South Gate Campsite: Gateway to Moremi's Wildlife Wonders

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Experience the raw African wilderness at South Gate Campsite, your gateway to Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta's wildlife wonders.

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South Gate Campsite

South Gate Campsite, also known as Maqwee, is a basic but well-situated campground located at the southern entrance to Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Offering essential amenities and easy access to prime game-viewing areas, it's a popular choice for self-drive adventurers seeking an immersive wilderness experience.

A brief summary to South Gate Campsite

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Local tips

Be aware that the campsite is unfenced; secure all food and belongings to avoid attracting wildlife like hyenas and honey badgers.
Bring a powerful torch for navigating the campsite at night, especially when walking to the ablution blocks.
Stock up on water and food before arriving, as there are no shops or purchasable items available at the campsite.
A 4x4 vehicle is essential for reaching South Gate Campsite and exploring the surrounding Moremi Game Reserve.
Book your campsite well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season (winter months), as the limited number of sites fill up quickly.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Santawani Lodge

Santawani Lodge: A Predator Paradise in Moremi

Khwai Private Reserve. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Khwai Private Reserve: A Botswana Wilderness Sanctuary

Okavango Hidden Gems Camp Maru

Okavango Hidden Gems Camp Maru: An Untamed Delta Escape

Getting There

Driving

From Maun, the gateway town to the Okavango Delta, South Gate Campsite is approximately 54km north. The drive takes around 2-3 hours on a sandy road, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. After leaving Maun, follow the A3 towards the north. You'll eventually see signs for Moremi Game Reserve and South Gate. The road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season, so be prepared for deep sand and potential water crossings. The final stretch to the gate is a game drive in itself, so keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Park entrance fees are payable at the gate in Botswana Pula (BWP) cash or by card at the DWNP offices in Maun. As of July 2025, fees for foreign nationals are approximately BWP 270 per adult and BWP 135 per child (8-17 years) per day. Vehicle fees are around BWP 75. Note that you may have to pay for a minimum of two days, even if staying only one night.

Discover more about South Gate Campsite

South Gate Campsite provides a quintessential Okavango Delta camping experience, offering a strategic entry point to the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Situated right at the South Gate entrance (also called Makwee Gate), the campsite serves as a convenient base for exploring the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of the southwestern Khwai area on the Okavango River. The campsites themselves are basic, providing the necessities for a comfortable bush experience. Each site typically includes a braai (barbecue) area and a water tap. Shared ablution blocks offer flushing toilets and hot water showers, often powered by solar energy. Note that there is no electricity available at the campsites. The unfenced nature of the campground allows for thrilling, albeit potentially unnerving, wildlife encounters right in the camp. Hyenas, jackals, honey badgers, and even elephants are known to wander through, so storing food securely is crucial. South Gate is more than just a place to pitch your tent; it's a launchpad for exploring the wonders of Moremi. Self-drive game drives are a popular activity, with the nearby Black Pools area offering particularly spectacular game viewing. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to admire, with diverse avian species inhabiting the surrounding woodlands and floodplains. While South Gate serves primarily as a transit camp for those venturing deeper into Moremi and the Okavango Delta, its proximity to the entrance gate and essential amenities make it a worthwhile stop for any self-sufficient traveler.