What You Need to Know Before Visiting Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve
Loved as one of Africa’s most diverse and pristine wildlife destinations, Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana is a must-visit for travellers looking for an adventure in the wilderness, complete with spectacular animal sightings, mesmerizing views, and well-appointed accommodations. Here’s what you need to know before going on a Moremi safari.
Located on the eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta, this protected area offers a remarkable blend of ecosystems – from floodplains and mopane forests to lagoons and acacia woodlands – making it one of the best game-viewing areas in Southern Africa.
If you’re considering a safari in Moremi Game Reserve, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Where is Moremi Game Reserve?
Moremi lies within northern Botswana and forms part of the greater Okavango Delta region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its seasonal floodwaters and dramatic wildlife migrations. Covering about 1,900 square miles, Moremi was the first reserve in Africa to be established by locals, a conservation success story that began in 1963 when the BaTawana people recognised the need to protect the region’s unique biodiversity.
Today, it stands as one of the most ecologically rich parks on the continent, home to predators like lions, leopards, and African wild dogs, as well as abundant antelope and more than 400 bird species.
When is the Best Time to Visit Moremi Game Reserve?
The best time to visit Moremi Game Reserve largely depends on the type of safari experience you’re after.
- Dry season (April to October):This is peak safari time, with clear skies, little rainfall, and increasing wildlife concentrations around permanent water sources. Game viewing is exceptional during these months due to wildlife congregating around the remaining water sources.
- Wet season (November to March):This time of year brings lush green landscapes, migratory birds, and fewer tourists. It’s ideal for photographers and those seeking a quieter safari.
How to Get to Moremi Game Reserve
Getting to Moremi can be part of the adventure. Travelers typically land in Maun, which serves as the Okavango Delta’s entry point; from there, they can take a light aircraft or a guided 4×4 transfer to reach the reserve.
Accommodation Options
Moremi caters to a range of safari styles. You’ll find everything from luxury tented lodges with private plunge pools and open-air bathrooms to remote bush camps and designated public campsites for those self-driving or joining an overland tour.
Many visitors choose to explore Moremi as part of a mobile camping safari, which combines the thrill of bush camping with expertly guided wildlife experiences.
You can practically guarantee proximity to wildlife wherever you stay. Elephant herds frequently pass through campgrounds, and the call of lions at night is not uncommon.
Wildlife Highlights
What sets Moremi Game Reserve apart is the sheer variety of animals in such a compact area. Big game sightings are almost a given, but Moremi is also celebrated for rarer species such as:
- African wild dogs– endangered and often hard to spot elsewhere
- Sitatunga antelope– adapted to the delta’s swampy terrain
- Pel’s fishing owl– a bucket-list bird sighting for twitchers
Water-based safaris by mokoro (traditional dugout canoes) offer a unique way to experience the delta and the animals that call it home.
Responsible Travel and Conservation
Moremi has long been at the forefront of community-led conservation. The preservation of endangered species and the maintenance of local communities’ standard of living are both bolstered by tourists.
The design of tourism here is low-impact, with no mass tourism or oversized lodges and a strong focus on preserving the ecosystem for future generations.
Final Tips for Travellers
- Book early– especially if traveling during the dry season or looking to stay at premium lodges
- Pack smart– bring layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, and don’t forget insect repellent
- Choose a knowledgeable operator– guided safaris significantly enhance the experience, particularly for first-time visitors
Whether you’re an experienced safari traveler or you’re planning your first safari in Africa, Moremi Game Reserve is a must-visit for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Remote, raw, and richly biodiverse – this is Botswana at its wildest.
