Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Basin Travel Guide

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Explore Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve: A diverse landscape teeming with wildlife in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

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Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve, located in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta, is a protected area known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Established in 1963, it was the first reserve in Africa created by local people. It offers an unparalleled safari experience with its varied landscapes and high concentrations of animals.

A brief summary to Moremi Game Reserve

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Moremi Game Reserve.

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for self-driving, especially during the wet season.
Book accommodations and campsites well in advance, especially for travel during peak season.
Pack binoculars for enhanced wildlife and bird viewing.
Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and following your guide's instructions.

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Explore Moremi Game Reserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Moremi Game Reserve, mapped for you.

Getting There

Air

The most convenient way to reach Moremi Game Reserve is by flying into Maun International Airport (MUB). From Maun, you can take a chartered flight to one of the airstrips within the reserve, such as Xakanaxa or Khwai. These flights offer stunning aerial views of the Okavango Delta. Prices for a seat on a Mack Air shuttle flight from Maun to your lodge in Moremi range from US$210 to US$240 per person, each way.
Road

If you prefer to drive, you can reach Moremi from Maun in about 4-5 hours. A 4x4 vehicle is essential, especially during the wet season, as the roads can be challenging. The drive to the South Gate of Moremi from Maun takes less than 2 hours. Park fees for international non-residents are BWP 270 (approximately $20 USD) per person per day, plus BWP 115 (approximately $8 USD) per vehicle per day. These fees are payable in cash at the gate.

Discover more about Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve, a jewel within Botswana's Okavango Delta, stands as a testament to community-led conservation and exceptional biodiversity. Proclaimed a reserve in 1963, it was named after Chief Moremi III of the Batawana tribe, whose widow, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, championed its creation to protect the area's dwindling wildlife. This pioneering initiative makes Moremi one of the first reserves in Africa established by indigenous people.Covering approximately 5,000 square kilometers, Moremi protects a significant portion of the eastern Okavango Delta. Its diverse terrain encompasses mopane woodlands, acacia forests, floodplains, and lagoons, creating a rich tapestry of habitats. This variety supports an astounding array of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. The reserve is particularly renowned as a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog.Moremi offers visitors a classic African safari experience, with game drives providing opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Mokoro excursions, traditional dugout canoes, offer a unique perspective on the delta's waterways and their inhabitants. Walking safaris provide an intimate encounter with the bush, accompanied by experienced guides. Key attractions within Moremi include Chief's Island, known as the "predator capital of the world" , and the Xakanaxa Lagoon, a picturesque area ideal for birdwatching and boat cruises.The best time to visit Moremi is during the dry season (May to October) when animals congregate around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier. However, the wet season (November to April) transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.Moremi's legacy extends beyond its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It stands as a symbol of how local communities can drive conservation efforts and benefit from sustainable tourism.