The Moremi National Park Botswana, also called Moremi Game Reserve, is a 4871 km² large national park in Botswana. The area was declared a park in 1963 with the aim to protect wildlife numbers.
It stretches from the north-eastern part into the west of the Okavango Delta and covers nearly a third of the Delta’s total area.
It forms the heart of the Okavango Delta. The Chobe National Park borders the Moremi Game Reserve to the north.
Connoisseurs regard the Moremi as one of the most beautiful and interesting parks in Africa. Its location is unique being situated in the so-called Okavango Panhandle.
Consisting of a network of 5 main river arms, lakes, reeds, islands and forests. The park is only accessible from the east and only has 300 km of roads.
Only 20% of the area of the park consists of land surface. Click here for the best safari lodges around Moremi National Park Botswana and their prices.
Brief History of Moremi National Park Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve is one of the best game reserves in Botswana. There is a unique story behind the history of the reserve. The Moremi game reserve is in honour of Chief Moremi 111.
Proclamation of the reserve in 1963 was a new step forward in conservation in Botswana. The declaration was a reserve and not a national park. The basarwa or bushman originally from this area stays as usual in reserve.
The Moremi Game Reserve covers the most significant area east of the Okavango Delta. Moremi has permanent water and drier landscapes. This landscape is ideal for the wildlife of Botswana.
It is a unique environment for wildlife. The riverine forest and miombo allow trees and savannah to meet in this biosphere. Chief Moremi was concerned with hunting in this area and wanted to preserve the wildlife for the future generation.
When to Visit Moremi Reserve
We recommend that you consult before travelling. Because the waterways can create significant challenges for crossing the Moremi from January to June.
The best times to visit will be from July to November. Moremi is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. And we suggest that you make your travel arrangements at least 12 months in advance.
Moremi game reserve offers natural wild camping sites with minimum facilities. You will receive a water point and BBQ area. You need to provide the rest yourself.
The camps have no fences. And it is not uncommon for wildlife to roam free through your camping site.
During the dry season from July to October most animals move from the dry areas to the permanent watering place. That allows outstanding game viewing possibilities.
Mokoro-canoe excursions can be one way of exploring the park. Excursions with a knowledgable guide are advisable. Exploring the complete Moremi – and Delta – area is only possible by plane.
Wildlife in the Moremi Game Reserve
An astonishing amount of game is found here. Moremi Reserve yearly attracts many visitors and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world.
The roads leading towards the reserve are two spoor sand tracks. These roads can often be underwater every year. The Okavango River floods yearly and creates a swampland in and around the Moremi.
The permanent water and food are a significant attraction for the natural wildlife of this area in Botswana. These waterways are home to reptiles, water birds, raptors, insects, and various life forms.
It is a contrast to the natural environment—the perfect habitat for the wildlife of Botswana. Any time of the year is ideal for visiting the wild Moremi game reserve.
Read Also: Top 10 Botswana National Parks to Visit This Year
Elephants are numerous, especially during the dry season. As are many others: buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals and all kinds of antelope species, large and small.
Aquatic birds are also found in abundance, especially herons and egrets. Over 500 species are found here.
Accommodation in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Lodges and Camps are mostly reached by plane from Maun. Guests as well as supplies are transported like this. Individual travelers have to present a reservation to be able to enter at the park gates. 4×4 vehicles, all supplies including fuel, GPS and maps are essential when travelling here.
Top 22 lodges & safari camps in and around Moremi wildlife reserve
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Botswana Private Mobile Safari | The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it’s exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go. |
| Machaba Camp | Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing. |
| Xigera Safari Lodge | Located deep in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit. |
| Xakanaxa | Xakanaxa Camp is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb game viewing. |
| Khwai Lediba | Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve. |
| Sable Alley | Smart, independent and well-run, Sable Alley overlooks a beautiful, hippo-filled lagoon within the diverse Khwai Private Reserve. |
| Okuti | Okuti Camp has an innovative design and offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve. |
| Mombo Camp | Mombo is one of Botswana’s most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities. |
| Little Machaba | Overlooking the Khwai River and Moremi Game Reserve beyond, Little Machaba is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a great game-viewing area. |
| Chief’s Camp | Chief’s Camp is situated on Chief’s Island, within the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana’s top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro. |
| Hyena Pan | Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Hyena Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals. |
| Camp Moremi | Camp Moremi lies within the Moremi Game Reserve, in one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana. |
Continuation of the lodges & safari camps in and around Moremi
| Camp Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Little Mombo | One of Botswana’s top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief’s Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve. |
| Skybeds | Situated in a private reserve close to Moremi Game Reserve, Skybeds offers a simple yet wonderful opportunity to sleep under the stars and watch wildlife from your bed. |
| Tuludi | Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains. |
| Sango Safari Camp | Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana’s camps, with an area that’s scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings. |
| Little Sable | Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe. |
| Khwai Bush Camp | Khwai Bush Camp offers great guiding, excellent wildlife watching and simple but comfortable accommodations the productive Khwai community area. |
| Khwai Leadwood | Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. |
| Khwai River Lodge | Khwai River Lodge is a luxurious and well-equipped safari camp, on the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve. This area isn’t exclusive, but it is beautiful and has excellent game. |
| Mokete | New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness. |
| Tawana | An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana will have just eight very spacious suites. |
Things to Do in Moremi National Park Botswana
Game drives
Going on a game drive through Moremi unveils a cinematic landscape—endless plains dotted with acacia trees, riverine forests, and vast lagoons. The game drives provide an opportunity to witness the daily dramas of the animal kingdom, from lion prides basking in the sun to herds of elephants gracefully crossing the landscape.
Walking safaris
For the adventurous souls, walking safaris offer an intimate experience with Moremi’s wildlife. Led by experienced guides, visitors can appreciate the subtleties of nature, from tracking animal footprints to observing the intricate web of life in the smaller inhabitants of the reserve.
Boat safaris
Moremi’s uniqueness extends to its water channels, and boat safaris provide a tranquil journey through this aquatic wonderland. Crocodile-infested rivers, submerged hippos, and a dazzling array of birdlife make every boat safari a serene and immersive experience.
Bird watching
Bird watchers rejoice in Moremi, as the reserve and national park is a haven for over 500 bird species. From the striking African fish eagle to the delicate carmine bee-eater, every feathered resident adds a burst of color and melody to Moremi’s vibrant tapestry.
Strategic bird-watching spots within the reserve, such as Xakanaxa Lagoon and Third Bridge, offer prime opportunities to observe both resident and migratory birds. The symphony of birdcalls accompanies park visitors as they traverse the diverse landscapes of Moremi.
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