Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Why Visit the Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve, located in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is a breathtaking wilderness that combines seasonal floodplains, winding waterways, and dry woodlands, creating one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich ecosystems in Africa. Covering approximately 5,000 square kilometres, Moremi is the only officially protected area within the Delta, offering a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.

During the dry season, the reserve provides an exceptional safari experience, as wildlife congregates around the permanent water sources. Elephants, buffalo, and antelope are abundant, while predators such as lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas take advantage of the plentiful prey. The clear lagoons and papyrus-fringed channels attract an array of birdlife, including African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers.

In the green season, Moremi transforms into a lush paradise as the rains bring new life to the landscape. Vast floodplains burst into bloom, drawing large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and impala, closely followed by predators. This season also offers spectacular birdwatching, with migratory species arriving in great numbers. Whether exploring by land or gliding through the tranquil waterways by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), Moremi provides an unparalleled safari experience in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas.

Did you know?

The Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana is the first wildlife sanctuary in Africa to be established by local people. In 1963, the Batswana people set aside part of their ancestral lands to protect the region’s incredible biodiversity, making it a pioneering example of community-driven conservation.

Birdwatching Paradise

Moremi’s diverse landscapes — ranging from floodplains and lagoons to woodlands and savannahs — support nearly 500 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Highlights include the African fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, and vibrant carmine bee-eaters.

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Highlights of the Moremi Game Reserve

  • Diverse Ecosystems: Moremi Game Reserve boasts a unique blend of habitats, including savannahs, winding waterways, dense forests, and seasonal floodplains, each supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna.
  • The Big Five: Moremi is home to Africa’s renowned Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo—offering visitors exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
  • Predator Paradise: The reserve is a vital stronghold for predators, with regular sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog.
  • Mokoro Excursions: Experience the Okavango Delta’s waterways aboard traditional mokoro canoes, offering a serene and intimate perspective of the reserve’s aquatic ecosystems.
  • Birdwatcher’s Haven: With over 500 bird species recorded, Moremi is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, especially during the wet season when migratory species are present.
  • Scenic Landscapes: The reserve’s picturesque landscapes, from lily-covered lagoons to dense mopane woodlands, provide a stunning backdrop for photography and nature appreciation.
  • Seasonal Transformations: Throughout the year, Moremi undergoes remarkable changes, with the dry season offering optimal wildlife visibility and the wet season bringing lush greenery and new-born animals.

Good to know

Getting to the Moremi Game Reserve

  • By Air: The most convenient way to reach Moremi is by taking a light aircraft flight from Maun or Kasane to one of the reserve’s airstrips, such as Xakanaxa or Khwai. These flights are operated by regional charter airlines and offer stunning aerial views of the Okavango Delta.
  • By Road: Moremi can also be accessed by 4×4 vehicles from Maun, which is about a 4-5 hour drive, depending on road conditions. The route requires off-road driving experience, especially during the rainy season when some areas become flooded.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

During the dry season from May to October, when the rains disappear and the wildlife gather around the remaining water sources – it makes for outstanding game viewing.

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