Introduction

In the centre of the Okavango Delta is the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, a 3 000 sq km paradise. Established in 1963 by the local Batawana tribe it has become one of the most successful wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. This reserve is unmistakably one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas.With its mix of wetlands and woodlands, Moremi is a park of exceptional beauty where most of the game viewing in the delta takes place. It can be divided into three areas: the permanently flooded delta, Chief's Island and the mainland areas of the Mopane Tongue and Mboma Island, the only areas accessible by vehicle.Numerous safari camps are situated on small islands along the Boro river, close to Chief's Island You can enjoy game-viewing trips by traditional dug - out canoe(mokoro). Such trips can be of any length, from a single clay's outing to two, three or four day safaris. The local guides are experienced men with an interest in and a good knowlwdge of the environment. To do game-viewing from a mokoro makes the experience especially authentic and memorable.

Wildlife

Moremi is a place of lily-covered wetlands, grass plains and forests and consists of a network of waterways surrounding two large islands, Chiefs Island in the west and Mopane Tongue in the east. The area's diverse ecosystems, riverine woodland, flood plains, wetlands and reed beds, mopane forest and dry savannah woodland are all teeming.This diversity of habitats provides ample sightings for an impressive variety of animals and around 550 bird species. Hippos and crocodiles bathe and laze in crystal-clear waters, while the wide variety of vegetation is home to a remarkable collection of wildlife.Huge herds of impala and tsessebe roam the savanna, and waterbuck are common. Although much of the game is migratory, the choice grazing ensures game viewing all year round. However, in the dry season large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra migrate back into the park from the Kalahari in search of food and water, and by the time the floods reach Moremi in July, the reserve is abound with game.The rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope live in the papyrus banks of the waterways. Lion, cheetah and leopard hunt in the open veld, and the area is particularly good for wild dogs. The northbank of the Khwai River is also an important game viewing area.

Access

Moremi is accessed by 4 x 4 vehicles or air charter directly to the camps and lodges from Maun, the unofficial 'capital' of the great Okavango and Kalahari region. Maun is reached by air from Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Windhoek.

When to Visit Moremi

Game viewing is impressive throughout the year. However, the cool dry winter months from March to September are an ideal time to visit, as you are guaranteed sightings of lion, elephant, leopard, hyena, eland, kudu, roan antelope, giraffe, zebra, impala and buffalo. On the sandy riverbanks and wetlands, sightings of hippos and crocodiles are commonplace. In the Okavango, game is likely to be most plentiful between April/May and November.

Activities

• Unforgettable game-viewing trips
• Birdwatching -around 550 bird species
• Canoeing on the river in a mokoro

Moremi Accommodation

Camp Moremi This camp is set on the Xakanaxa Lagoon amongst giant Ebony trees. It offers you every comfort for your journey in the wilderness.

Chief's Camp Chief's Camp lies deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, 19 km from Mombo Camp, an area renowned for its abundance of wildlife - ensuring plenty of excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Eagle Island Camp at Xaxaba Regarded as one of the world's most beautiful camps, Eagle Island Camp at Xaxaba - meaning `island of tall trees` - is water based and situated in the Central Delta.

Khwai River Lodge The Khwai River at Moremi is part of the Okavango's complex delta system, with the Lodge standing on the banks surrounded by nature and the calls of the wild.

Mombo &Little Mombo Hidden from the world within Botswana's Okavango Delta and situated just off the north-western tip of Chiefs Island, is the secret paradise of Mombo, situated deep within the Moremi Game Reserve.

Okuti Camp Okuti, situated in the remote north-eastern part of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Xakanaxa Lagoon, is a small private camp catering for a maximum of 20 guests

Stanley's Camp Set in an amphitheatre of ebony and sausage trees on the southern tip of Chief's Island, Stanley's Camp sits amidst 260,000 acres of untamed and untrammeled African bush.

Xakanaxa Camp Xakanaka Camp is one of the few Okavango lodges, which can offer comprehensive year-round boating trips as well as extensive nature drives into good game country.