Moremi Game Reserve
Perhaps the most beautiful reserve in Africa, Moremi is the only officially protected region of the Okavango and the first reserve on the continent to be established by local people. Moremi encompasses the core of the Delta, a rich and surprisingly varied landscape of both seasonal and permanent lagoons, riverine forest, grassy plains, acacia woodland and mopane forest, which harbours a great density of game and birdlife. Rhino have recently been re-introduced, making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination. Though not accessible to standard vehicles, the area is hugely popular with 4x4 self-drive enthusiasts who drive in from Maun or Savuti – though there are airstrips at Khwai and Xaxanaxa.
Many regions of the Delta are largely dry, and Chief’s Island, where several of Botswana finest luxury camps are located, is no exception. It’s a prime palm-studded wildlife area, which was the traditional hunting reserve of Chief Moremi - which he subsequently donated to conservation. On the northeast tip is the particularly scenic Khwai River where tall evergreen trees overlook a wide floodplain. Herds of elephant are regularly seen drinking at the river, and a large resident population of predator and prey species provides consistently exciting viewing. At the tip of the mopane tongue is unforgettable Xaxanaxa, where dense forest meets deep lily strewn lagoon and waterways fringed by reeds. Leopard, wild dog and cheetah are regularly spotted, and the variety of game here is hard to believe at times, not forgetting the area’s birdlife, from saddlebilled storks, wattled cranes, countless varieties of heron and waders, harriers, kites, bee-eaters and several species of kingfisher. Xaxanaxa provides a springboard for boat excursions into the waterways of the Delta and the expanse of Gadikwe Lagoon whose heronry has thrilled amateur ornithologists for decades. Ever-popular with self-drive tourists is Third Bridge, famous for its rickety poles, crystalline waters and close encounters of the furry and toothed kind. Enquire now to regenerate your soul and awaken your sense of adventure!
