Moremi Game Reserve
The only national-level reserve in the eastern delta, combining land and waterways. It is a top area for seeing lions, leopards, African wild dogs, and elephants, and it allows self-drive camping.
Moremi Game Reserve was established in 1963 at the initiative of the widow of Chief Moremi III of the Batawana people. It is one of the few reserves in Africa launched by a local community. It covers about 5,000 square kilometers, roughly one-third of the eastern delta, and includes Chief's Island. The reserve contains mopane woodland, grassland, flood plains, and lagoons, and animal densities are very high. Lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs (one of Africa's most stable populations), elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species are all found here, along with more than 500 bird species. Popular areas include South Gate, Third Bridge, and Xakanaxa, where you can take a boat across the lagoons to see heron breeding colonies. Visitors can stay at the Khwai community concession camps just outside the reserve, where night drives and off-road driving are permitted. Or they can self-drive and camp at public campsites inside the reserve, which requires a 4WD vehicle, wilderness experience, and advance booking. Entry and vehicle fees follow the rates published by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The drive from Maun to South Gate takes about 2 hours. Sandy roads are bumpy, and some sections may be flooded during the rainy season.
Opening hours
About 6:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (adjusted seasonally)
Nearby sights
- Third Bridge (Moremi)
- Mboma Island
- Xakanaxa Lagoon
- Chief's Island
- Khwai Community Concession
- Mokoro Channels
- Thamalakane River
- Okavango Delta Scenic Flight