Botswana: Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Park Overview

The Reserve is situated in the eastern sector of the Okavango Delta. Covering approximately 1,100 square miles, this unfenced reserve is completely flat with an intricate network of waterways which meander between reed beds and islands of mixed woodland. Moremi is the most diversified of all the parks in terms of wildlife and scenery, and many people feel it is the most captivating. The eastern woodland is comprised mostly of mopane, as elephants have damaged many of the trees in the area.

 

It is estimated that as many as 50,000 elephant roam the Okavango Delta and Chobe to the east, and they are a common sight in Moremi, especially during the dry season. Hippopotamus are also common and the best site is at Hippo Pool, 9 miles west of North Gate camping site. Large herds of buffalo occur, as well as warhog, tsessebe, kudu, impala, roan, reedbuck and waterbuck. Watch out for lechwe on the narrow flood plains, and at the Third Bridge camping site there is a good chance of seeing Chobe bushbuck.


Camps

Description

Price Range

($/person/night)

Camp Moremi

Camp Moremi is situated on the beautiful Xakanaxa Lagoon on the eastern extremity of the Okavango Delta, within the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. The Camp accommodates only twenty-two guests in walk-through East-African style tents with open-air private hot showers and waterborne toilets. Shaded by giant ebony trees, the magnificent Moremi Tree Lodge is an elegant elevated thatch and timber structure comprised of a main lounge, wildlife reference library, dining room and cocktail bar cooled by overhead punkah-punkah fans. Guests can also enjoy the curio shop, swimming pool, covered boma and elevated observation platform. Experienced resident naturalists take guests on open landrover game drives, fishing and birdwatching trips, and powerboat visits to the heronries on Gadwikwe and Xakanaxa Lagoons.


Xakanaka

Known for its big lagoons and notoriously big game, Xakanaka is a striking land and water safari experience in the Okavango Delta. It is a traditional luxury tented camp, situated inside the Moremi Game Reserve, an area renown for its concentration and diversity of wildlife. Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo are permanent residents of the region. Accommodation consists of tents raised on wooden platforms to afford visitors the magnificent view from the camp. There are twelve spacious tents, each housing two beds and en-suite facilities with flush toilets and plenty of water. Lighting throughout the camp is supplied with paraffin lamps and candles.


Xugana

Situated on the Xugana Lagoon, this camp is located on the northern half of the Okavango Delta, directly above the Moremi Game Reserve. Canoe trips on traditional Mokoro Canoes take you throughout the Lagoon, offering a unique way to take in the views. Wilderness Walks on nearby islands take you deep in to the Delta, with professional guides answering all your questions. Bird watching safaris are quite popular, as four hundred different species of bird have been identified. Reed and thatch huts on stilts are the accommodation equipped with en-suite bathroom facilities, hot and cold running water, and a fully stocked refrigerated bar.


Duba Plains

Duba Plains is perhaps the Okavango Delta's most remote camp. The camp is located in the furthermost reaches of the Delta and is situated on an island, which is surrounded by large flood plains and shaded by large ebony, fig and garcinia trees. This pristine area is home to lion, leopard, lechwe, elephant and huge herds of buffalo and a variety of birds. Duba is small and intimate, with accommodation for only ten people. The tents have each have en-suite bathrooms, with hot and cold running water and a verandah overlooking the floodplain. The dining room and bar area are also on raised decking, situated under large riverine trees.


Mombo

Mombo has also been rebuilt for the 2000 season. The new location is approximately 900 yards from the old Mombo. It is not impossible to see up to twelve different mammal species from the comfort of your own veranda. This year-round exclusive wildlife destination, especially for predators, Mombo has a record unequalled in Africa. It provides the highest quality wildlife viewing opportunities on earth! The design of the new Mombo is radically different from the old Mombo, while still retaining its tented charm. Each luxuriously appointed, tented room is raised off the ground, offering great views over the floodplains. Raised walkways link bedrooms to the living area.




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