BOTSWANA
Moremi
Wild, iconic, and deeply captivating – Moremi Game Reserve is the beating heart of the Okavango Delta. A mosaic of river channels, mopane woodlands, and open floodplains, it’s where Africa’s legendary wildlife scenes unfold in breathtaking clarity.
Lions prowl across golden grass, hippos snort from the shallows, and fish eagles cry out over mirrored waters. With its mix of land and water habitats, Moremi offers some of the most diverse and rewarding game viewing in all of Southern Africa. This isn’t just a reserve – it’s the soul of the Delta, alive with movement and magic.
MOREMI
Key Facts
Size
5.000 km²
Bird Species
+/- 500
Mammal Species
+/- 100
Best Time to Visit
All year round
EXPERIENCES
MOREMI
Safari in Moremi is a journey into the wild – where every turn reveals something new, and the land feels alive beneath wide, open skies. Head out on game drives through mopane forests, open floodplains, and ancient riverbeds, where lions stalk, leopards lounge in the trees, and herds of elephant move with quiet purpose.
Watch the bush shift with the light – from golden sunrise to fiery sunset – as your guide reads the land with practiced eyes. While night drives aren’t permitted within the reserve, the days are rich with movement, encounters, and moments that stay with you long after you leave.
MOREMI
GAME DRIVES
Game drives in Moremi are a masterclass in wild storytelling. Each track, call, and movement becomes a thread in the unfolding drama of the bush. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll explore floodplains and forests where elephants roam, wild dogs hunt in packs, and big cats move with quiet intent.
Mornings bring fresh tracks and soft golden light, while late afternoons often reveal the bush at its most active. Whether you’re watching giraffes feeding in silence or following the distant call of a lion, every drive holds the promise of surprise. It’s not just about ticking off sightings – it’s about entering the rhythm of the wild, one game drive at a time.
MOREMI
Information
WEATHER
Moremi’s climate follows the seasonal rhythms of the Okavango Delta – each month shaping the safari experience in its own way. From emerald floodplains to dry golden grasslands, the landscape is always alive with change.
Green Season (November to March):
This is the rainy season, with warm days, dramatic skies, and short afternoon showers that refresh the land. Temperatures range from 30–35°C (86–95°F) during the day and 18–25°C (64–77°F) at night. Expect lush scenery, vibrant birdlife, and plenty of young animals.
Dry Season (May to October):
Cooler and drier, this season offers ideal conditions for game viewing. Wildlife gathers near permanent water sources, and visibility improves as the grasses thin. Daytime temperatures hover around 25–30°C (77–86°F), while nights can drop to 10°C (50°F) or lower in winter months (June–August).
What to Pack:
Breathable layers for warm days
A warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings
Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Insect repellent, especially during the wetter months
HOW TO GET TO MOREMI
Moremi lies on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta – remote, but surprisingly accessible. Whether you’re flying in or arriving by road, the journey into Moremi is part of the adventure.
By Air:
The fastest and most scenic way to reach Moremi is by charter flight from Maun or Kasane. Flights take 25–40 minutes, landing at airstrips such as Xakanaxa or Khwai, depending on your camp’s location. From there, you’ll enjoy a short game-drive transfer straight into the heart of the reserve.
By Road:
For those exploring by 4×4, Moremi can be reached by road from Maun – a journey of approximately 3–5 hours, depending on conditions and your entry point. The most commonly used gates are South Gate (Maqwee) for access to the southern region and North Gate (Khwai) for the northern section.
Self-Drive or Guided Safari:
You can visit Moremi as part of a guided mobile safari or a self-drive expedition, though a good 4×4 and prior experience are essential, especially during the rainy season. Road conditions can be challenging, but the reward is a true immersion in the wild.
COMMUNITY
In the early 1960s, the BaTawana people of Ngamiland, led by Regent Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, recognized the urgent need to protect their ancestral lands from the growing threats of hunting and habitat loss. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, they established the Moremi Game Reserve in 1963, naming it in honor of the late Chief Moremi III.
This initiative marked a significant milestone in African conservation history, as Moremi became one of the first reserves on the continent to be created by an indigenous community on their own territory. The reserve’s creation was a pioneering example of community-based natural resource management, balancing ecological preservation with the cultural and economic needs of the local people.
Today, Moremi Game Reserve stands as a testament to the BaTawana’s enduring commitment to conservation. Its diverse ecosystems—ranging from mopane woodlands and acacia forests to floodplains and lagoons—are home to nearly 500 bird species and a vast array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and the endangered African wild dog.
Visitors to Moremi not only experience unparalleled wildlife encounters but also contribute to a legacy of community-led conservation that continues to inspire and benefit future generation.
FAQ
Where is Moremi Game Reserve located?
Moremi lies on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, in northern Botswana. It’s part of the Delta’s protected heartland and one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich reserves in Southern Africa.
What makes Moremi special?
Moremi is the only officially protected section of the Okavango Delta. Its mix of permanent waterways, mopane forests, open plains, and floodplains supports an extraordinary range of species. You’ll find everything from elephants and big cats to wild dogs and nearly 500 species of birds – all within a single, richly varied ecosystem.
When is the best time to visit?
Moremi offers superb game viewing year-round.
Dry season (May–October): Cooler, drier, and ideal for wildlife sightings near water sources.
Green season (November–March): Lush, beautiful landscapes with great birding, baby animals, and fewer crowds.
Each season brings its own magic, depending on what you’re hoping to experience.
How do I get to Moremi?
You can reach Moremi by charter flight from Maun or Kasane, landing at airstrips such as Xakanaxa or Khwai. If travelling by road, it’s a 3–5 hour 4×4 journey from Maun, entering through South Gate (Maqwee) or North Gate (Khwai), depending on your route.
Can I self-drive in Moremi?
Yes, but it’s only recommended for experienced 4×4 drivers. Road conditions can be challenging, especially in the rainy season. Many guests prefer a guided mobile safari or lodge-based stay, which allows you to focus on the experience – not the logistics.
Where should I stay in Moremi?
For an authentic and comfortable base, we recommend O Bona Moremi Safari Lodge. Perfectly located on the edge of the reserve near the Khwai River, it offers close access to Moremi’s best wildlife areas and a seamless safari experience.
What is the lodge like?
O Bona Moremi blends comfort and character, with spacious safari-style tents, ensuite bathrooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and wake up with elephants grazing nearby.
What safari activities are included?
You’ll enjoy twice-daily game drives, exploring both the Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Concession. With no fences between these areas, wildlife moves freely – and so do your safari opportunities.
Can I do night drives or mokoro trips?
Night drives and mokoro excursions are not permitted inside Moremi, but they are possible in the nearby Khwai Concession. If you’d like to include them, we’re happy to arrange a combination stay that covers both areas.
Is the lodge suitable for families or couples?
Yes – O Bona Moremi welcomes both. It’s an ideal spot for romantic safaris, photographers, small groups, and families with older children who love wildlife and nature.
What’s the food and service like?
Delicious, home-style meals and genuine, heartfelt hospitality. Expect fireside dinners, fresh ingredients, and warm service from a team that knows the bush – and loves sharing it.
What makes O Bona Moremi different?
It’s all about location, flexibility, and atmosphere. You’re close to the action, yet deeply connected to the wild. Here, the safari isn’t a show – it’s a way of life, shared with care and authenticity.
Seasons
Rainy Season (November – February)
Mid Season (March – May)
Dry Season (June – October)
Hot and green, this is calving season – a time of new life and dramatic skies. Afternoon showers bring a flush of vegetation, drawing in grazers and predators alike. Birdwatching is at its peak, and the landscape comes alive with colour and sound. Wildlife is still abundant, though sometimes more dispersed, and roads can be muddy in places.
A perfect balance. The rains have passed, but the land is still green, with comfortable temperatures and increasingly open terrain. Visibility improves, and wildlife begins to concentrate again near the shrinking water sources. It’s a wonderful time for photography and peaceful game viewing without peak-season crowds.
Clear skies, cool mornings, and dry golden plains. This is peak safari season in Moremi, with wildlife drawn to rivers and lagoons as seasonal pans dry out. The landscape opens up for easier viewing, and predator sightings are frequent. Expect crisp nights, warm days, and unforgettable encounters.
VISITING MOREMI
JANUARY
- Rain showers keep the landscape vibrant and fresh.
- Baby impalas, wildebeest, and other newborns attract predators.
- Fantastic birdwatching with migratory species in full breeding plumage.
VISITING MOREMI
FEBRUARY
- The landscape remains lush and full of life after summer rains.
- Calving season continues, drawing predators like lions and wild dogs.
- Excellent birding with many migratory species still present.
VISITING MOREMI
MARCH
- The rains begin to taper off, but the bush is still vibrant and green.
- Predator activity is high as prey species remain plentiful.
- A beautiful time for photography with dramatic skies and soft light.
VISITING MOREMI
APRIL
- Rainfall decreases; the landscape starts to dry slightly while staying green.
- Visibility improves as grass begins to thin – ideal for game viewing.
- A transitional month offering a mix of green beauty and easier sightings.
VISITING MOREMI
MAY
- Clear skies and cooler temperatures make for very comfortable days.
- Wildlife begins to concentrate near permanent water sources.
- Great time for both scenery and game drives without high-season traffic.
VISITING MOREMI
JUNE
- The dry season begins in earnest; mornings are crisp, and days are sunny.
- Vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to spot.
- Predators become more visible as water becomes scarcer.
VISITING MOREMI
JULY
- Peak dry season – excellent conditions for game viewing and photography.
- Large herds of elephants and buffalo gather at waterholes.
- Nights can be cold, so warm clothing is essential.
VISITING MOREMI
AUGUST
- Game viewing continues to be exceptional, with very little rain.
- Predator sightings are frequent, particularly lion and leopard.
- Days are warming up again, but mornings remain cool.
VISITING MOREMI
SEPTEMBER
- Very dry and warm, with dusty golden landscapes and clear skies.
- Wildlife congregates densely around water sources – ideal for action-packed drives.
- One of the best months for predator-prey interaction.
VISITING MOREMI
OCTOBER
- Tense, dramatic game viewing as animals compete for limited water.
- Storm clouds may begin to build toward month-end, bringing relief.
VISITING MOREMI
NOVEMBER
- The first rains arrive, breaking the dry season and refreshing the land.
- Green shoots appear, and migratory birds begin to return.
- Some early calving begins among impalas and other antelope.
VISITING MOREMI
DECEMBER
- The bush transforms into a lush, green wonderland after regular rains.
- Calving season begins in full, drawing predators close.
- Beautiful skies, vibrant scenery, and excellent birdlife mark the festive season.
Ecosystems
LOCATION
MOREMI
Moremi Game Reserve lies in the eastern heart of the Okavango Delta, where land and water meet in a rich mosaic of floodplains, forests, and lagoons. As the only protected area within the Delta itself, it forms the core of one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems – a sanctuary for big cats, elephants, wild dogs, and hundreds of bird species.
Bordering the Khwai Concession to the north and easily accessible from Maun, Moremi can be reached by scenic charter flight or by 4×4 for those craving a road adventure. With its blend of water and dry land habitats, it offers a classic safari setting where the wildlife is wild, the landscapes are iconic, and every drive feels like the beginning of something extraordinary.
WILDLIFE OF MOREMI
Moremi is a wildlife haven, where land and water collide to support an astonishing variety of species. Massive elephant herds wander between mopane woodlands and water channels, while predators like lion, leopard, and the endangered wild dog patrol the plains with purpose. Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and an array of antelope – including tsessebe and red lechwe – move through the landscape in constant rhythm with the seasons.
Birdlife here is equally rich, from soaring fish eagles to jewel-bright bee-eaters flitting through the reeds. With such diversity in a single reserve, every game drive in Moremi feels alive with possibility – a true safari classic, full of wild encounters.
EXPERIENCE
UNTOUCHED MOREMI
To experience the beauty of Moremi at eye level, O Bona Moremi offers a stay that’s both intimate and immersive. Just minutes from the reserve’s northern gate, the lodge sits right along a sidearm of the Khwai River – where wildlife moves freely between the Khwai Concession and Moremi’s protected wilderness.
The name O Bona means “See there” in Setswana – a fitting invitation to slow down, look closer, and truly witness the wild. You’ll stay in spacious canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, fall asleep to the sound of lions calling in the distance, and wake to soft light over the floodplains.
O BONA MOREMI
OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
Located on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, O Bona Moremi offers an intimate safari with comfortable en-suite tents and incredible wildlife encounters.
Wake up to nature, explore untamed landscapes, and experience Botswana at its wildest.
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