About Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve takes up most of the eastern side of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and incorporates 5 000 square kilometers of wilderness. It’s part of the larger UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta Game Reserve.

The reserve includes permanent water, drier areas and diverse habitats which add up to create many rewarding experiences for African safari goers.

Location

Moremi occupies about 40% of the Okavango Delta and lies on the southeastern border of Chobe National Park.

Due to its prime location, Moremi Game Reserve is considered for inclusion in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Brief History

Moremi occupies the Okavango Delta’s oldest preserved section. The reserve gets its name from Chief Moremi III, and it represents one of Botswana’s first commitments to conservation.

David Livingstone first came across the Moremi area in 1848, and more European hunters soon followed.

Chief Moremi’s widow, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, who ruled the area after his death, eventually instigated the formation of a protected park due to concerns about over-hunting in the area.

In 1963, it was proclaimed a game reserve, rather than a national park. This designation allows the indigenous BaSarwa (bushmen) to remain in the area and continue with their traditional way of life.

In the 1970s, Chief Moremi’s Royal Hunting Grounds were added to the reserve.

In 1989, the abundant wild dog population of Moremi became the subject of a conservation project which has been ongoing ever since.

Accommodation

Thanks to Botswana’s innovative ecotourism policies, the reserve can sustain itself on income from low-impact lodges which ensures Moremi maintains its pristine environment.

This results in visitors enjoying the most authentic experiences possible at the lodges within the reserve.

There are also four camping areas at South Gate, Xakanaxa, Khwai, and Third Bridge.

Several lodges on the outskirts of Moremi also offer game drives and other activities within the reserve.

Dining

Moremi’s luxury lodges offer fully inclusive stays. The meals served are often surprisingly lavish and nourishing considering their remote location.

If you opt for camping in Moremi, you’ll need to bring along all your own food and drinks. There are no shops inside the reserve.

Children

Children are welcome at Moremi Game Reserve. Some activities involving wildlife may have age restrictions.

Activities

The Okavango River is the centerpiece of life in the Moremi Game Reserve. The river travels 1 600 km from the Angola mountains and never reaches the sea, creating a year-round oasis for creatures great and small.

While it’s not one of Africa’s largest parks, Moremi Game Reserve offers many exciting activities for those who venture here. Most of these outings arise from the private camps dotted across the park, but you can embark on self-drive safaris from the campgrounds of Moremi.

Activities within Moremi include:

• Game drives
• Mokoro safaris
• Walking safaris
• Birding walks
• Sightseeing

No trip to Moremi is complete without visiting Chief’s Island and the Moremi Tongue.

Fauna and Flora

The Moremi Game Reserve is an excellent destination for spotting over 500 species of birds, including the rare slaty egret. You’ll also get to see some of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife species, like:

• Wild dog (Cape hunting dog)
• Lion
• Leopard
• Rhino
• Elephant
• Hippo
• Buffalo
• Cheetah
• Plains game
• Lechwe
• Black-backed jackal
• Spotted hyena

The habitat is diverse and includes lagoons, thickly wooded areas, acacia forests, floodplains, and savannahs.

Packing List

Some essential items to bring along for your trip to Moremi include:

• A camera
• Sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizing lotion, and sunblock
• Swimming costume and towels
• A map and guidebook
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Binoculars, preferably one pair for each person
• Torch
• Mosquito repellent and anti-malaria medication

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Moremi National Park is via air charter from Maun Airport. Most of the camps are only accessible via airplane or helicopter, too.

Self-drivers can access Moremi via South Gate or North Gate. South Gate is around 90 kms from Maun and 30 kms from North Gate. The road from Maun is clearly signposted and tarred for the first 60 kms.
You must have a 4×4 to enter Moremi.

Plan Your Next Adventure

Are you inspired to take your African travels beyond Namibia? Browse our travel guide for more interesting insights about Africa’s most exciting destinations and check out our blog for travel inspiration and tips.

Disclaimer
Please Note: The details shared herein around products and services, are correct at the time of publishing. However, with time some of this information may change. We recommend confirming information with suppliers prior to making final travel arrangements. If you do happen to find an issue with any information we’ve shared here, please feel free to contact us so that we can make the relevant changes.