Moremi Game Reserve – The Botswana Safari Paradise

Moremi Game Reserve is one of Africa’s most celebrated areas, located in the eastern section of Okavango Delta in Botswana. The Moremi Game Reserve derives was name after chief Moremi of BaTawana tribe. Moremi was nominated as a game reserve rather than a national park when it was formed. Since it was established as a Game Reserve and not a National Park, this meant that the BaSarwa or bushmen were permitted to stay in the reserve, making it one of the few places in the world where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony.

Although generally Moremi Game Reserve is not the major draw of tourist to Batswana, Safaris here are rewarding with excellent views, exceptional biodiversity and its beautiful scenery. Safaris in Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve are rewarding and worth it. The Game Reserve is located within the delta with permanent water supply that sustains wildlife population yearly and creates a dynamic ecosystem that shifts with the seasonal floods. Embark on a safari holiday to Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana with Deks Tours and have an opportunity to create everlasting memories of the beautiful Africa.

Where is Moremi Game Reserve Located?

Moremi Game Reserve is just 1,900 square meters in extent 5,000 square kilometers covering much of the eastern side of the Okavango Delta combining drier areas with perpetual waters which create some unexpected contrasts. Some geographical features of the Reserve are Chief Island. The Moremi Game Reserve is a popular destination for savannah games drives as well as bird watching, especially in the lagoons. The ecosystem in the Reserve also comprises of thick wooded areas and riverine forests which are  a habitat for the cape wild dog (Lycaon pictus pictus) and leopards.

To the northeast of the Moremi Game Reserve lies the Chobe National Park, one of the most popular safari destinations in Botswana. 30% of the reserve is main land and the remaining 70% is located within the Okavango Delta itself.

The landscapes of Moremi are wonderfully diverse making every game drive or excursion feel remarkable. Guests can explore the expansive floodplains dotted with grazing animals, glide past tranquil lagoons containing aquatic life and explore dense Mopane wood lands and acacia forests that provides shelters to various species like waterbucks, kudu, impala, and tsessebe that are commonly seen grazing across open areas. The wetlands normally attract red lechwe, semi-aquatic antelopes perfectly adapt to the life in the floodplains, meanwhile giraffes scan treetops and troops of baboons and vervet moneys energize the forest with their social interactions. This varied terrain is not only stunning for views during safaris in Botswana but also supports a wide range of habitats, each attracting different kinds of wildlife.

What you will see During Safaris in Moremi Game Reserve – Attractions in the Reserve

Although Moremi Game Reserve is not one of the largest reserves in Botswana, it is an impressive safari destination to Visit During your African Safari Holiday. This Game Reserve encompasses a diverse ecosystem, like the Mopane woodlands, Acacia forests, floodplains and lagoons. It inhabitats nearly 500 species of birds from forest dwellers to water birds making it a great Birding destination in Botswana.  The reserve ranks among the top bird watching destinations in Africa, from the amazing fish Engle soaring over heads to vibranting kingfisher resting near the water edges. The birdlife here is both abundant and incredible. Seasonal migration further enriching the experience bringing out the rare colorful species that delight both the amateur and the experienced birds.

The Game Reserve is also home to wildlife species include lions, leopards, African bush elephant, African buffalo, black rhinoceros, cheetah, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, common warthog, hippopotamus, impala, plain zebra, giraffe, lechwe, and blue wildebeest among others. This makes it a great wildlife viewing destination in Botswana.

During safaris here, you’ll encounter predators lurking in the Acacia forests, lions are often seen resting in the shades or stalking preys across the plains while leopard renowned for their elusive nature inhabited the wooded areas and riverine forests. One of the reserve most prized sightings is the endangered African wild dog which is more observed here frequently compared to other African parts.

In 1989, the Moremi area was considered an essential habitat for the African wild dog, however as of today, their population has declines. As of today, there are measures to protect the remaining population and collars are installed by the researchers on the wild dogs

You are also likely to see the hippos wallow in the shallow waters during day and come out during night to graze. The other likely sightings are the crocodiles soaking up along the banks silently watching their surroundings.  Elephants are one of Botswana’s most iconic species and Moremi Game Reserve is home to an abundant population of these majestic animals. You’ll also see the buffalos roam across the wilderness.

Unique Facts & History of Moremi Game Reserve

Declared as a reserve in 1963, and named after the Chief Moremi III of the local BaTawana tribe from the Ngami land, Moremi Game Reserve was one of the first protected areas in Africa that was created by local people themselves, not colonial governments. Its establishment starting as a result of conservation of the Northern Okavango Delta. In the 1970s chief Moremi’s Royal hunting Grounds were included into the reserve for further expansion due to the concern about the toll hunting which was depopulating the reserve, chief Moremi’s widow, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, who was ruling at the time took step to conserve the wildlife.

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