Moremi Game Reserve is the wild heart of the Okavango Delta and, many argue, the finest reserve in Botswana. Proclaimed in 1963 by the Batawana people — the first protected area in Africa created by an African community — it covers the eastern third of the Delta, roughly 5,000 km² of floodplain, lagoon, mopane forest and island. Here dry land and permanent water sit side by side, so a single day can carry you from a 4x4 drive tracking lion on Chief's Island to a mokoro glide past painted reed frogs and day water-lilies. Moremi holds all of the Big Five and one of Africa's densest populations of endangered wild dog, alongside leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and huge breeding herds of elephant and buffalo. With more than 500 recorded bird species, it is a birder's dream. The camps here — from legendary Mombo on Chief's Island to the classic lagoon camps of Xakanaxa — rank among the most celebrated in Africa.
We don't just show you the Delta. We read its water for you. Whether the flood is high or low changes everything — which camp, which island, boat or mokoro or 4x4. We time your stay and pair your camps so land and water both work in your favour.
At a glance, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana spans 5,000 km² reserve, big five + wild dog, protected since Reserve 1963 — and the best time to be here is typically May – October.
Mokoro Excursion Through the Channels
Glide silently through the Delta's papyrus channels in a mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe, poled by an expert local guide. At water level you notice the small wonders — painted reed frogs on a stem, a malachite kingfisher, day lilies opening in the sun. It is the most peaceful way to experience the Okavango, and unique to this water wilderness.
- Poled mokoro
- Expert local poler
- Water-level game viewing
- Birding
Why Go
- Chief's Island — the Delta's richest big-cat country, home to lion, leopard and cheetah
- One of Africa's strongest populations of endangered African wild dog
- Water and land in one reserve — 4x4 drives, boat cruises and mokoro on the same stay
- All of the Big Five, with elephant and buffalo in large breeding herds
- 500+ bird species, from Pel's fishing owl to wattled crane and African skimmer
- Xakanaxa Lagoon and the Moremi Tongue — iconic Delta scenery and heronries
🌊 Planning Your Botswana Safari?
For the complete botswana safari resource - expert guides, honest costs, luxury lodges, curated itineraries, and everything you need to plan your trip - visit our comprehensive hub:
View Complete Botswana Safari Hub →
The Three Key Areas of Moremi: Chief’s Island, Khwai and Xakanaxa
Moremi is really three distinct safari experiences in one reserve. Here is how they compare:
| Area | Wildlife Highlights | Landscape & Activities | Signature Lodges | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief’s Island | Lions, leopards, cheetah, buffalo, elephants — highest predator density in Moremi | Dry mopane woodland & floodplains, classic 4x4 game drives, no permanent water | Mombo Camp, Chief’s Camp (ultra-luxury) | Big cat enthusiasts, predator photography, Big Five tick-list |
| Khwai (North Gate) | Wild dogs (strongest population), lions, elephants, hippos, 400+ bird species | Khwai River & floodplains, mix of water & land, night drives & walking in concessions | Camp Khwai, Sable Alley, Khwai Tented Camp | Wild dog sightings, birding, night drives, value safaris |
| Xakanaxa Lagoon | Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, sitatunga, Pel’s fishing owl, heronries | Permanent lagoon & channels, boat cruises, mokoro, water-based game viewing | Camp Moremi, Camp Xakanaxa (luxury & mid-range) | Classic Delta water experience, birding, mokoro excursions, peaceful ambiance |
Chief’s Island delivers the highest predator action; Khwai is the wild dog capital and best value; Xakanaxa is the water & birding paradise.
Moremi Safari Lodges: Price Tiers and What You Get
Moremi is a luxury fly-in destination. Here is what you can expect at each price level:
| Tier | Price (per person / night) | What’s Included | Example Lodges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping (Self-Drive) | $30–$60 (campsite fees only) |
Designated campsites (Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, Khwai), ablution blocks, firepit — you supply all gear, food, 4x4 | Public DWNP campsites |
| Upscale Fly-In | $800–$1,500 | Comfortable tented suites, meals, local drinks, game drives, boat/mokoro (water permitting), expert guide | Camp Moremi, Camp Xakanaxa, Camp Khwai |
| Luxury / Ultra-Luxury | $2,000–$4,500+ | Exclusive suites, private decks/plunge pools, gourmet dining, premium drinks, unlimited activities, dedicated guides, private concessions | Mombo Camp, Chief’s Camp, Xigera Safari Lodge |
Rates are fully inclusive except camping. Light aircraft transfers from Maun cost extra (typically $200–$400 per person round-trip).
Month-by-Month: When to Visit Moremi for Each Experience
Moremi is year-round, but the Delta’s flood and the dry/wet seasons create dramatically different experiences:
| Month | Wildlife & Viewing | Flood / Water Levels | Weather & Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Green season peak, newborns, migratory birds (500+ species), game dispersed in thick bush | Low water, mokoro limited | Hot (30–35°C), afternoon storms, lush, LOW rates (30–50% off) |
| Apr–May | Shoulder season, rains ending, animals returning to permanent water, birding excellent, pleasant temps | Flood arriving (Angola rains reach Delta), water rising | Mild (20–28°C), occasional rain, SHOULDER rates (good value) |
| Jun–Aug | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PEAK! Dry season, wildlife concentrated, predators hunting, wild dog denning (Jun-Aug) | FLOOD PEAK — channels full, mokoro & boat safaris at their best | Mild days (22–26°C), cold nights (near 0°C), crystal clear, PEAK rates |
| Sep–Oct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Late dry peak, highest game concentration, elephants & buffalo at water, very hot | Flood receding, some channels dry, boat safaris winding down | Very hot (30–42°C), dry, dusty, PEAK rates |
| Nov–Dec | Early rains, calving season, birding picks up, game dispersing, dramatic skies | Water low | Hot (28–35°C), afternoon storms, humidity, SHOULDER → LOW rates |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = peak viewing. July–October is the classic Moremi window, but Jun-Aug offers the best combo of flood + dry season wildlife.
Sample Moremi Itineraries: 3-Day Classic with Real Budgets
Here is what a real Moremi safari looks like, with typical activities and all-inclusive pricing:
| Itinerary | Days & Activities | What You’ll See | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Moremi Classic (Upscale Camp) |
Day 1: Fly Maun → Moremi, afternoon game drive Day 2: Full day (sunrise drive, boat/mokoro, afternoon drive) Day 3: Sunrise drive, fly out |
Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, wild dogs (if lucky), 500+ bird species, Delta channels | $3,500–$6,000 (inc. 3 nights camp, flights ex-Maun, meals/drinks, activities) |
| 3-Day Moremi Ultra-Luxury (Mombo / Chief’s) |
Same schedule as Classic, but at Mombo or Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island (predator capital) | Highest predator density in Moremi — lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, Big Five, exclusive private concession | $9,000–$15,000+ (inc. 3 nights ultra-luxury, flights, gourmet meals/premium drinks, unlimited activities) |
| 3-Day Moremi + Khwai Combo (Two Camps) |
2 nights Xakanaxa (water & birding) + 1 night Khwai (wild dogs & predators) | Best of both Moremi worlds: Delta water experience + highest wild dog sightings in Africa | $4,000–$7,500 (inc. 3 nights two camps, inter-camp flights, all meals/drinks, activities) |
Prices fully inclusive. Most visitors stay 3 nights minimum; combining Moremi with Chobe or Linyanti gives the complete Botswana experience.
Wildlife & Big Game
Of the Big Five you can expect Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino here. Here is what the guiding team looks for on a typical few days in the bush.
Lion. Strong prides on Chief's Island, famous for hunting buffalo
Leopard. High densities along the tree lines and islands
African Elephant. Large breeding herds crossing between islands
Buffalo. Big herds on the floodplains, key prey for lion
Rhino. Both black and white rhino reintroduced to the Delta
African Wild Dog. One of Africa's best places to see the endangered painted wolf
Cheetah. Hunt the open floodplains and grasslands
Hippopotamus. Pods throughout the lagoons and channels
On Safari: What to Do
Mokoro Excursion Through the Channels
2–3 hours · Water Safari
Glide silently through the Delta's papyrus channels in a mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe, poled by an expert local guide. At water level you notice the small wonders — painted reed frogs on a stem, a malachite kingfisher, day lilies opening in the sun. It is the most peaceful way to experience the Okavango, and unique to this water wilderness.
Best for: Couples, Photographers, Peace seekers.
Big-Cat Game Drives on Chief's Island
3 hours (twice daily) · Game Drive
Chief's Island is the largest landmass in Moremi and its predator engine room. Morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4s track lion prides on the hunt, leopard draped in a sausage tree, and cheetah scanning the floodplain edge. Guides here are among the best in Africa, reading tracks and alarm calls to place you in the heart of the action.
Best for: Big cats, Wildlife enthusiasts, Photographers.
Tracking the Painted Wolves
3–4 hours · Wildlife
Moremi is one of the last great strongholds of the African wild dog. In denning season (roughly June–August) guides follow a pack from its den on high-energy hunts across the floodplains — one of the most thrilling spectacles in the safari world. Sightings are never guaranteed, but few places on Earth offer a better chance.
Best for: Serious wildlife enthusiasts, Photographers, Return safari-goers.
Boat Safari on the Lagoons
2–3 hours · Water Safari
When the flood is high, motorised boat safaris open the deeper lagoons and channels around Xakanaxa. Cruise past pods of hippo, basking crocodile and elephant crossing between islands, while herons, storks and fish eagles crowd the tree line. It is a wonderful counterpoint to the game drive, reaching country no vehicle can.
Best for: Families, Birders, Photographers.
Guided Walking Safari
2–3 hours · Walking Safari
On foot with an armed professional guide, the Delta shrinks to its details — tracks in the sand, termite architecture, the medicinal uses of a shrub, the scatter of a leopard's kill. Walking safaris in Moremi's private concessions bring a rush of awareness you never feel from a vehicle, and read the bush from the ground up.
Best for: Active travellers, Nature lovers, Return safari-goers.
Delta Birding Safari
3 hours · Birding
With 500+ species, Moremi is one of Africa's premier birding destinations. Search the heronries of Xakanaxa for yellow-billed and marabou storks, scan the reeds for the elusive Pel's fishing owl, and watch African skimmers cut the water at dusk. From November the migrants arrive and the Delta erupts in colour and song.
Best for: Birders, Nature lovers, Photographers.
Our Favourite Places to Stay
We hand-pick every camp and lodge we use in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana. These are the addresses we return to, chosen for their guiding, their location and the way they make the wilderness feel like your own.
Mombo Camp ★★★★★
From $2500 per person per night. Botswana's most celebrated camp — 'the place of plenty' on Chief's Island, with arguably the finest big-cat viewing in Africa.
- 9 luxury suites
- Chief's Island
- Private plunge pools
- Legendary game viewing
Consistently ranked among the world's best safari camps
Chief's Camp ★★★★★
From $1800 per person per night. Refined luxury in the heart of the Mombo predator concession — spacious pavilions and exceptional big-cat access.
- 10 pavilions
- Chief's Island
- Spa & pool
- Private guiding
Relais & Châteaux
Camp Moremi ★★★★★
From $1100 per person per night. Classic Delta elegance overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon — game drives, boat cruises and superb birding from one base.
- 11 tented rooms
- Xakanaxa Lagoon
- Tree-house lounge
- Land & water safaris
Safari Awards finalist
Xakanaxa Camp ★★★★
From $900 per person per night. One of the Delta's oldest camps, set on permanent water — rare year-round boat safaris and legendary birdlife.
- 12 tents
- Permanent water
- Year-round boating
- Prime heronry access
Botswana Tourism recognised
Machaba Camp ★★★★
From $850 per person per night. Old-world tented safari on the Khwai River, on Moremi's north-eastern boundary — warm, authentic and superb value.
- 10 tents
- Khwai River frontage
- 1950s safari style
- Family suites
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Sango Safari Camp ★★★★
From $700 per person per night. Small, personal and excellent value on the Khwai — night drives and walking in the community concession beyond the reserve.
- 6 tents
- Khwai community area
- Intimate & personal
- Night drives
Responsible Tourism recognised
Best Time to Go
Dry Season (Peak) (May – Oct). Prime game viewing as wildlife concentrates on the shrinking water; the annual flood is also at its highest, so land and water safaris are both superb. Wildlife: big cats, wild dog, big herds; weather 12–30°C, dry & clear.
Green Season (Low) (Nov – Apr). Summer rains bring newborns, migratory birds and dramatic skies; lush and quiet with lower rates. Wildlife: newborns & migrant birds; weather 20–35°C, afternoon storms.
Shoulder Season (Apr, Nov). Transitional months with good wildlife, fewer guests and excellent value. Wildlife: good all-round sightings; weather 18–32°C, variable.
How to Get Here
Almost all visitors reach Moremi by light aircraft from Maun, the Delta's gateway town, landing at bush airstrips inside the reserve. Camps arrange the short flight and transfer as part of your itinerary. Self-drive is possible for experienced 4x4 travellers, but fly-in is the norm and the easiest way to combine Moremi with Chobe, the Linyanti and Victoria Falls.
- Maun: Scheduled light-aircraft flight into the reserve (Delta hub)
- Chobe / Kasane: 45-minute flight (320 km)
- Victoria Falls: Light-aircraft link via Kasane (—)
Pair It With
The finest journeys rarely stop at one destination. Here is how our specialists most often pair Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana:
- Chobe National Park Botswana — Pair the Delta's channels with Chobe's elephant river for the classic northern Botswana circuit.
- Okavango Delta Botswana — Add a private Delta concession for night drives and walking beyond the reserve boundary.
- Victoria Falls Zimbabwe — Finish on the thundering falls, an easy light-aircraft link from the Delta.
Plan Your Journey
Every trip we craft to Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana is private and built around you — your dates, your pace and the wildlife you most want to see. Our specialists have travelled this ground themselves and design each itinerary by hand. Contact our team to begin planning, or explore our Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana destination guide for more detail.
