Weather forecast in Moremi
Things to Know
Moremi Game Reserve
The Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the eastern part of the Okavango Delta, on the south-western border of the Chobe National Park, and covers almost one-third of the Delta. It is the first reserve in Africa that was established by local residents. Concerned about the rapid depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands – due to uncontrolled hunting and cattle encroachment – the Batawana people of Ngamiland, under the leadership of the deceased Chief Moremi III’s wife, Mrs. Moremi, took the bold initiative to proclaim Moremi a game reserve in 1963.
It is the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta, and as such holds tremendous scientific, environmental and conservation importance.
Moremi's finest area is probably Chief's Island, where you'll find several of Botswana's top safari camps. However, there are several prime areas on the edge of the Mopane Tongue, where the land meets the Okavango's permanent waters, which can also be reached with a mobile safari, including the Khwai River (or North Gate) area, Xakanaxa Lagoon and Third Bridge.
This makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching, including all major naturally occurring herbivore and carnivore species in the region, and over 400 species of birds, many migratory and some endangered. Both Black and White Rhino have recently been re-introduced, now making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination.
Contained within an area of approximately 3900 sq kms, here land and Delta meet to create an exceedingly picturesque preserve of floodplains – either seasonally or perennially wet, waterways, lagoons, pools, pans, grasslands and riparian, riverine and mopane forests. This terrain makes driving Moremi’s many loops and trails both delightful and, at times, totally inspiring.
Moremi is home to nearly 500 species of birds (from water birds to forest dwellers) and a vast array of other species of wildlife - including buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, impala, red lechwe and African wild dogs.
The birds in the Khwai area, in the Mopane Tongue
In the area of Khwai, in the North of the Moremi Reserve, there is a huge variety of birds, also due to the fact that here are different habitats: river, marshes, floodplains, river forest, acacia bushes and the forest of mopane.There are many species of aquatic birds such as marabou storks and saddle-billed storks, and here you can see the much sought-after wattled crane.
During the dry season, from June to October, there is a high concentration of predatory birds such as the martial eagle, that can be seen everywhere or the African marsh harrier, the bateleur eagle and the giant eagle owl or Verraux eagle owl.
The birds in the Xakanaxa area, in the Mopane Tongue
In the Xakanaxa area, there are many species of birds, especially aquatic species that can be seen in the lagoons and swamps that are present in this area.
The Dobetsaa Pans near Fourth Bridge, besides being very scenic, is a birdwatching paradise and it is one of the few places in the Moremi Reserve where you can see the African skimmer.
In this area you can take part in a mokoro or motorboat tour to see the water birds nesting on the islets of the delta.
In particular, in the Gcodikwe Lagoon, that can only be reached by boat, there are several islets that are important reproduction sites, called heronry, for many species of aquatic birds, especially for herons, egrets, goblins, storks, ibis, cormorants; these birds usually build their nests as of August and chicks usually are born in October and November, when the water level is low and it is easier to fish.
Marabou storks and saddle-billed storks instead prefer to make their big nests on the tree branches.
The birds in the South Gate area, in the Mopane Tongue
South Gate is located in a forest of tall mopane, where many squirrels and other small rodents live, so here are small predatory birds such as barn owls, small kestrels and small hawks; sometimes even a few specimens of martial eagle are seen.
In this area, two species of birds are very common, the first is the Arnot's chat, usually seen in pairs or in groups, on the ground or on small branches in search for small insects; some, because of his black and white plumage, call it "the small flying zebra"; the other common species is the red-billed hornbill, that here seems to be everywhere you look.
The birds in the Xigera area, on Chief Island
Here there are large marshy areas where many papyrus grow and islets; this is the paradise for aquatic birds.
One of the most important is the African skimmer that arrives in this area between September and October; it has a unique fishing method, it floats by immersing the tip of the lower jaw of the beak and, when intercepting a fish, quickly closes the beak by capturing it.
There are also several species of kingfisher, heron, egret and many others.
With a little luck you will also be able to see the American gallinule or purple gallinul), the lesser jacana, the common moorhen, the lesser moorhen, the green-backed heron, the little bittern and the dwarf bittern. Other birds that could make the birdwatcher's happiness, and that can be spotted here, are the chirping cisticola, the tawny-flanked prinia, and the African palm swift
The birds in the Mombo and Chief areas, on Chief Island
There are large dry and flooded areas here, and this area is periodically visited by many species of birds, in fact all those present in the Okavango Delta.
In this area, more easily than elsewhere, vultures are noticed, thanks to the high presence of fauna, particularly the white-backed vulture, the lapped-faced vulture, the hooded vulture, the palm-nut vulture, the latter usually remains perched on the palm fronds, as it is also inferred from its name, but it is far more rare than other species.
Here are as well present the yellow-billed oxpecker and the red-billed oxpecker; the oxpeckers are usually leaned on the back of herbivores and eat their parasites.
There are obviously many species of aquatic birds here, and in the months of June to October, in the dry season, they concentrate on the puddles of water that slowly dry out; they gather here because there are different species of fish, that gradually concentrate on the little water remaining.
Large concentrations of pelicans, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks, gray herons, Goliath herons, greater painted snipes, African pigmy geese, lesser jacanas, slaty egrets and many other species.
There are also black herons with their unique fishing system, these birds walk in the low waters and usually widen their wings, forming a sort of umbrella around their neck; in this way, they turn away the sun's reflection from the water, allowing them to better see the fish, and on the other end, preventing the fish from seeing their movements while they are caught.
Wattled cranes can often be seen in groups in the low-lying herbaceous planks, while in the dry areas you can see the secretary bird and the Kori bustard; sometimes it is possible to see the colorful Southern carmine bee-eater that lies on the back of the Kori bustard instead of standing on the branches of the trees.
In the high grass planes you can see the African crane; while, throughout the island, ostriches are scarce, perhaps due to the high presence of predators.
Safari areas within Moremi
Some of the areas of Moremi can be accessed by vehicle, others require you to fly in. Some are private, others are open to the public. Chief's Island Despite what you might imagine, many areas within the Okavango Delta are largely dry. Chief's Island is huge and perhaps the Okavango's most famous island. It was once the royal hunting reserve of Chief Moremi, the traditional leader of the local tribes. He gave it to supplement Moremi Game Reserve in the 1970s, and it is now one of the region's best areas for game. Although part of the Moremi Game Reserve, Chief's Island is private. Though camps here do still abide by the national park's rules on walking and driving at night, you will have a very personal, undisturbed time here as there's no vehicle access by the public to this area.
Khwai River
On the northeast tip of Moremi, Khwai River is a lovely area where tall evergreen trees line a wide floodplain. It boasts an excellent density and diversity of predator and prey species. In recent years there's been a large pride of lion here, hunting buffalo and elephant, while leopard sightings are consistently good. Saddle-billed storks, wattled cranes and many species of kingfishers and bee-eaters are common. On the north side of the Khwai River, outside the park, are a handful of lodges in the Khwai Community Reserve. Many of these overlook Moremi Game Reserve in this particularly scenic area, and we'd included these odges in this section of our website for simplicity.
Xakanaxa Lagoon
In the heart of Moremi, at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, lies Xakanaxa Lagoon. Here the mopane forests meet a patchwork of deep waterways and shallow flooded areas. It's unforgettably beautiful and packed with game. Leopard and cheetah are regularly seen and the density of antelope is amazing. The area's birdlife is exceptionally varied, from innumerable herons, egrets, storks and other waders to many species of harriers, buzzards and kites.
Third Bridge
A short drive from Xakanaxa, in the heart of Moremi, Third Bridge stands on an island with plenty of thickets and several large, open plains. There are campsites for mobile safaris and lots of animals – a combination that has brought it fame for close encounters of the animal kind! Being on the boundary of the land and water areas of Moremi, mobile safaris will often organise boat trips from here, or sometimes excursions to sleep out on the islands.
South Gate
At the southern entrance to Moremi, in quite a thickly forested area, is a campsite that is used by mobile safaris and the public. The area south of here, just outside the game reserve, has more open areas and some attractive stands of acacia which attract surprisingly prolific game, often including herds of giraffe.
Moremi Game Reserve has a climate that is warm to hot. The Dry season runs from April to October and is characterised by cooler, dry conditions. The Wet season, from November to March, receives the majority of the reserve's rainfall, along with higher temperatures.
Dry season – April to October
The last precipitation of the Wet season usually falls in April. June and July are the coolest months, but temperatures start rising in August and peak in October.
April & May – Mostly dry and sunny, this is the start of the Dry season. It is hot in the daytime, with temperatures up to 29°C/84°F. The vegetation in the reserve is still green.
June, July & August – Rainfall is virtually nonexistent. The temperature has dropped a bit with afternoons reaching 26°C/79°F, on average. Don’t forget to bring warm clothing for morning drives and boat trips – early morning temperatures are only 8°C/46°F.
September & October – This is the end of the Dry season. The reserve sizzles with heat before the rains arrive. October is usually the hottest month with an average, afternoon temperature of 35°C/95°F. Nights and mornings are pleasant.
Wet season – November to March
It immediately cools down after the rain, and the dust settles. It rarely rains all day. Storms and short showers in the afternoon become the general pattern. It’s hot throughout the season, and afternoon temperatures rise to about 32°C/90°F. Mornings are comfortable.
November & December – Conditions are hot and mostly sunny with intermittent rainfall. When it does rain, the relief is palpable because temperatures tend to build before precipitation and fall afterward. Early mornings are the most comfortable, with average temperatures around 19°C/65°F.
January & February – During the wettest months, strong storms are frequent, especially in the afternoon. Rainfall doesn’t usually last more than a few hours.
March – The rains are tapering off, although it still rains every couple of days. Precipitation is mostly in the form of thunderstorms. Mornings tend to be a little cooler at 18°C/64°F.
Getting There
Moremi is located 154km/95mi from Maun and can be reached by plane or 4x4, although the road is sometimes closed after heavy rain. The easiest way to get to Moremi GR is either Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK). Other nearby airports include Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe; and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Zambia and Mpacha Katima Mulilo Airport in Namibia. The park can be reached on a self-drive safari, an organised mobile safari, or a fly-in safari.
Best time ti visit
Moremi can certainly be considered a year-round destination, as there are always areas that provide incredible wildlife experience. However, for those wanting to view the Okavango at its highest levels - the late dry season of September to October is the best time to travel. This time of the year is also considered the best time for game viewing due to the animals concentrating along the waterways.
Cell Phone coverage
There is virtually ZERO cell phone coverage in the Moremi areas. Likewise at many other wilderness parks. Our advice: notify your friends and family that you’ll be out of reach for a few days and enjoy being disconnected.
Water!
Carry lots of water with you, ensuring you have at least 2 litres per day per person. Always carry enough to make it to your next main town or shop. Botswana can get very hot, especially from November through to March. We experience seven consecutive days with 40+ degree celsius mid-November - so dehydration is a real risk.
If you are planning a bush braai (barbecue)
Botswana and all of its wildlife reserves are completely unfenced, bar one: the "vet fence" which runs roughly east-west across the middle of the country. No unprocessed meat may cross this fence (i.e. chops, steak, fillet, boerewors etc). The purpose of the fence is to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Chicken is allowed. So plan your meals accordingly and buy your meat in Botswana’s main towns (Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane) rather than packing meat from your favourite butcher back home. Botswana has good quality beef at an excellent price.
Extra fuel
There are no gas stations in Moremi , which means you need to bring enough fuel for your whole safari. So bring extra fuel tanks. Some 4×4 have long range fuel tanks which house up to 140 liters which depending on your schedule may be enough. Fuel is sold in Khwai village in Moremi by the locals in their homes. However, they not always have it and it’s expensive.
