Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is the oldest protected reserve in the Okavango Delta and combines mopane woodland and floodplains, offering diverse habitats rich in wildlife.

The Moremi is home to the most endangered species of large mammals: the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog, and lion. For birding enthusiasts, over 500 bird species can be found in the Moremi, including the elusive Pel’s fishing owl

Activities in this reserve include game drives, birdwatching, and mokoro safaris, which are Botswana safari tours in dugout canoes, giving travellers a different perspective of animals as they drink and play in the water.

Top Destinations in Moremi Game Reserve

For stunning game-viewing opportunities, we recommend these two locations in Moremi:

Chief’s Island: A Big Five Safari Spot

Located in the Moremi Game Reserve, Chief’s Island is the largest island in Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta, offering travellers a truly unique safari experience in southern Africa. This landmass measures 70 km/43 mi long and 15 km/9 mi wide and is renowned for its dense wildlife populations, which include the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes).

If you’re looking for an exclusive and immersive safari vacation filled with thrilling game drives and memorable activities, make sure to add Chief’s Island to your Botswana safari travel list.

Xakanaxa Lagoon: Prime Birdwatching Destination

Situated in the heart of the reserve, Xakanaxa is a prime game viewing and birdwatching area. You can go on game drives around this area or take to the water for a boat safari.

Wildlife to see here includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, sable antelopes, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, and waterbucks. Predators like lions and leopards can be seen here, too.

The birdwatching here is fantastic, with twitchers having the opportunity to spot species such as jacanas, herons, spoonbills, and storks, as well as sacred ibis and buttonquails.

Safari Expert Tip: “Including the Moremi with a land-based camp and the Okavango Delta with a water-based camp is always a superb combination. Add Chobe, Savute, Central Kalahari, or Makgadikgadi Pans as a third stop, and you have an amazing Botswana safari.” – Susan

When’s the Best Time to Visit Moremi Game Reserve?

For the very best game-viewing opportunities, plan your trip during the dry season, from July to October. The vegetation dries out, making wildlife easier to spot.

If you want to see lush landscapes and focus on birdwatching, opt for the wet season, from November to March. During this time of year, there are migrant species in the park, and many birds are breeding.

Animals Found in Moremi Game Reserve

There are a variety of animals that can be seen in abundance here, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeest. Lions, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs do make appearances in the park, while rhinos and cheetahs are rare.

For birding enthusiasts, common birds found here include the African fish eagle, African skimmer, green-winged pytilia, and the southern carmine bee-eater. Rarer species are the slaty egret and Pel’s fishing owl.

How to Get to Moremi Game Reserve

Once you get to Maun International Airport, you can take a charter flight to one of the airstrips within Moremi Game Reserve.