Moremi Game Reserve
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Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana

Experience Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve was established in 1963 by the Batawana people, making it Africa's first reserve to be created by an indigenous community on their own tribal land. Covering approximately 4,871 square kilometres, it protects some of the most ecologically diverse and visually stunning terrain on the continent, where the floodwaters of the Okavango Delta meet open savanna and mopane woodland.

The reserve is divided into several distinct areas. Chief's Island, the largest landmass in the delta and a year-round refuge for wildlife, sits at the heart of Moremi and is accessible only by light aircraft or mokoro (dugout canoe). The Third Bridge area, on the western edge, is beloved by self-drive visitors for its stunning scenery and excellent predator activity, while Xakanaxa Lagoon is a birding hotspot of international renown.

Wildlife densities in Moremi are exceptional. The reserve is home to substantial populations of lion, leopard, African wild dog, cheetah, and spotted hyena. Large herds of buffalo, elephant, red lechwe, tsessebe, and zebra gather on the floodplains, particularly during the dry season. Moremi is widely considered the best place in Africa to spot the endangered African wild dog, with several well-habituated packs regularly seen in the reserve.

Activities include game drives, mokoro excursions through papyrus-lined channels, motorboat trips across open lagoons, guided bush walks, and birding safaris. The combination of land and water-based activities makes Moremi uniquely versatile among African safari destinations.

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Popular Safaris in Moremi Game Reserve

6-Day Mokoro Adventure Trip
6 Days

6-Day Mokoro Adventure Trip

From

$1,840.00

8-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Explorer
8 Days

8-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Explorer

From

$3,346.00

5-Day Moremi Hippo Tented Safari
5 Days

5-Day Moremi Hippo Tented Safari

From

$1,860.00

Iconic Highlights

1

• One of Africa's best destinations for African wild dog sightings

2

• Stunning water and land safari combination via mokoro and 4WD

3

• Chief's Island — a wildlife haven accessible only by air or boat

4

• Exceptional big-five game viewing throughout the year

5

• Xakanaxa Lagoon: a world-class birdwatching destination

6

• Africa's first community-established game reserve — rich in conservation heritage

Wildlife & Nature

Lion

Elephant

Leopard

Buffalo

Cheetah

Giraffe

Zebra

Wildebeest

Hippo

Wild Dogs

Flamingo

Climate & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Monthly Averages

MonthTemp HighTemp LowRainfall
Apr26°C--°C-- mm
Aug26°C--°C-- mm
Dec31°C--°C-- mm
Feb32°C--°C-- mm
Jan31°C--°C-- mm
Jul22°C--°C-- mm
Jun22°C--°C-- mm
Mar31°C--°C-- mm
May23°C--°C-- mm
Nov31°C--°C-- mm
Oct30°C--°C-- mm
Sep30°C--°C-- mm

Travel Requirements

  1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates
  2. Visa-free entry for most nationalities; check requirements for your country
  3. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if travelling from endemic countries
  4. Park entry fees payable in USD or Botswana Pula at park gates

   5.    Valid passport with at least 6 months validity

    6.    Park entry fees required — payable at South Gate or North Gate

    7.    4WD vehicle essential for self-drive; roads flood during the wet season

    8.    Booking permits required for camping at Third Bridge and Xakanaxa

  1. Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond travel dates
  2. Travel insurance strongly recommended; medevac cover essential for remote camps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
June to September combines the annual flood peak with the dry season, concentrating wildlife on islands and making game viewing spectacular. July and August are particularly popular. The delta is worth visiting year-round, but October to December can be very hot and the rainy season (November to April) makes some areas less accessible.
How do you get around the Okavango Delta?
The three main ways are mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), motorboat, and 4WD game drive vehicle. Most fly-in camps offer a combination of all three. Light aircraft transfers between camps are common and provide stunning aerial views of the delta's channels and wildlife below.
How much does an Okavango Delta safari cost?
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most expensive destinations due to its remote, fly-in access and Botswana's high-value, low-volume tourism policy. Expect to pay USD 800–2,500 per person per night at luxury lodges, which typically includes accommodation, meals, activities, and laundry. Budget options exist in the Moremi Game Reserve section.
Is the Okavango Delta safe to visit?
The delta is safe for visitors following guide instructions. Wildlife encounters — particularly with hippos, elephants, and crocodiles — require caution around water. All licensed guides are trained in safety protocols. Malaria is present throughout the delta, so prophylaxis and insect protection are strongly advised.

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Dest Type

Game Reserves

Status

Entry Permits Required

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