Moremi Game Reserve
The Okavango Delta’s protected heart, and the strongest predator viewing in Botswana. Bring a long lens and modest expectations of sleeping in.
The Moremi Experience
Moremi is more than a game reserve. It’s where habitat, heritage and predator density come together, in the section of Botswana’s Okavango Delta set aside to protect exactly that.
The eastern Delta
A protected wedge of the Delta’s eastern edge, built around Chief’s Island, and home to Botswana’s densest predator populations.
A landscape in layers
Nearly 5,000km2 of open floodplain, deep lagoon, mopane woodland and dry savannah, all layered into one reserve.
Predator country
Widely rated among Botswana’s strongest game viewing, reliably led by lion, leopard and African wild dog in genuine numbers.
In and out via Maun
A short flight from Maun, usually two to three nights, often paired with a private concession or neighbouring Khwai.
What Makes Moremi Special?
Wild by geography, protected by choice.
Habitat Variety, Compressed
Riverine forest runs into floodplain, floodplain into savannah, savannah into mopane woodland, and every species has a reason to be there. The result is game density that veteran safari-goers speak about with real respect, and predator viewing, particularly leopard and wild dog, that few reserves anywhere can match.
Set Aside by the BaTswana
Set aside in 1963 by the BaTswana people, Moremi was the first reserve in southern Africa proclaimed by a local community on their own land. That heritage matters, and it is part of why the reserve is run the way it is.
When is the Best Time to Visit Moremi?
Moremi offers a different experience depending on the month. The best time to visit depends less on the calendar and more on the experience you’re looking for.
Peak Season
July to October is peak: water and wildlife concentrate, vegetation thins and sightings come easily. Because Moremi holds permanent water year-round, this is when game viewing is at its most reliable.
Green Season
The green season, November to April, trades some visibility for lush scenery, birding and lower rates. Because Moremi holds permanent water year-round, it is one of Botswana’s most reliable regions in any month.
Where is Moremi Game Reserve and what regions does it pair well with?
Moremi Game Reserve protects the eastern third of the Okavango Delta, and the Khwai concessions sit directly on its north-eastern border, so a stay easily extends into either without much extra travel. Chief’s Island anchors the reserve, with Maun the usual gateway in and out.
Most guests stay two to three nights in Moremi, then pair it with a private Delta concession or Khwai, connected by a short light aircraft hop.
How Do You Get to Moremi?
Moremi is one of the most accessible parts of the Delta. Light aircraft link Maun to the reserve’s own airstrips in under half an hour, and to the edge camps along the Gomoti and Khwai rivers just as quickly.
By air from Maun
Light aircraft from Maun reach the reserve’s airstrips in under half an hour, the quickest and most common way in.
Edge camps, equally quick
Camps on the reserve’s edge, along the Gomoti and Khwai rivers, are just as fast and easy to reach by air.
Road, for the committed
Road access from Maun exists, but nearly all guests fly: it’s faster, and the Delta from a Cessna window is no hardship.
Moremi or a Private Concession?
Both options deliver serious Delta wildlife, just on different terms. Here’s the honest comparison:
Structure • Density • Value
Moremi is a public reserve, so the rules are stricter: no offroad driving, no night drives, no walking. In exchange you get outstanding game density and gentler pricing than the top private concessions. It’s a straightforward trade, and one most first-time visitors are glad to make.
Space • Access • Exclusivity
The concessions offer freedom and exclusivity at a premium. Our honest take: they are complements, not rivals. Two nights in Moremi for the sheer volume of wildlife, then two in a concession or Khwai for the freedom, is a combination we recommend often.
Where to Stay in and Around Moremi
Tawana, on the banks of the Gomoti River, is our current favourite: eight suites with private plunge pools inside the reserve itself, drawing on the heritage of the Batawana people who proclaimed Moremi. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp sits on Chief’s Island, long nicknamed the predator capital of Africa. Several of our Delta concession camps, including andBeyond Sandibe, border the reserve and traverse land its wildlife treats as home.
What Does a Moremi Safari Cost?
Moremi sits at a genuinely different price point to the Delta’s premium concessions, without asking you to trade down on wildlife. Here’s what to budget for:
Nightly Rates
All-inclusive rates run from the mid hundreds to around $2,000+ per person per night, depending on camp and season.
Park Fees
These are quoted separately from your nightly rates. Park fees apply on top and are subject to change.
Better Value
Moremi generally undercuts the premium private concessions, making it a strong value play within a Delta itinerary.
Moremi Game Reserve FAQs
Is Moremi part of the Okavango Delta?
Yes. Moremi Game Reserve forms part of the eastern Okavango Delta and protects some of its most wildlife-rich habitats, including Chief’s Island. It is the publicly managed part of the Delta, surrounded by private concessions.
Can you do night drives in Moremi?
No, night drives are not permitted inside Moremi Game Reserve. Game drives must take place during daylight hours. If night drives are important to you, we can combine Moremi with a nearby private concession where they are allowed.
What animals will you see in Moremi?
Moremi is known for excellent year-round wildlife viewing. You may see elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffalo, hippos and a wide variety of antelope and birdlife across its floodplains, woodland and lagoons.
How many nights should you spend in Moremi?
We recommend three to four nights in Moremi. This gives you enough time to explore different habitats and enjoy several game drives without feeling rushed.
Is Moremi good for a first safari?
Yes, Moremi is an excellent choice for a first safari. It offers strong wildlife viewing, beautiful Delta scenery and a classic Botswana safari experience, making it a great introduction to the Okavango region.
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Ready to Experience Moremi Game Reserve?
Tell us when you would like to travel and what matters most. We’ll shape a Moremi itinerary around the season, your budget and the way you like to safari.