Moremi Game Reserve protects the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, where dry land meets permanent water. It was established in 1963 on the initiative of the local Batawana people, and it is among the wildest and most beautiful reserves in Africa, with floodplains, lagoons, mopane woodland and acacia forest.
Moremi is one of the best places in southern Africa to see predators. Lions, leopards, cheetah and African wild dog are all found here, and the Khwai River on the northern boundary is a favourite for leopards and elephants. Chief's Island, the largest island in the Delta, lies within the reserve and is home to buffalo, giraffe and many antelope.
The private concessions around Moremi allow night drives and walking, and the reserve links easily with Chobe and the Delta.
Moremi holds the Big Five and is a stronghold for wild dog, with several packs in the area. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are all easy to find, cheetah favour the open floodplains, and elephants and buffalo herds move between the woodland and the water. Red lechwe, impala, kudu, tsessebe, giraffe and zebra are common, and hippo and crocodile fill the lagoons.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Moremi mixes open floodplains with tree islands, lagoons and old mopane woodland. The Khwai River glitters in the early morning, and the sunsets over the lagoons are among the best in Botswana.
Activities here
Moremi is hot in summer, with daytime temperatures of 32°C to 36°C and rain from November to March, and cool and dry in winter, with cold mornings and nights of about 5°C to 8°C.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 | 20 | 100 |
| Feb | 32 | 20 | 90 |
| Mar | 32 | 19 | 70 |
| Apr | 31 | 16 | 35 |
| May | 28 | 11 | 5 |
| Jun | 25 | 7 | 0 |
| Jul | 25 | 7 | 0 |
| Aug | 28 | 10 | 0 |
| Sep | 32 | 15 | 5 |
| Oct | 35 | 19 | 25 |
| Nov | 35 | 20 | 60 |
| Dec | 34 | 20 | 90 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry. The flood fills the channels from June to August and the animals gather near the water, which makes for excellent game viewing. September and October are very hot.
November to March brings heat, thunderstorms and green scenery. Tracks can be muddy and some are closed. Newborn animals and migrant birds make it a fine time for photography.
June to October is the classic time, with the best game viewing around the water. The green months offer fewer visitors, lower rates and newborn animals.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Fly from Maun to the airstrips at Khwai or Xakanaxa in about 30 minutes, or drive in about three hours on sandy tracks with a 4×4. Most guests fly in.
Reserve and concession fees are included in our safaris. Citizens of many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and most of the EU, can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days, but please check the rules for your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Moremi is a malaria area, with the highest risk from November to May, so please take advice. Bring sun protection and warm layers for winter mornings.
WetlandOkavango DeltaGliding through the Delta by mokoro
National ParkChobe National ParkElephants by the thousand on the Chobe RiverCity & TownKasaneGateway to Chobe
National ParkMakgadikgadi PansMeerkats, salt pans and the zebra migrationOur take
“Our take”
Stay two or three nights, and ask your guide to follow the cats at dawn.
Safaris from
US$2,162 per person
Plan your time in Moremi Game Reserve
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
