Widely considered to be one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, Moremi Game Reserve is also home to an impressive array of endangered African animals.
In the heart of the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, Moremi Game Reserve was established by the BaTawana people to protect the region’s wildlife and named after Chief Moremi of the African tribe.
Although the park is relatively small compared to others, at only under 5,000 square km, the mosaic of grassland, forests, flood plains, savannahs, and lagoons is a rich, diverse habitat, home to a mind-boggling array of wildlife – from herds of elephants, hippo, crocodiles, and the hard to find sitatunga antelope, to predators like the endangered African wild dog, lion, cheetahs, and leopards. Moremi is now one of the only places in Botswana where you can see the big five since rhino have been re-introduced.
The best time to visit is in the dry season from July to October, when the wildlife in Botswana concentrates on the permanent water, and the flora and fauna is dry and flat, making better viewing possible. Bird-lovers should visit from November to April, when many of the bird species return from migration. October-December can be too hot for some visitors. But at any time of the year, game viewing is prolific (as are malarial mosquitoes, so anti-malarial medication is strongly advised).
Moremi Game Reserve entrance fee
Park entry fees for Moremi are 120 pula for adults (non-residents/citizens) aged 18 or over, 60 pula for children 8 to 17 years, and free for children under 8.
Moremi Game Reserve highlights
Must-dos at Moremi include bird-watching at the Gcodikwe Heronry, game drives in search of the Big Five, and sightings of the rare wild dogs. The scenic Chiefs Island is well worth a visit (and is home to many safari lodges and camps), as is forested Mopane Tongue, in the east.
Activities at Moremi Game Reserve
With such a diverse landscape, the park can be explored in a myriad of ways – in 4×4’s, on foot and by mokoro—a dug-out canoe steered by a personal guide.
The mokoro canoe is the best way to see endangered birds like the wattle crane, plus countless other species, but sturdier boat cruises are also available to see an even greater array of wildlife.
Getting to Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi is easily accessible from the North via Chobe, another of Botswana’s most popular National Parks. Moremi can also be accessed by air (small aircraft fly to the reserve’s lodges) and by road from Maun. Self-driving within the park is not advised, as the maze of sandy roads vary greatly, and are virtually inaccessible during the rainy season.
Search & book accommodation around Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve has a wide variety of tented lodges and safari camps to choose from. Most are high quality, luxury properties, promising excellent game-sighting opportunities.
Suitable for adult groups and couples, and housed in a luxurious Moremi Tree Lodge, shaded by ebony trees, Camp Moremi boasts a huge lounge, dining room, secluded pool, and a research library.
Another super plush property is Mombo Camp, which offers game drives in the morning and afternoon. Suitable for families and single travellers, these luxury tents each come with ensuite bathrooms, and guests can enjoy dinner under the stars and a plunge pool.
Xakanaxa Camp, on the banks of the Khwai River in the Xakanaxa Lagoon, has an excellent selection of activities, from trips in a dugout canoe to bird-watching. The small details like hooded ponchos sprinklers with a warm lining for cold evenings, free toiletries, and fans and water make this camp extra special, and ideal for everyone from couples to families.
Have you been to Moremi Game Reserve and have any tips to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!
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