Moremi Game Reserve lies at the very heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness areas. It was the first reserve in Africa to be established by local people, when the BaTawana tribe set aside land in 1963 to protect wildlife from hunting and encroaching cattle. Today, it covers nearly 5,000 square kilometres of floodplains, lagoons, forests, and open savanna, forming a sanctuary for an astonishing variety of wildlife.

This diversity of habitats is what makes Moremi so special. Seasonal floodwaters spill into the Delta from the Angolan highlands, creating a mosaic of wetlands and islands that change dramatically through the year. In the dry winter months, animals congregate around permanent water sources, offering superb game viewing. As the summer rains arrive, migratory birds flock in their thousands, and the lush greenery becomes a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Wildlife encounters here are unforgettable. Moremi is home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — though it is especially renowned for its high densities of elephant and predator sightings. Lions patrol the savannas, cheetahs sprint across the open plains, and leopards haunt the riverine forests, their presence hinted at by a hanging kill or the rasp of a call at night. Moremi is also one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered African wild dog, whose dynamic packs are often observed hunting together with remarkable teamwork.

Beyond the headline species, the reserve supports an incredible wealth of life: red lechwe bounding through the water channels, stately giraffes feeding in the woodlands, and hippos wallowing in papyrus-lined lagoons. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, from the colourful lilac-breasted roller to the massive kori bustard, Africa’s heaviest flying bird.

Exploring Moremi is an adventure in itself. Traditional game drives in open 4x4 vehicles provide classic safari thrills, while mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions let you glide silently through the channels for a completely different perspective. Guided bush walks bring the smaller wonders of the Delta into focus — tracks, insects, and plants that are easily missed from a vehicle. Scenic flights over the Delta reveal the sheer scale and beauty of this watery wilderness.

For anyone seeking an authentic safari experience, Moremi Game Reserve offers the perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural significance. It’s a place where nature feels both untamed and deeply protected, ensuring that every visit is both humbling and unforgettable.