Latest News
HomeColumnsFeatured ArticlesWhy you should visit Moremi Game Reserve
Featured Articles

Why you should visit Moremi Game Reserve

The history of Moremi Game Reserve is deeply intertwined with the history of the Batawana people of Botswana.

Moremi Game Reserve is considered one of the best destinations for an African safari for several reasons. Firstly, it is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. The delta itself is one of the largest inland deltas in the world, providing a unique and diverse ecosystem that attracts a wide range of animals.

The History of Moremi Game Reserve
The history of Moremi Game Reserve is deeply intertwined with the history of the Batawana people of Botswana. The Batawana are one of the many tribes that make up the larger Tswana people of southern Africa, and they have a long history of living in the Okavango Delta.

In the early 20th century, the Batawana people were threatened by the expansion of European colonialism into southern Africa. In particular, the colonial government of what was then the Bechuanaland Protectorate (later to become Botswana) was interested in exploiting the natural resources of the Okavango Delta, including the wildlife that lived there.

The Batawana leaders were acutely aware of the threat that this posed to their way of life, and they began to advocate for the protection of the Okavango Delta. In 1963, the Batawana people established the Moremi Game Reserve, named after Chief Moremi III, one of their most famous leaders. The reserve was the first protected area in Botswana and one of the first in Africa.

The establishment of Moremi Game Reserve was a significant achievement for the Batawana people, who were able to create a space where their traditional way of life could be preserved and protected. It was also a major step forward for conservation efforts in southern Africa, as it demonstrated that local communities could play a central role in protecting their own natural resources.

Over the years, Moremi Game Reserve has been expanded several times, including the addition of the Moremi Tongue, a large area of land that juts out into the Okavango Delta. Today, the reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in Africa, protecting a diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems.

The history of Moremi Game Reserve is a testament to the importance of community-led conservation efforts. By working together to protect their natural resources, the Batawana people were able to create a space where their traditional way of life could thrive, while also preserving one of Africa’s most important ecosystems.

Wildlife in Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, thanks to its location in the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. The reserve is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique landscape and wildlife.

One of the most famous areas of Moremi Game Reserve is the Xakanaxa region, located in the northern part of the reserve. This area is known for its large concentrations of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. The Xakanaxa region is also home to a variety of antelope species, such as impala, kudu, and waterbuck.

Another important area of the reserve is Chief’s Island, located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, perfect for an okavango delta safari. This area is known for its large population of elephants, which are attracted to the island’s rich vegetation and abundant water sources. Visitors to Chief’s Island may also spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

The Moremi Tongue is a unique area of flooded grasslands that juts out into the Okavango Delta. This area is a great place to spot aquatic wildlife, such as sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, and a variety of bird species that are adapted to life in the wetlands.

Overall, Moremi Game Reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The reserve is also home to a number of threatened or endangered species, such as the African wild dog, the wattled crane, and the red lechwe.

The diverse range of ecosystems within Moremi Game Reserve, including savannah, wetlands, and forests, provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. The reserve’s location in the heart of the Okavango Delta also provides a reliable source of water and food, making it an ideal place for wildlife to thrive.

Climate in Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is located in the northern part of Botswana, in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The reserve’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Kalahari Desert and the Zambezi River, as well as its location in the subtropical region of southern Africa.

The climate in Moremi Game Reserve is characterized by two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The dry season typically runs from May to October, while the wet season runs from November to April.

During the dry season, the weather is typically sunny and dry, with clear blue skies and very little rainfall. Temperatures can be hot during the day, reaching highs of around 35°C (95°F), but can drop considerably at night, particularly in the winter months of June and July. During this time, the wildlife in the reserve congregates around the permanent water sources, making it an ideal time for game viewing.

The wet season, on the other hand, brings much-needed rainfall to the reserve and transforms the landscape into a lush green oasis. The wet season is characterized by hot and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). The rainfall can cause the Okavango Delta to flood, which can impact game viewing and make some areas of the reserve inaccessible.

The best time to visit Moremi Game Reserve depends on your preferences and interests. The dry season, particularly from July to October, is considered the best time for game viewing, as the wildlife congregates around the permanent water sources. The wet season, on the other hand, is a great time to visit for birdwatching and to experience the lush vegetation and unique landscapes of the Okavango Delta.

Overall, the climate in Moremi Game Reserve is typical of the subtropical region of southern Africa, with distinct dry and wet seasons that each offer unique experiences for visitors to the reserve.

Moremi Game Reserve is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. With its incredible wildlife, unique landscapes, and unforgettable safari experiences, it’s definitely worthwhile to include it on your travel itinerary.

19/03/2024
18/03/2024
15/03/2024
14/03/2024
13/03/2024
12/03/2024