Moremi Game Reserve (NG/28)

After settling in the area around Maun in 1915, the Batawana population slowly increased in numbers, and with that, the number of cattle they kept to feed their growing nation. Gradually the cattle encroached upon the free-roaming wildlife in the area, and combined with uncontrolled hunting, wildlife numbers declined rapidly.

In 1963, under leadership of Chief Moremi III’s wife, Mrs. Moremi, the Batawana proclaimed the Moremi Game Reserve in order to protect the wildlife of the Okavango Delta. It was the first reserve in Africa established by local residents and not colonial authorities.

At first it consisted only of a triangular piece of mopane-forested dry land stretching between today’s North Gate, Xakanaxa and South Gate camps, called the Mopane Tongue. In the 70s, Chief’s Island (the royal hunting grounds of Kgosi Moremi) was added; the addition of the northwestern strip of land between the Jao and Nqoga rivers in 1992, increased the reserve's size to 3 900 km². The Okavango Delta forms approximately 70% of the reserve, dry land accounting for just 30%.

Moremi Game Reserve is situated on the central and eastern parts of the Okavango Delta, and it's the only part of the Delta which is officially protected by government authorities. There are no fences around the reserve so animals can migrate freely between the Okavango, Savuti, Linyanti and Chobe regions. This enormous wilderness area contains several diverse ecosystems, including the Okavango Delta Wetland and the Kalahari Desert. This makes game viewing and bird watching in this region a rich and rewarding experience.

A network of 4WD tracks weaves between the lagoons, pans, grasslands and forests which are home to some 500 species of birds (from water birds to forest dwellers) and a large variety of other species, including wild dogs.

ACCOMMODATION:
While there are a number of luxury lodges in the reserve, self-drive travellers can overnight in one of four rest camps. These camps are run by private operators (Xomae Sites, Kwalate Safaris and SKL camps) and pre-booking is essential.

CAMP SAFETY:
Camps aren’t fenced so game (including predators and elephant) often roam nearby - and sometimes through – the camp. Travellers need to be aware of how to react in the presence of dangerous game to avoid life-threatening situations.

Hyena commonly enter camps at night scrounging for leftovers, while baboons and monkeys will raid any unattended food and dishes during the day. It’s recommended that you store all food and valuables in your vehicle or trailer, and keep the doors closed and locked when unattended.

FUEL:
There is no petrol or diesel available in the reserve. The nearest fuel is in Maun, 90km from South Gate, or Muchenje, 210km from North Gate, via Savute.

The sandy roads and water crossings increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by 50 - 100%, and possibly even more if you’re towing a heavy trailer, so it’s essential to take additional fuel supplies if you plan to travel from Moremi northwards to Savute and Chobe.

GATES:
Moremi Game Reserve has two entrance gates, South Gate (near Maun) and North Gate (near Khwai). The park headquarters is situated at North Gate.

MOKORO & MOTORBOAT TRIPS:
Mokoro trips on the Delta are offered by Xomae Sites who run the Third Bridge camp but it’s advisable to book beforehand.
Motorboat trips launch from Xakanaxa Boat Station, and a sunset cruise from here is an exquisite way to end a day in Moremi.
Mboma Island Boat Station runs both motorboat and mokoro trips. It’s essential to book as they run short on fuel for the boats, and will then only cater for pre-booked clients.

PARK FEES:
Park fees are still payable to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, and can be paid at their offices in Maun or Kasane, or on park entry at North Gate or South Gate. The card machines at the gates are not guaranteed to work, so you should have cash (only BWP accepted)
Your entry fees into Moremi is BWP205 per person per day, BWP115 per vehicle and BWP40 per trailer. (2023 fees)

ROAD INFO:
The roads in Moremi are 4WD tracks, usually sandy and often under water when the Delta floods between May and October. Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not attempt to drive these roads. First, Second, Third and Fourth Bridge are simple wooden structures over deeper channels in Moremi, and are often under water or broken and in a state of disrepair. Travellers should investigate the condition of the bridges and depth of the water before blindly crossing over, especially First and Second Bridge. Just remember to be on the lookout for hippos, crocodiles, elephant etc. while you do!

SHOPS:
Travellers should be self-sufficient with regards to fuel, food and water. A small shop in Khwai Village, outside North Gate Entrance, sells basics such as cold drinks, beer, flour and sometimes bread.

USEFUL NUMBERS:
Xomae Sites: +267 686 2221 or xomaesites@btcmail.co.bw.
Xakanaxa Boat Station: +267 686 0364; Cell: +267 73 497 609 or ngamimarine@gmail.com.
Mboma Boat Station: +267 73 727 929 or boatstation@mboma-island.com.
DWNP Maun: +267 686 1265
Kwalate Safaris: +267 686 5551. SKL Camps: +267 686 5365.

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