Overview
Moremi Game Reserve, located in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is a remarkable destination that combines breathtaking landscapes with exceptional wildlife viewing and some of the most luxurious lodges in all of Africa. This historic game reserve – the first in Africa to be established by local residents – is a mix of waterways, floodplains, and mopane woodlands. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in all of southern Africa, where visitors are treated to sightings of iconic animals like elephants, buffalo, and lions, as well as rarer species like wild dogs and recently reintroduced rhinos.
The reserve is home to some of Botswana’s most sumptuous accommodations, such as Wilderness Mombo and Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. These lodges cater to those who seek that perfect mix of adventure and luxury, with activities that range from expertly guided game drives to tranquil mokoro excursions through the Delta’s winding waterways.
Accommodation
Our top picks
Deep in the Delta
Moremi Game Reserve is home to an extraordinary variety of habitats, making it one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Botswana. Permanent waterways wind through the reserve, intersecting seasonal floodplains, dry savannahs, and mopane forests. This unique mix creates an environment where species ranging from aquatic birds and hippos to big cats and grazing antelope thrive side by side.
The interplay between these habitats shifts with the seasons, shaping animal behavior and offering new experiences throughout the year. During the wet season, water-based wildlife becomes more prominent, while drier months draw larger game to the remaining water sources. This diversity ensures that Moremi delivers a consistently rewarding safari experience, no matter the time of year.
Predator Paradise
Moremi is home to some of Africa’s most iconic predators, ensuring it remains a standout destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve’s ecosystems create the ideal conditions for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas to thrive, with Chief’s Island often referred to as the “predator capital of the world.” This high concentration of big cats, particularly lions and leopards, means regular sightings of these apex hunters in action.
Adding to the excitement is the presence of African wild dogs, a critically endangered species that have found sanctuary in Moremi. Packs of these fascinating predators can be observed hunting cooperatively, showcasing their remarkable social structures and teamwork.
Pioneers of Preservation
The reserve holds a distinguished place in African conservation history as the first protected reserve established by local residents. In 1963, the Batswana people, recognizing the growing threats to their land and the animals that lived there, made the unprecedented decision to designate part of their ancestral territory as a game reserve, especially at a time when conservation was primarily driven by external organizations or colonial governments. This decision made Moremi a model for community-driven conservation efforts, ensuring that the region’s ecological treasures could be preserved for future generations.
This legacy continues today through ongoing efforts to protect and restore Moremi’s ecosystems. The park’s low-impact tourism model promotes eco-friendly practices, limited visitor numbers, and sustainable accommodations. By balancing tourism with preservation, the reserve serves as a benchmark for how conservation can coexist with economic growth and community benefits.
Rhino Revival
Moremi’s crowning conservation achievement has been the reintroduction of black and white rhinos. Once native to the Okavango Delta, rhinos were nearly wiped out in the region due to decades of poaching and habitat loss. Recognizing the need to protect these iconic animals, Botswana launched an ambitious reintroduction program, using Moremi as a key site, supported by anti-poaching initiatives and international conservation partnerships.
The result is that Moremi is now one of the few places in Botswana where visitors can observe both black and white rhinos in the wild, thriving under strict protection and strengthening the region’s biodiversity. The sight of a rhino grazing on the floodplains is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, showcasing what dedicated efforts can achieve in reversing the tide of extinction.
Experiences
The Big 5
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Big Cats
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Birdwatching
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Scenic Flights
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Cultural Tours
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Photography Safaris
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Spa & Wellness
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