Moremi Game Reserve
The finest game reserve in the Okavango Delta. Wild dogs. Lions. Leopards. Swimming elephants. Big Five on permanent islands in the world’s greatest inland delta.
Big Five and Wild Dogs on Africa’s Most Exclusive Wildlife Island
Moremi Game Reserve is the core of the Okavango Delta’s wildlife ecosystem and arguably the finest single game reserve in southern Africa. The reserve encompasses Chief’s Island — the delta’s largest permanent landmass — and surrounding floodplains and papyrus channels, creating an extraordinary mosaic for one of Africa’s exceptional wildlife concentrations.
The Big Five are all reliably present. Wild dog density is among the continent’s highest, with multiple pack territories overlapping across Chief’s Island and surrounding concessions. Lion, leopard, and elephant are particularly consistent across the island game drive circuits. Moremi delivers the Okavango’s most diverse wildlife across the broadest range of species in any single reserve.
Our 7-Day Botswana Safari includes Moremi as its centrepiece — combined with Chobe for the definitive Botswana wildlife experience.
Fly-in from Maun required for island camps. Road accessible via Third Bridge (4WD essential and challenging). All through Apes & Wildlife Safaris.
4WD essential for all Moremi driving — roads are extremely challenging after rain. Malaria prophylaxis essential. Staying in adjacent private concessions often delivers better game drives with fewer vehicles.
Wildlife & Natural Highlights
Wild Dogs
Multiple pack territories. Morning hunts across floodplain margins deliver some of southern Africa’s most dramatic and electric wildlife events.
Lions
Large resident prides on Chief’s Island. Multiple prides encountered on virtually every game drive circuit. Well-habituated and reliably seen.
Leopard
Dense riparian woodland throughout the reserve. One of Botswana’s most reliable leopard destinations — particularly productive on dawn and dusk game drives.
Swimming Elephants
Elephant families freely swim between permanent islands. The sight of swimming herds crossing channels between woodland fragments is Botswana’s most iconic wildlife image.
Hippos
Large groups throughout the reserve — particularly around Third Bridge and Xakanaxa — at consistently close range and high frequency year-round.
Avifauna — 550+ Species
Wattled crane, slaty egret, Pel’s fishing owl (night game drives), and African jacana are among Moremi’s most sought-after species.
Key Areas & Experiences
Each zone of Moremi Game Reserve delivers a distinct wildlife experience. Apes & Wildlife Safaris tailors your itinerary to cover the areas that best match your interests and group.
Largest permanent island — the delta’s finest general wildlife area. Big Five, wild dogs, surrounding floodplain dynamics.
Most accessible part for self-drive visitors. Bridge over the Khwai River delivers excellent hippo, crocodile, and bird encounters.
The lagoon and surrounding woodland deliver excellent birding and game drives accessible by road (4WD).
Northern boundary bordering Khwai community concession — excellent elephant, buffalo, and wild dog.
Best Time to Visit Moremi Game Reserve
Maximum flood, wildlife concentrated, wild dog activity at peak. The definitive Moremi experience.
Rains starting, calving season begins, excellent birding.
Lush and beautiful. Lower rates. Roads challenging. Wildlife present but dispersed.
Roads improving as rains end. Delta beginning to fill again.
Curated Safaris Including Moremi
Every Apes & Wildlife Safaris itinerary is tailor-made and can be extended to include Moremi Game Reserve alongside other Botswana parks and destinations.
Expert Tips for Moremi Game Reserve
Plan Well in Advance
Peak season for Botswana fills months ahead. Contact Apes & Wildlife Safaris early to secure the best dates, accommodation, and permits for your group.
Stay Multiple Nights
A single day in Moremi Game Reserve scratches the surface. Two to three nights reveals the full depth of the wildlife, landscape, and daily rhythm across dawn, midday, and dusk.
Never Miss the Dawn Drive
The first two hours after sunrise deliver the highest predator activity, best photography light, and most concentrated wildlife encounters. Always prioritise the early start.
Trust Your Expert Guide
The best wildlife encounters come from guides who read animal behaviour and position the vehicle ahead of the action. Apes & Wildlife Safaris works only with experienced, park-specialist guides.
Combine with Other Botswana Parks
Botswana’s parks are most rewarding in combination. Ask Apes & Wildlife Safaris about the ideal circuit — Chobe, the Okavango Delta, and the Central Kalahari together deliver Africa’s most complete safari.
Take Out Medical Evacuation Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is essential for all Botswana safari travel. Many parks are remote — evacuation distance matters. Apes & Wildlife Safaris can advise on appropriate cover.
Your Botswana Safari Awaits
Apes & Wildlife Safaris handles every detail — permits, transfers, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodation — from first enquiry to final sundowner.