Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi covers the eastern side of the Okavango Delta and was declared by the Batawana people themselves in the 1960s, when they saw wildlife collapsing on their land - the first reserve in southern Africa created by a local community. It protects a mosaic of permanent water, seasonal floodplain, riverine woodland and dry islands, and that variety supports extraordinary game: lion and leopard in numbers, one of Africa's most important wild dog populations, and elephants moving between water and forest. Chief's Island in the middle is legendary among guides, and the Khwai area on the northern boundary offers some of the best night drives in the region.

History

The reserve was proclaimed in 1963 and named after Chief Moremi III of the Batawana; his widow, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, who was ruling the area at the time, took steps to protect the wildlife out of concern at the toll hunting was taking. It was made a game reserve rather than a national park so that the BaSarwa who had always lived there could stay, and in the 1970s Chief Moremi's Royal Hunting Grounds were added to it (Wikipedia, Moremi Game Reserve).

What's there

• Predator viewing - lion, leopard and one of the continent's best wild dog populations.
• Khwai river area - elephants crossing and excellent night drives on community land.
• Chief's Island - the reserve's famous core, reached by air or long 4x4 route.
• Mokoro and boat trips - poled canoe channels where water levels allow.

When to go

The dry season from May to October concentrates game around water and is the classic safari window, peaking with the flood in June to August. Green season from November brings birds, newborn animals and lower prices, but thick vegetation and difficult tracks.

Before you go

Botswana runs a deliberate high-value, low-volume tourism model, which means excellent, uncrowded wildlife viewing at high prices - lodges here are among Africa's most expensive. Self-driving is possible but demands serious 4x4 experience, full recovery gear and pre-booked campsites; deep sand and water crossings defeat the unprepared. The region carries malaria risk.

Nearby

The wider Okavango Delta, Khwai community area and Chobe National Park to the north.

Key facts