Moremi Game Reserve
Located in Northern Botswana, on the
eastern side of the Okavango Delta, lies the Moremi Game
Reserve, a dynamic and diverse region of Botswana established
as a reserve in 1962 to preserve its natural beauty. The
Batawana tribe, native to the area, realized that the region
was unique and worth preserving, and decided to establish the
Moremi Game Reserve. Including a large portion of the Okavango
Delta, with its waterways and transient islands, the wife
of Chief Moremi III, of the Batawana tribe, gave the reserve
its name and negotiated the relocation of the tribes from the
region.
Prominent geographical features include the stark contrasts
between dry areas and permanent water features, as well as the
largest island in the delta, Chief's Island. The dry, sandy
interior of the island used to provide optimum hunting grounds
for the Batawana tribe. Chief's Island is the largest
permanent island of the Okavango Delta.
Given the diversity of the landscape,
popular methods for exploring the region are both by 4x4 and
mokoro boat. While the original mokoro were hewn from ebony or
sausage tree, in an effort to preserve the remaining trees of
the region, many are now made of fiberglass. Private guides
glide visitors through the waterways allowing for up close
game viewing.
Grasslands, floodplains, palm-tree islets, forests, lily
lagoons, and winding water channels combine to form a
perfectly constructed puzzle in which animals wander as they
please. While the thickly wooded forests are home to the
prowling leopard, the abundant clay pans that fill with water
in the rainy season are a favorite of the large herds of
buffalo. The reserve is also swarming with giraffe, lion,
cheetah, hyena, jackal, impala, and red lechwe. Birdlife is
prolific and varied, ranging from water birds to shy forest
dwellers. The endangered wild dog, whose numbers are dwindling
elsewhere, are seen regularly in this region.
Although it is not one of the largest parks
on this spectacular continent, Moremi Game Reserve presents
insights and views even for the most experienced travelers.
Its limited lodging ensures the preservation of this
magnificent landscape and its inhabitants.
Visit the Moremi Game Reserve on our Wild Botswana Safari tour, the
Wings Over Northern Botswana adventure, and the Walking With Elephants tour.