personally visited these accommodations, ensuring they can recommend the perfect match for your needs. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or seclusion, we have the ideal option for you. Here are our top safari camp recommendations in Moremi Game Reserve.

Khwai River Lodge –

A luxury safari lodge in Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, offers stunning views of the Khwai River and its abundant wildlife. Renowned for its exceptional game viewing, the lodge features elegant tented accommodations, gourmet dining, and expert-guided safaris, ensuring an unforgettable, immersive African wilderness experience.

Camp Moremi –

Camp Moremi, provides a luxurious and intimate safari experience. Overlooking the scenic Xakanaxa Lagoon, it features 12 spacious thatched safari tents, including one family unit, accommodating up to 24 guests. With breathtaking surroundings and exceptional hospitality, Camp Moremi offers an unforgettable African wilderness adventure.

What wildlife can I see in Moremi?

Moremi is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—though rhinos are rare. It’s also one of the best places to see wild dogs, along with hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from floodplains to mopane woodlands, attract over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. During the dry season, large herds of elephants and buffalos gather, while predators like cheetahs and hyenas hunt in open grasslands.

What safari options are available in Moremi?

Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions, and walking safaris. Game drives offer close encounters with big game, while boat and mokoro trips provide a unique perspective on the waterways, showcasing aquatic wildlife like hippos and crocodiles. Walking safaris, led by experienced guides, allow a more intimate experience with nature. Mobile camping safaris are also popular, providing a more immersive bush experience. Many safaris combine Moremi with the Okavango Delta for a complete adventure.

How long should I stay in Moremi?

A three-to-four-day safari in Moremi is ideal, allowing time to explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife. If you are considering combining Moremi with other Okavango Delta camps, Chobe National Park, or the Central Kalahari, then a seven-ten-day itinerary offers a more comprehensive Botswana safari experience. Those seeking a deep wilderness adventure may stay longer on tented mobile safaris.

Is Moremi Game Reserve safe for visitors?

Yes, Moremi is generally safe, but visitors should always follow their guide’s instructions and remain inside vehicles during game drives. Avoid walking alone at night in camps, as wild animals roam freely. Mokoro and boat safaris require caution due to hippos and crocodiles. Botswana is a stable and low-crime country, but standard travel safety measures apply.

Are malaria precautions necessary for Moremi Botswana?

Yes, Moremi is in a malaria-risk area, especially during the wet season (November–April). Visitors should consult a doctor about anti-malarial medication and take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves in the evening, and sleeping under mosquito nets. Many lodges provide mosquito nets and repellents, but bringing personal protection is advisable. If traveling with children, ensure they have appropriate malaria protection. Other vaccinations, such as yellow fever (if coming from certain countries), may also be required.

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