Moremi Game Reserve
A breathtaking mosaic of floodplains, lagoons, and mopane woodlands, home to one of Africa’s richest wildlife concentrations
country
Botswana
size
4,871 km²
best season
May to October (Dry Season)
famous for
African wild dogs, high predator density & Okavango Delta landscapes
The Predator Capital of Africa
Moremi Game Reserve covers the central and eastern parts of the Okavango Delta and is often described as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. With a permanent water supply, the reserve supports an extraordinary density of animals. It is particularly renowned for large populations of lion, leopard, and cheetah, as well as one of the most significant strongholds for the endangered African wild dog.
Chief’s Island and the Seasonal Floodplains
At the heart of Moremi lies Chief’s Island, once the exclusive hunting ground of the local tribe’s chief. This area transforms dramatically with the seasons. From June onwards, the Okavango floodwaters arrive, creating a shallow inland delta that attracts huge concentrations of red lechwe, tsessebe, and wildebeest, all shadowed by predators.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Moremi hosts over 400 recorded bird species, from the iconic African fish eagle and Pel’s fishing owl to colonies of carmine bee-eaters along the riverbanks. The mix of permanent water, floodplains, and woodlands provides a variety of habitats that make it a year-round avian hotspot.
The Mokoro Experience
A visit to Moremi is incomplete without a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) trip. Gliding silently through the papyrus-lined channels with a skilled poler offers a unique perspective of the Delta’s smaller wonders—kingfishers, tiny painted reed frogs, and water lilies. It is a serene contrast to the adrenaline of game drives.
Conservation Legacy
Designated a game reserve in 1963 by the local BaTawana people, Moremi was the first wildlife sanctuary in Africa created by an indigenous community on their own land. Today it is jointly managed by the Department of Wildlife and the local community, remaining a model for community-based conservation.
Moremi Biodiversity
Discover Flora and Fauna
Large Mammals
African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Hippopotamus
Antelopes
Red Lechwe, Tsessebe, Impala, Greater Kudu
Predators
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena
Endangered Carnivores
African Wild Dog
Birds
Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Fish Eagle, Carmine Bee-eater
Flora
Mopane woodland, Sausage trees, Water lilies
Climate & Best Time to Visit
When is the best time to visit?
Moremi Game Reserve is at its prime during the dry winter months (May to October), when wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, offering spectacular game viewing. The summer rains bring lush scenery and newborn animals but make some areas inaccessible.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Low