Moremi Game Reserve, located on the eastern end of Okavango Delta, was named after Chief Moremi from the Botswana tribe. Moremi is a spectacular montage of lily covered wetlands, sparkling floodplains and open grassland.
The original Moremi Game Reserve consisted mainly of the Mopane Tongue area. However, in the 1970s, the royal hunting grounds known as Chief’s Island were added. To help you understand this area better, let’s share some more facts. Moremi is home to one of the most endangered large mammals, the cheetah and the white rhinoceros and black rhinoceros. Moremi is also home to over 500 bird species, from water birds to forest dwellers, and more than 1.000 plant species. This ecosystem is one of the most diverse in Africa.
Wildlife in Moremi
It is possible to enjoy great game viewing all year round due to the combination of waterways and dry land. Unique ecosystems in the Okavango Delta allow for diversity of wildlife. These unique ecosystems, combined with the effective protection measures, result in high numbers of wildlife. Game viewing is spectacular, whether you’re on a game drive vehicle or mokoro ride.
You can easily spot the iconic Big Five except for the rare rhinoceros. Moremi is a great place to spot the rare leopard, which can be difficult to find. The rare African wild dog is a sighting that is worth mentioning.
Birdlife in Moremi
The Okavango Delta is renowned as one of southern Africa‘s top birding destinations. Moremi, as part of the Okavango Delta safari experience, falls into this category with over 400 species of bird. The guides tend to be enthusiastic birdwatchers, which helps with spotting unfamiliar birds in an unfamiliar area. The mokoro allows for fantastic bird watching as the birds tend to let you come closer than usual.
Notable birds to look for include the rare slaty gray egret, the southern carmine bee-eater, the green-winged pytilia, the African skimmer and the African fish eagle.
When to Go to Moremi Game Reserve
Before you plan your trip to the Moremi Game Reserve, it is highly recommended determining where you want to stay and what is on your bucket list.
We would love to provide a simple, ‘this is the best time to visit’, but there is no such thing when it comes to Botswana. The Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta change dramatically with the seasons, making it a year-round destination; feel free to come at any time to experience the wonder.
What you will discover soon after arriving in the Moremi Game Reserve, is that it isn’t just about crossing off the Big Five on your list, or finally spotting that rare bird. In Moremi, you have to take in the full package: broad skies, amazing sunsets, constantly changing colors, a warm African breeze (and even warmer African hospitality), lily padded waterways and – of course – some of the best game viewing you will ever experience. This, all together, is what will make you want to come back for another Botswana safari as soon as you start your way home.
Interesting facts about Moremi Game Reserve
Some Interesting Facts about the Moremi Game Reserve
- The Okavango Delta’s only protected area is the Moremi Game Reserve.
- Moremi Game Reserve is home to the largest variety of habitats and animal species in Botswana.
- About 30% of the Reserve are located on the mainland. The bulk is found within the Okavango delta.
- Termite mounds were responsible for approximately 70% of the islands found in the Moremi Game Reserve.
- Chief’s Island was chosen as the location for rhino reintroduction in the wild. It is a suitable habitat, and it is remote. This area is not prone to cross-border poaching.
- Moremi was the first African game reserve established by locals.
- The Moremi Game Reserve is a large area of the Okavango Delta’s eastern side. It combines permanent water and drier areas to create surprising contrasts.
- It covers just under 5,000 kilometers (1.900 mi) and is quite diverse, with Mopani and Acacia forests, floodplains, and lagoons.
Weather and Climate
The climate at Moremi Game Reserve is warm to hot. The Dry season is from April to October. It is characterized by cooler, dryer conditions. The Wet season receives most of the reserve’s rains, and also has higher temperatures.
Dry season – April to October
- The Wet season’s last rain falls in April. The coolest months are June and July, but temperatures rise in August and peak during October.
- April and May – This is the beginning of the Dry Season. The daytime temperatures can reach up to 29°C/84°F. The reserve’s vegetation is still green.
- June, July and August – There is almost no rain. On average, the afternoon temperatures have dropped to 26°C/79°F. Warm clothing is essential for boat trips and morning drives. The temperature in the morning is only 8degC/46degF.
- September and October – This marks the end of the dry season. Before the rains come, the reserve heats up. October is the hottest month, with an average afternoon temperature of 35degC/95degF. Both mornings and nights are pleasant.
Wet season – November to March
- After the rain it immediately cools off and the dust settles. It seldom rains throughout the day. The general pattern is storms and brief showers in the afternoon. It is hot all season. Afternoon temperatures can reach 32degC/90degF.
- November and December – The weather is hot, sunny, with occasional rain. The relief you feel when it rains is noticeable because the temperature tends to rise before precipitation, and then fall. The most comfortable time of day is in the morning, when temperatures average around 19degC/65degF.
- January and February – Strong storms are common during the wettest months, particularly in the afternoon. Rainfall usually doesn’t last for more than a few minutes.
- March – Although it is raining less frequently, the rains are starting to taper off. Thunderstorms are the most common form of precipitation. Mornings are generally cooler at 18°C/64°F.
