Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi is not the biggest, but possibly one of the most diverse wildlife reserves in Africa. Covering the eastern part of the Okavango Delta, the 3,000 square kilometre reserve offers 4×4 drivers dramatic contrasts. The park stretches from the permanent water of the Okavango Delta to the grassland bordering the Chobe National Park. Find permanent waterways, lagoons as well as mopane woodlands and the dry savannah of the Moremi Tongue.
The Wildlife
The reserve was originally founded in 1962 to protect the most wildlife-rich area of the Okavango Delta. It still is buzzing with the most wild and fascinating creatures of the African animal kingdom. Due to the amount of water, the annual floods and the varied landscape, Moremi impresses not only in numbers but also in diversity. The wetlands host the fearsome crocodiles and hippos, whereas the forests are roamed by the shy leopard. Lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe and any number of antelope can be spotted as well. A distinctive feature of the reserve is its large number of African wild dogs. Moremi boasts a considerable amount of the world’s population of this endangered species.
Places of interest
Travelling in from the South Gate a 58 km drive takes you to Third Bridge (you actually cross two bridges beforehand, hence the uninspiring name). At this rustic log bridge you will find a beautiful camp site and the river form a pool of crystal-clear water. But beware, the next hungry croc or hipo is never very far. Filling buckets from the pool is not the safest thing to do, let alone swimming with the big-jawed locals.
Xakanaxa Lagoon offers impressive bird viewing. Look out for herons, ibises or marabous among the other wildlife and a large number of fish. Another worthy stop between Xakanaxa and the North Gate is Hippo Pool. Here the large mammals frolic in their wet habitat. The intimidating creatures can be watched in safety from an elevated observation platform.
When to go
The dry and cool winter is the best time to visit Moremi Game Reserve. Winter last from March to September and game viewing is best July to early October.
Practical Information
The town of Maun is the gateway to Moremi Game Reserve. If you chose to do a self-drive 4×4 safari this is also you last chance to stock up on food and petrol. The tracks in the park can be quite challenging, hence a fair amount of experience is recommended if you choose to manoeuvre you 4×4 through the mud and sandy paths of Moremi.
Some research on anti-malarial prophylactic should be part of your preparation, since mosquitoes are part of Moremi’s animal kingdom. Water should be boiled or treated before drinking.
Lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
If you are looking to combine your African safari adventure with a certain standard of comfort and luxury a safari lodge is the obvious choice. The Moremi Game Reserve offers a variety of luxury tented accommodation. Theses safari camp offer amenities such as hot water showers, private facilities, restaurants, pools and libraries. You can organize you game drives with your hosts and many of them have night drives, mokoro excursions or walking safaris with knowledgeable guides available.
Camp Moremi
Accommodation in luxury safari tents on wooden platforms with private facilities. Great views of the Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Stanley’s Camp
Set in a private concession Stanley’s offers luxury tented accommodation. Choose from various safari options such as night drives, walking safaris and mokoro canoe excursions.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp has a private concession in the northern part of the Moremi National Park. This water-rich area offers fishing as well as stunning bird-viewing. Kwara Camp offers luxury tented accommodation and various game drives.
Xakanaxa Camp
Surrounded by islands and lagoons Xakanaxa Camp is built on an elevated platform to afford the best views of the area. Xakanaxa Camp offers luxury tented accommodation on Khwai River.
Machaba Camp
Set on the banks of the Khwai river, the Machaba Camp offers accommodation in spacious safari tents. The Khwai river is the main water source for Moremi’s big game. See the full range of Moremi’s wildlife as well es the nocturnal creatures on a night drive.
Camping in Moremi Game Reserve
The Moremi Game Reserve has four camp sites. All of them are run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). If you are camping in Moremi, you need to be self-reliant, so bring enough petrol food and water.
Khwai Camp Site
Located at the North Gate of the Moremi Reserve. The village across the river has a few shops.
Maqwee Camp Site
Located ate the South gate of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Third Bridge Camp Site
One of the most beautiful and popular camp sites. The nearby pool looks very inviting, but the crocodiles and hippos make swimming a very bad idea!
Xakanaxa Camp Site
Situated close to the Xakanaxa Lagoon, this camp site is in the best bird-viewing area.
