Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve sits at the heart of the Okavango Delta, and the moment you cross into Chief's Island or enter through South Gate near Maun, you understand immediately why this place has a reputation unlike anywhere else in southern Africa. The landscape is extraordinarily varied — papyrus channels, mopane woodland, seasonally flooded plains and acacia scrub all transition into one another within a single afternoon's drive.

That constant interplay between water and land is what sets Moremi apart from the drier reserves nearby.

The wildlife density here can be genuinely staggering. African wild dogs, one of the continent's most endangered predators, denning season or otherwise, are spotted with reasonable frequency around the Khwai area. Lions and leopards work the riverine forests, and during the dry season (May through October) animals concentrate around permanent water sources, making sightings more reliable and the dust-track game drives deeply rewarding.

Elephants are utterly everywhere, often crossing the road with calm indifference.

Getting here independently requires a well-maintained 4WD — the sandy tracks and seasonal flooding make any other vehicle a genuinely bad idea. Most visitors fly or drive from Maun, roughly 100 kilometres to the south-west. Self-drive camping is possible at designated sites including Xakanaxa and Third Bridge, though you must book through Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks in advance, especially during peak season.

Fees apply per person and per vehicle, and they are not cheap by regional standards, so budget accordingly. Mokoro excursions into the Delta fringe add a quieter, more intimate dimension to the experience.

Aim to visit between June and September for dry conditions, concentrated wildlife, and passable roads; bring good binoculars, a dust cover for your camera, and warm layers for early morning drives.