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Botswana · The Wild Heart of the Okavango Delta

Moremi Game Reserve

The Jewel of the Okavango Delta

Africa's first community-created reserve, where water and wild land meet. Big cats, endangered wild dogs, and all of the Big Five across Chief's Island, the Moremi Tongue and the palm-fringed channels of the Delta — explored by 4x4, boat and mokoro.

Best timeMay – OctoberWildlifeBig Five + wild dogThe reserve5,000 km² reserveSafaris from$2,500 pp
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Our Luxury Safaris

Multi-Day Moremi Game Reserve Journeys

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from a short wild escape into the channels to the six-day Mombo odyssey through the Delta's most storied camps. Fly-in transfers, mokoro glides, Chief's Island game drives, gracious island lodges and every detail crafted entirely around you.

The Beyond Africa Difference

We don't just show you the Delta. We read its water for you.

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.

Africa's First Community ReserveThe Big Five & Painted Wolves500+ Bird SpeciesLand & Water in One Reserve
Destination overview

Why Visit Moremi Game Reserve

The only corner of the Okavango where the public reserve protects both permanent water and dry Kalahari woodland — so a single morning can hold a mokoro glide, a lion pride on Chief's Island and a pack of painted wolves on the hunt. Wildlife-dense, famously beautiful and the beating heart of the Delta, it is a safari the whole continent measures itself against. Here is what makes it the jewel of Botswana.

  • 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
The wildlife

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Big Five

Lion

Strong prides on Chief's Island, famous for hunting buffalo

Big Five

Leopard

High densities along the tree lines and islands

Big Five

African Elephant

Large breeding herds crossing between islands

Big Five

Buffalo

Big herds on the floodplains, key prey for lion

Big Five

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

Giraffe

Common on the islands and mopane fringes

500+ Bird Species

Pel's fishing owl, wattled crane, African skimmer and more

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define Moremi

Where the Moremi story unfolds. Glide in silence through the channels by mokoro, follow the great cats across Chief's Island, track a pack of painted wolves on the move and drift the lagoons on a golden-hour boat safari — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.

2–3 hours

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
Enquire with a Concierge
3 hours (twice daily)

Big-Cat Game Drives on Chief's Island

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.

  • Open-vehicle game drives
  • Professional guide
  • Reserve fees
  • Sundowner stop
Enquire with a Concierge
3–4 hours

Tracking the Painted Wolves

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.

  • Specialist guiding
  • Extended drive time
  • Radio-linked sightings network
Enquire with a Concierge
2–3 hours

Boat Safari on the Lagoons

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.

  • Boat cruise
  • Guide
  • Drinks
  • Birding & wildlife viewing
Enquire with a Concierge
More Delta Journeys

Deeper into the Okavango

Moremi rewards those who linger. Drift further through the papyrus by mokoro, add a private Delta concession for night drives and walking, or blend water and total seclusion on a romantic escape — each of these curated journeys leads to a full itinerary our concierge will tailor to you.

The Northern Botswana Circuit

Pair Moremi with the Classics

The Delta is the perfect heart of a great Botswana journey. Add the ten-thousand-strong elephant herds of Chobe and the thunder of Victoria Falls, or swing south to the black-maned lions and meerkats of the Central Kalahari — one seamless itinerary, crafted end to end.

Instant-Book Adventure Experiences

Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog

Looking for more southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.

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Chief's Island · The Jewel of the Okavango

The Wild Heart of the Delta

Proclaimed in 1963 by the Batawana people — Africa's first reserve created by a community to protect its own land — Moremi guards nearly 5,000 km² of the Okavango's richest ground. Chief's Island, the largest landmass in the Delta, holds some of the finest big-cat and wild-dog sightings on the continent, while the flooded channels bring elephant, hippo and red lechwe to the water's edge. Land and water, woodland and lagoon, in a single reserve — this is the Okavango at its most complete, and the safari every dream is measured against.

Chief's IslandMokoro GlidePainted WolvesBig CatsThe FloodBoat Safari
Plan a Moremi Journey
A Romantic Escape

Ocean, Sunsets & Romance

For couples seeking something truly special, Moremi Game Reserve pairs unforgettable shared experiences with intimate lodges and quiet, golden moments away from the crowds.

Big-Cat Game Drives on Chief's Island

Chief's Island is the largest landmass in Moremi and its predator engine room.

Tracking the Painted Wolves

Moremi is one of the last great strongholds of the African wild dog.

Boat Safari on the Lagoons

When the flood is high, motorised boat safaris open the deeper lagoons and channels around Xakanaxa.

Guided 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.

Plan a Honeymoon Safari
The perfect two-centre journey

Pair Moremi with an Adventure

Moremi is the perfect heart of a great southern African journey. Add the elephant herds of Chobe, drift deeper into a private Okavango concession, or hop across to the thunder of Victoria Falls — we'll weave it all into one seamless itinerary.

Moremi Game Reserve vs Other Reserves

Why Choose Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve stands apart — here's how it compares to other reserves.

FeatureMoremi Game ReserveOther Reserves
Big FiveYes — all five roam hereVaries
Signature experienceChief's IslandLimited
WildlifeBig Five + wild dogFewer
Birdlife500+ speciesFewer
Standout appealOne of Africa's strongest populations of endangeredLess distinctive
OverallThe Jewel of the Okavango DeltaMore generic
Plan your timing

When to Visit Moremi Game Reserve

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

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

20–35°C, afternoon storms

Shoulder Season

Apr, Nov
★★★★

Transitional months with good wildlife, fewer guests and excellent value

18–32°C, variable

Month-by-Month Guide

Good to know

Useful Moremi Game Reserve Travel Tips

The practical details that make a Moremi journey effortless — gathered from years of crafting private fly-in safaris for our guests.

Fly in from Maun

Moremi is reached by light aircraft from Maun. Book your bush flights with your camps so transfers and timings line up.

Pack soft bags only

Light aircraft enforce soft-sided luggage limits, usually around 20 kg. Use a squashable holdall, not a hard suitcase.

Do both land and water

Moremi's magic is the mix. Choose camps that offer 4x4 drives plus mokoro or boat so you experience the full Delta.

Time it for wild dogs

For the best painted-wolf odds, aim for the June–August denning season when packs stay close to a den.

Bring a long lens

Big cats and birds reward a 200mm+ zoom. A beanbag steadies shots from the vehicle and the boat.

Layer for mornings

Dawn drives and boat trips are cold in winter. A warm fleece and windproof layer keep you comfortable until the sun climbs.

Location & Access

Getting to Moremi Game Reserve

19.2500° S, 23.3500° E
Where to stay

Our Hand-Picked Moremi Camps

From the legendary Mombo — voted the world's finest safari camp — to intimate tented camps set on private islands deep in the reserve, the most coveted addresses in Moremi, each held for you by our concierge.

★★★★★$$$

Mombo Camp

Botswana's most celebrated camp — 'the place of plenty' on Chief's Island, with arguably the finest big-cat viewing in Africa

Consistently ranked among the world's best safari camps

FromR 45,750per person, per night

★★★★★$$$

Chief's Camp

Refined luxury in the heart of the Mombo predator concession — spacious pavilions and exceptional big-cat access

Relais & Châteaux

FromR 32,940per person, per night

★★★★★$$$

Camp Moremi

Classic Delta elegance overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon — game drives, boat cruises and superb birding from one base

Safari Awards finalist

FromR 20,130per person, per night

★★★★$$

Xakanaxa Camp

One of the Delta's oldest camps, set on permanent water — rare year-round boat safaris and legendary birdlife

Botswana Tourism recognised

FromR 16,470per person, per night

★★★★$$

Machaba Camp

Old-world tented safari on the Khwai River, on Moremi's north-eastern boundary — warm, authentic and superb value

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

FromR 15,555per person, per night

★★★★$$

Sango Safari Camp

Small, personal and excellent value on the Khwai — night drives and walking in the community concession beyond the reserve

Responsible Tourism recognised

FromR 12,810per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

Africa's first community-created reserve, where water and wild land meet. Big cats, endangered wild dogs, and all of the Big Five across Chief's Island, the Moremi Tongue and the palm-fringed channels of the Delta — explored by 4x4, boat and mokoro.

Chief's Island

the Delta's richest big-cat country, home to lion, leopard and cheetah

One of Africa's strongest populations

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

500+ bird species, from Pel's fishing owl to wattled crane and African skimmer

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

Moremi Game Reserve, Answered

What makes Moremi different from the rest of the Okavango Delta?

Moremi is the only officially protected game reserve within the Okavango Delta, covering its eastern third. It uniquely combines permanent water (lagoons and channels) with large dry-land areas like Chief's Island, so you can enjoy 4x4 game drives, boat safaris and mokoro trips from a single reserve — something few Delta concessions offer together.

When is the best time to visit Moremi Game Reserve?

May to October is the peak dry season and prime time — wildlife concentrates on the water and the annual Okavango flood is at its highest, making both land and water safaris excellent. The green season (November–April) is lush, quieter and better value, with newborn animals and superb migratory birding.

Can I see wild dogs in Moremi?

Yes — Moremi and the surrounding Delta hold one of Africa's strongest populations of endangered African wild dog. The best chance is during the denning season, roughly June to August, when packs are anchored to a den and hunt on predictable circuits. Sightings are never guaranteed, but few places offer better odds.

Is Moremi good for a mokoro (dugout canoe) safari?

Yes. The mokoro is the signature Okavango experience and most Moremi-area camps offer it when water levels allow (typically strongest May–September). A local poler glides you through the channels at water level for a peaceful, intimate encounter with the Delta's smaller wonders and birdlife.

How do I get to Moremi Game Reserve?

Nearly everyone flies in by light aircraft from Maun, the Delta's gateway town, landing at bush airstrips such as Xakanaxa, Khwai or Mombo. Your camp arranges the flight and a short road or boat transfer. Fly-in also makes it easy to combine Moremi with Chobe, the Linyanti or Victoria Falls.

Does Moremi have the Big Five?

Yes. Moremi holds lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo in abundance, and both black and white rhino have been reintroduced to the Delta. It is also outstanding for cheetah, spotted hyena and the endangered wild dog, making it one of the most complete predator destinations in Africa.

Is Moremi suitable for families?

Many Moremi-area camps welcome families, and the mix of boat cruises, mokoro trips and game drives keeps children engaged. Some smaller or ultra-luxury camps have age restrictions on certain activities, so we match your family to camps with family suites and flexible guiding. We tailor every detail for you.

Is Moremi a malaria area?

Yes, the Okavango Delta is a malaria zone, with highest risk in the wet summer months. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is recommended — consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. Camps provide mosquito nets, repellent and well-screened rooms, and covering up at dawn and dusk reduces risk.

How many days should I spend in Moremi?

We recommend three to four nights to enjoy both land and water safaris and to give the big cats and wild dogs time to appear. Many guests split their stay between a Chief's Island predator camp and a water-based camp near Xakanaxa, then add Chobe or the Linyanti for a complete Botswana journey.

What should I pack for Moremi?

Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige), warm layers for cool morning drives and boat trips, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens. Light-aircraft transfers have soft-bag luggage limits (usually around 20 kg in a soft holdall), so pack light.

Your safari, your way

Ready to start planning your Moremi Game Reserve journey?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Moremi journey around you — every flight, every fly-in transfer, every mokoro glide and every detail taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
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