Moremi Game Reserve

About Moremi Game Reserve

The world-famous Moremi Game Reserve covers the Eastern and central parts of the Okavango Delta, and is regarded as one of the prime game viewing areas in the world. This iconic game reserve features lagoons and a host of different wildlife species and natural wonders, including the jewelled green acacia forests. 

Moremi Game Reserve is made up of a number of distinct parts, including the Khwai River, Khwai Community area, Xakanaxa Lagoon, Third Bridge campsite and its jewel in the crown: Chief's Island, which is the most desirable place in the world for a safari. 

A visit to this awe-inspiring game reserve provides an unforgettable experience for all, thanks to its low density of camps and high density of animals, while also being home to some of Botswana's most unique game. There is so much to be explored on an African safari here, with the immersive Chobe National Park also bordering the reserve; offering an adventurous trip from start to finish.

The lush vegetation supports a huge variety of animal and birdlife, making the Moremi Game Reserve the place to be for the best big game viewing in Botswana. The number of lodges on the island is limited, too; providing an ultra-exclusive game viewing experience.

The Khwai River lies at the North-Eastern tip of this reserve and is a superb location for seeing the otherwise elusive leopard, as well as housing 500 species of bird. Beyond the river is the Khwai Community area, which, while not officially part of the reserve, shares an unfenced border to allow the free movement of game. This area also contains a number of lodges, all of which offer off-road game drives, walks and night drives.

All of these diverse reserves have their own extraordinary features and reasons to visit. Chief's Island takes its name from Chief Moremi III, a local leader who used the area as his royal hunting ground until the late 1970s. It is one of the largest permanent dry areas in the Delta, making it a superb location for game viewing all year round, as well as being home to one of Botswana's two populations of wild rhino.

Additionally, venture to the Xakanaxa Lagoon, where the desert meets the delta and where waterways are surrounded by dense mopane forest; offering an excellent birding location. This lagoon is also a great area for leopard spotting because these wondrous animals are well camouflaged as they move through the trees. With just three camps in the area, it offers a really intimate and exclusive safari experience.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk 

Seasons

• November to April: The rainy season captivates visitors with spectacular wildflowers, dramatic thunderstorms and wonderfully photogenic sunsets. The plains game also give birth to their young meaning the predators are never far away
• May to October: As the rains recede, animals congregate around the permanent water as the seasonal pans dry up. Game viewing is excellent throughout this period, with September and October seeing the return of migratory birds such as herons and storks

Wildlife

The scientific name for the African Wild dog means “painted wolf”

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans

The fastest land animal in the world, a cheetah can reach 70 miles per hour in 3 seconds

African Buffalos have a symbiotic relationship with many African birds such as the Oxpecker

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

In The Know

• A stay at one of the camps on Chief's Island will give you the chance to see rhino in the wild in Botswana - a rare opportunity as there are only two places in the country that offer this
• The Moremi is a wonderful place for birding, especially around the Xakanaxa Lagoon where lodges offer specialist birding guides
• This is the most expensive area of Botswana, but it is worth compromising slightly on the quality of lodges elsewhere to experience a visit here - it is truly spectacular
• This is a great area for seeing endangered animals such as wild dog and rare birds such as the wattled crane.