Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango. It includes the Moremi Tongue and Chief’s Island, boasting one of the continent’s wealthiest and most diverse ecosystems.

This makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching, including all significant, naturally occurring herbivore and carnivore species in the region and over 400 species of birds, many migratory and some endangered. Both Black and White Rhino have recently been re-introduced, making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination.

Moremi is the oldest protected section of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. A 100 years after explorer David Livingstone called this land ‘country full of rivers’, the environment and wildlife in the Moremi area were under threat.

It is because of the bold, local Batawana people that this area was proclaimed Moremi Game Reserve in 1963, making Moremi the oldest and first protected reserve of the Okavango Delta.

As a sign of gratitude, the reserve is named after Batawana tribe members, Chief Moremi III and his wife. Now, the Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most diverse reserves with surprises everywhere, even for the most seasoned Africa-travelers.

Covering approximately 3,900 sq. km, where land and Delta meet, Moremi Game Reserve is a profoundly picturesque preserve of seasonal and perennial floodplains.

The landscape includes waterways, lagoons, pools, pans, grasslands, and forests. This terrain makes driving Moremi’s many tracks and trails delightful and exceptionally inspiring. Moremi is a top-rated destination for self-drive campers, often combined with the Northeast’s Chobe National Park.

The rustic Third Bridge campsite, situated near the pretty Sekiri River, flanked with thick stands of papyrus, is a favourite, creating lasting memories of glorious Okavango sunsets.

About Moremi Game Reserve

Welcome to the Moremi Game Reserve. The Moremi Game Reserve initially consisted mostly of the Mopane Tongue area, but in the 1970s the royal hunting grounds, known as Chief’s Island, were added. Let us share a few more facts about this area to introduce it properly.

The Moremi Game Reserve is home to the most endangered species of large mammals: the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion.

Over 500 bird species (from water birds to forest dwellers) and over a 1.000 species of plants are also recognized in the Moremi Game Reserve. This ecosystem is amongst the richest in Africa. And thanks to effective protection, the flora and fauna is relatively undisturbed.

UNESCO world heritage – Okavango & Moremi

Within the larger UNESCO listed Okavango Delta Game Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve covers about 40% of the Okavango. The Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta is one of the few interior delta systems that do not directly flow into the ocean or sea.

The annual flood makes for a spectacular interaction between water and wildlife, as animals synchronize their cycles with this seasonal flood. Discover a unique land while staying in one of the intimate lodges in the Moremi Game Reserve and let the river take you on an adventure.

Lifeline

The Okavango River acts as the lifeline of the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. Coming all the way from the Angola Mountains, 1.600 kilometers further west, it flows deep into Botswana, seeking the Indian Ocean.

Luckily for the wildlife in Botswana, these fresh, clear waters never actually find the ocean, as they sink in the dry sand of the Kalahari Desert. But, before that happens, it creates the largest oasis in Africa.

Created by inhabitants – Moremi Game Reserve

Explorer David Livingstone left the Moremi area in 1848, overwhelmed by the beauty of it. Soon after, unfortunately, more Europeans discovered it, which led to the depletion of wildlife.

The people of Botswana felt they had to protect their land and proclaimed the area as a protected game reserve in 1963, with the Chief’s wife spearheading the project. Soon after, without the need for urgent revenues, Botswana was able to develop an ecotourism policy.

This resulted in low–impact lodges, leaving only a small footprint. This guarantees you an unforgettable African experience – in the most natural and unspoiled way possible. Moremi truly is a wildlife paradise.

Meet Moremi’s Flora and Fauna

The Moremi Game Reserve protects the central and eastern areas of the Okavango Delta. By combining drier areas and waterways, the contrasts are astonishing. Imagine views of savannah game as well as birdlife around the rivers, or elephants and hippos splashing in the lagoons.

Often referred to as a ‘Garden of Eden’, the Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent game viewing year-round and stunning landscapes of savannah, floodplains, lagoons, dense forests (where leopards and wild dogs hide) and winding rivers.

Enjoy the opportunity to get the complete Big Five in front of your camera lens; since the reintroduction of the impressive (white) rhino, the quintet is complete again.

Elephants, hippos, buffalos, blue wildebeests, impalas, red lechwe, giraffes, impalas – they all love to take a splash in Moremi’s fresh waters. And is spotting the rare wild dog on your list? This smart hunter also calls the Moremi his home; the people of Botswana cherish their strong population of wild dogs.

Don’t forget to look up: the shy cheetah loves to drag its fresh kill high up in a tree and enjoy a meal undisturbed.

Twittering from over 500 birds in Moremi

Whether you are already a bird enthusiast or not, these magnificent creatures come in large numbers in the Moremi, and quickly win over your heart once you arrive. With over 500 species in an area of just under 5.000 square kilometers, the sheer number of species will strike you as amazing.

 Among these special birds is the slaty egret (to identify this one, seek its overall grey colouring with yellow legs and a red neck) and the much easier to find, magnificent wattled cranes.

So, to all experienced bird watchers and those who look through binoculars for the very first time: keep your eyes and ears open and let the bird orchestra be the beginning of each safari day.

How to get to Moremi Game Reserve

Traveling to the Moremi Game Reserve

You will always start your Moremi trip in Maun, the ‘tourist capital’ of Botswana and a relatively small (55.000 people) Kalahari town. To get there you fly via Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kasane or Victoria Falls.

Once in Maun, the adventure begins as you hop on a small plane that transports you to your first accommodation. Look down during the flight and gaze at 10,000 square miles of waterways, reed beds, water lilies and palm-tree islands. Welcome to Moremi Game Reserve!

Getting to Moremi Game Reserve by air

International Air Travel

A couple flight possibilities are available for those travelling by air to Moremi. Your starting point is Maun International Airport (MUB). Maun has multiple daily connections with Johannesburg (Airlink and Air Botswana) and five weekly connections with Cape Town (Airlink).

Domestic Air Travel

It is also possible to travel domestically from Gabarone to Maun (daily). Flights from Kanane to Maun and return are offered twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) and are ideal for travellers visiting the Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park areas.

From Maun To Your Moremi Lodge

When arrived in Maun your Moremi safari adventure really is about to start. From here it is another 30 to 45 minutes short flight to your destination. All onward connections to the Moremi are operated by Mack Air. Once landed at the airstrip your chosen lodge will pick you and transfer you to your final destination where a cold drink will be ready and waiting.

Rates Mack Air Shuttle Flights Moremi

Rates may vary depending on your destination in Moremi. As a general guideline the price for a seat in plane ticket is between US$ 210 and US$ 240 per person per way.

Shuttle Flights To Moremi Lodges

The Mack Air flights from Maun to your Moremi lodge are operated as a shuttle service. As such these flights should not be considered as scheduled flights. Departure times and routings may vary depending on traveller requirements and local weather conditions. Flight times are subject to change without notice. Passengers travelling on a seat in plane basis may have up to two stops enroute to their destination.

Baggage Restrictions

Mack Air flights to Moremi are operated by means of small aircraft (e.g. Cessna Grand Caravan or Beechcraft 1900). As such, space for luggage on the aircraft is limited and the following allowance applies:

You may carry 20 kgs (44lbs) per person in a soft duffel-type bag, this includes hand luggage and camera equipment. When you are carrying excess baggage Mack Air offers complementary baggage storage at Maun Airport (unless notified in advance). These limitations are strictly adhered to.

Getting to Moremi Game Reserve by road

Moremi Game Reserve is accessible when travelling by (rental) vehicle. A 4×4 vehicle is required.

Visa information Botswana – travelling with children

Since South Africa introduced its stringent new child regulations on 01 June 2015 Botswana has followed suit by introducing similar regulations in respect of minors entering and exiting the country.

Unfortunately there is no official Botswana Government document outlining exactly what the regulations and requirements are. The key difference between South Africa and Botswana is South Africa requires an unabridged birth certificate whilst Botswana will accept either original birth certificate or a certified copy:

· A single parent traveling with child/children, without being accompanied by the other parent, must be able to prove they are the biological parent of the child by means of a birth certificate (original or a certified copy). There is no requirement for consent to travel from the other parent.

·         If the parent has remarried and the name shown on the child’s birth certificate does not correspond with the name shown on the parent’s passport the parent must carry an original copy or certified copy of their marriage certificate.

·         Visitors entering Botswana from South Africa will be in possession of what we believe to be all the necessary documentation.

·         Visitors to Botswana from Zimbabwe or Zambia (who have not come from or are not continuing to South Africa), should preferably carry original documentation i.e birth certificate and/or marriage certificate but if this is not possible they must carry certified copies.