Moremi Game Reserve

Quick Facts

  • Country: Botswana
  • Size: ~487,100 hectares (4,871 km²)
  • Established: 1963 (The first reserve in Africa created by local residents)
  • Districts: Ngamiland (Okavango Delta)
  • Wildlife: The Big Five (including reintroduced rhino); Wild Dogs; Red Lechwe.
  • Malaria Zone: High risk; prophylaxis is recommended.
  • GPS Coordinates: ~19°10′S 23°10′E
  • Fence Status: Unfenced; integrated into the Okavango Delta ecosystem.
  • Habitat: Permanent lagoons, seasonal floodplains, and acacia forests (Chief’s Island).
  • Best Time to Visit: July–October when the delta floodwaters are at their peak.

Overview

Moremi is often described as the most beautiful reserve in Africa. It covers the eastern section of the Okavango Delta, combining permanent water with dry land. This creates a "garden of Eden" effect where wildlife density is incredibly high and the scenery is spectacular.

Location & Access

  • Main Entry Gates: South Gate (Maun side) and North Gate (Khwai side).
  • Air Travel: * Maun Airport (MUB): The gateway to the Delta.
  • Bush Flights: Most visitors arrive at remote camps via "puddle jumper" light aircraft.
  • Road Access: High-clearance 4x4 is mandatory; many tracks involve deep water crossings.
  • Internal Roads: Narrow, sandy tracks through mopane forests and over wooden bridges.

Habitats & Landscapes

  • The Delta Panhandle: Deep water channels and papyrus beds.
  • Chief’s Island: The largest landmass in the Delta, offering some of the best dry-land game viewing.
  • Mopane Tongue: Thick forests that provide a stark contrast to the surrounding water.

Wildlife Highlights

  • African Wild Dogs: Moremi is one of the last great strongholds for these endangered predators.
  • Red Lechwe: An aquatic antelope often seen splashing through shallow floodplains.
  • Rhino: Thanks to intensive conservation, both Black and White Rhino can be found on Chief’s Island.
  • Leopards: Highly successful in the riverine forests along the Khwai River.

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Climate
Why Visit?
Peak Flood
June–August
Mild/Cool
The annual flood arrives from Angola; the Delta is at its most beautiful and boat safaris are optimal.
Hot Dry
Sept–October
Very Hot
Predators are easy to find as they stick close to the shrinking water channels.
Green Season
Nov–March
Rain/Lush
Stunning photography and birding; many animals give birth during this time.

Safari Styles

  • Mokoro Safaris: Traditional dugout canoes pushed by a "poler" through the shallow channels—silent and immersive.
  • Luxury Fly-In: Remote, eco-conscious lodges accessible only by air.
  • Land & Water Mix: Unlike the deep Delta, Moremi allows for both 4x4 game drives and boat excursions.

Key Takeaway

Moremi offers the ultimate "Wild Africa" experience. It is the gold standard for travelers who want to see the Big Five in a lush, water-dominated wilderness where the human footprint is minimal.