Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve covers approximately 4,871 km² on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. It was proclaimed a reserve in 1963 by the Batawana people and named after Chief Moremi III, making it one of the first protected areas in Africa to be established by a tribal community. The reserve encompasses a remarkable diversity of habitats — permanent waterways, seasonal floodplains, mopane woodlands, and acacia forests — supporting an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Moremi is part of the larger Okavango Delta UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the finest wildlife viewing areas in Africa.

By Plane

Maun International Airport (MUB) is the main gateway, approximately 100 km south-west. Charter flights from Maun land at airstrips within the reserve (e.g. Xakanaxa, Khwai River, Third Bridge).

By Car / Road

Moremi is accessible by 4x4 vehicle from Maun via the South Gate (time: 2–3 hours depending on conditions). Self-drive visitors need a high-clearance 4x4 and must book campsites in advance. The reserve roads are deep sand and can be challenging.

Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle are the primary mode of exploration. Guided game drives are available from lodges and camps. Self-driving is permitted only on designated roads. Mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris operate in the permanent water channels near Xakanaxa.

• Wildlife concentrations — Moremi is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino in some areas), wild dogs, cheetahs, hippos, and abundant antelope.

• Xakanaxa Lagoon — A stunning permanent lagoon with rich birdlife and excellent game viewing.

• Panhandle and waterways — The reserve's channels and lagoons are best explored by boat or mokoro.

• Game drives — Half-day and full-day drives, best at dawn and dusk.

• Mokoro safaris — Silent exploration of the delta channels (seasonal, water-dependent).

• Birdwatching — Over 400 species including Pel's fishing owl, wattled crane, and slaty egret.

• Photography — The combination of water, light, and wildlife makes Moremi a photographers' dream.

Lodges provide full-board meals for guests. Self-drive visitors must bring all food and cooking equipment. Picnic sites are available.

Bring plenty of bottled water. Lodges provide water for guests.

• Camping — Designated campsites at Xakanaxa, Third Bridge, and South Gate. Book via Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
• Mid-range: Khwai River Lodge — tented camp on the Khwai River, from USD 400 per person/night.
• Upscale: Sanctuary Chief's Camp — luxury bush camp on a private concession, from USD 800 per person/night.
• Upscale: Camp Okavango — permanent tented camp on Nxaragha Island, from USD 700 per person/night.

There are no shops inside Moremi. All provisions must be purchased in Maun before entering. Lodges and camps have small curio shops.

• Maun — 100 km south-west, the gateway town with full services.
• Chobe National Park — 180 km north-east via the Savuti region.
• Okavango Delta — Moremi is part of the larger delta ecosystem, with camps and lodges in the surrounding concessions.