How to Get to Moremi Game Reserve
The Complete 2027 Travel Guide: Flights, Self-Drive Routes, Gates, Park Fees and Practical Tips
| Quick Answer
The gateway to Moremi Game Reserve is Maun, Botswana. From Maun you have two main ways in: a 20–40 minute light-aircraft flight to an airstrip inside or beside the reserve, or a roughly 100 km, 2.5–3.5 hour 4×4 drive to South Gate (Maqwee). Self-drivers can also enter from the north through North Gate (Khwai), usually as part of a route from Kasane via Chobe National Park and Savuti. Most international visitors fly into Maun via Johannesburg, with additional direct flights from Cape Town, Windhoek, Gaborone, Kasane and Addis Ababa. |
Why Getting to Moremi Takes a Little Planning
Moremi Game Reserve is one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Covering close to 5,000 square kilometers on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, it was the first reserve in Africa created by a local community – the BaTawana people, led by the widow of Chief Moremi III, set it aside in 1963 to stop the decline of wildlife caused by hunting and poaching. Today it is the only formally protected government reserve inside the Delta and part of the Okavango Delta UNESCO World Heritage Site.
That remoteness is exactly what makes Moremi special – and it is also why reaching it takes more thought than driving into a typical national park. There are no tarred roads inside the reserve, no fuel stations, no fences around the campsites, and the floods of the Okavango change which tracks are passable from one month to the next. Visitors either fly in on small bush planes or drive in on deep-sand 4×4 tracks.
This guide walks you through every realistic way to get to Moremi Game Reserve: international flights into Botswana, light-aircraft transfers from Maun, the self-drive route to South Gate, the northern approach from Kasane and Chobe, guided mobile safaris, and water access by boat and mokoro. You will also find the 2026 park fees, gate opening times, distance and driving-time tables, seasonal road conditions, sample routes and answers to the most common questions.
Moremi Game Reserve at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Country / region | Botswana, north-western district (Ngamiland), eastern Okavango Delta |
| Size | Approximately 4,900–5,000 km², about a third of the Okavango Delta |
| Established | 1963 by the BaTawana community; managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) |
| Gateway town | Maun – about 100 km south-west of South Gate |
| Nearest airport | Maun International Airport (MUB) |
| Main road entry points | South Gate (Maqwee) and North Gate (Khwai) |
| Key areas | Chief’s Island, Moremi Tongue, Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, Mboma, Khwai River, Dead Tree Island |
| Public campsites | South Gate, Third Bridge, Xakanaxa and Khwai (North Gate) – advance booking required |
| Vehicle needed | High-clearance 4×4 with low-range gearing – no exceptions |
| Best time for game viewing | July to October (dry season) |
Where Is Moremi Game Reserve?
Moremi sits in northern Botswana on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. The reserve stretches from Chief’s Island in the west – a large dry-land island reachable mainly by air or mokoro – to the Moremi Tongue in the east, a finger of land between the Delta’s waterways and the Khwai River that is the part of the reserve accessible by road.
To the south-west lies Maun, Botswana’s safari capital, where virtually every Moremi trip begins or ends. To the north-east, beyond the Khwai River and the community-run Khwai concession, the land continues through the Mababe Depression to Savuti and the rest of Chobe National Park, which is why many travellers combine the two parks on one overland route.
Moremi’s Entry Points and Key Locations
| Location | What It Is | How You Reach It |
| South Gate (Maqwee) | Main southern entrance, DWNP office and public campsite | By road from Maun via Shorobe and the buffalo (veterinary) fence |
| North Gate (Khwai) | Northern entrance on the Khwai River, public campsite | By road from South Gate inside the reserve, or from Savuti/Mababe and Khwai village |
| Third Bridge | Famous public campsite beside a wooden log bridge, deep in the Delta waterways | By 4×4 from South Gate (roughly 2–3 hours of sand and water crossings) |
| Xakanaxa | Lagoon area with public campsite, lodges and boat station | By 4×4 inside the reserve, or by light aircraft to Xakanaxa airstrip |
| Chief’s Island | Largest island in the Delta, heart of the western reserve | Light aircraft to private lodge airstrips, or mokoro from neighbouring concessions |
| Khwai area | Community concession bordering North Gate, popular for night drives | By road, or by light aircraft to Khwai airstrips |
Step 1: Getting to Botswana and Maun
Whichever way you plan to enter the reserve, your journey almost certainly passes through Maun International Airport (MUB), located about 3 km from the town centre. Maun has no long-haul flights from Europe, the Americas or Asia, so international travellers connect through a regional hub.
Direct Flights into Maun
| Departure City | Typical Flight Time | Notes |
| Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) | About 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min | The busiest route, with several daily flights. Operated by Airlink, Air Botswana and CemAir. The most common connection for travellers from Europe, North America and Asia. |
| Cape Town, South Africa (CPT) | About 2 hr 30 min | Daily direct service by Airlink – ideal if combining Cape Town and the Delta. |
| Windhoek, Namibia (WDH) | About 1 hr 30 min | Several flights a week, useful for Namibia–Botswana combinations. |
| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD) | About 5 hours | Ethiopian Airlines service – a convenient option for travellers from East Africa, including Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, connecting through Addis. |
| Gaborone, Botswana (GBE) | About 1 hr 30 min | Domestic Air Botswana flights from the capital. |
| Kasane, Botswana (BBK) | About 1 hour | Domestic link for travellers coming from Chobe or Victoria Falls. |
| Lusaka, Zambia (LUN) | About 2 hours | Proflight Zambia has announced service on this route; confirm schedules before booking. |
| Travelling from East Africa?
From Entebbe, Nairobi or Kigali, the two practical options are connecting through Johannesburg (e.g., on Airlink, Kenya Airways, RwandAir or Uganda Airlines to JNB, then on to Maun) or through Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Allow at least 2–3 hours for connections in Johannesburg, as you must clear immigration and re-check luggage if travelling on separate tickets. |
Alternative Gateways
- Kasane (Chobe) – Fly into Kasane, or cross from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia) by road, and approach Moremi from the north through Chobe National Park and Savuti. This is the classic start of a northern Botswana self-drive loop.
- Gaborone – The capital is about 900 km by road from Maun. Driving is possible but long; most visitors fly the final leg.
- By road from South Africa – Johannesburg to Maun is roughly 1,100–1,200 km via the Martin’s Drift or Groblersbrug border posts and the towns of Palapye, Francistown or Serowe, and Nata. Plan two days of driving and do not drive at night, as livestock and wildlife on the road are a serious hazard.
Entry Requirements for Botswana
Citizens of many countries – including most of Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth and SADC nations – can visit Botswana visa-free for short tourist stays. Others need to apply in advance, and Botswana offers an online e-Visa system. Rules change, so always check the current requirements for your nationality with the Botswana Department of Immigration or your nearest embassy before travel.
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and have at least two blank pages.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission – this applies to travellers coming from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
- Travellers with minor children should carry full birth certificates, particularly when transiting South Africa.
Option 1: Fly In by Light Aircraft (Fastest and Most Popular)
The easiest way to get to Moremi Game Reserve is by small bush plane from Maun. Most visitors staying at the private lodges and tented camps inside or bordering the reserve never drive at all – they are met on the airside in Maun, walked to a light aircraft and flown directly to an airstrip near their camp, where a guide waits with an open safari vehicle.
How Fly-In Transfers Work
- Book your lodge first. Most lodges arrange the flight as part of your package and coordinate it with your international arrival time in Maun.
- Land in Maun and clear immigration and customs. A charter representative will usually meet you in the arrivals hall.
- Check in for your light aircraft. Your luggage and often your body weight are recorded, since small aircraft must stay within strict weight limits.
- Fly 20–40 minutes across the Delta to an airstrip such as Xakanaxa, Khwai, Chief’s Island or one of the private concession strips. The low-level views of channels, islands and wildlife are an experience in themselves.
- Meet your guide at the airstrip – game viewing often begins on the drive to camp.
Airstrips Serving Moremi
| Airstrip / Area | Approx. Flight Time from Maun | Serves |
| Xakanaxa | 25–35 minutes | Lodges and camps around Xakanaxa Lagoon inside the reserve |
| Khwai | 25–35 minutes | Camps in the Khwai concession and near North Gate |
| Chief’s Island | 20–30 minutes | Private lodges on and around Chief’s Island (Mombo area) |
| Private concession strips | 20–40 minutes | Lodges in concessions bordering the reserve, many with access to Moremi |
Light Aircraft Luggage Rules
| Pack Light – It Is Not Optional
Most Okavango charter operators limit luggage to 20 kg per person, including hand luggage and camera gear, and some flights allow only 15 kg. Bags must be soft-sided with no wheels or rigid frames so they can be squeezed into small luggage pods. Hard suitcases are usually refused. Excess luggage can be stored in Maun, and many lodges offer laundry so you can pack less. If you need more allowance (for heavy camera equipment, for example), you can often buy an extra seat – arrange this well in advance. |
Scheduled Seat Rates vs. Private Charters
Fly-in transfers are sold in two ways. Seat rates put you on a shared shuttle-style flight that drops guests at several airstrips – the most economical option and the norm for lodge transfers. Private charters give your group the whole aircraft, with your own timing and route; they cost more but suit families, photographers and travelers with tight connections. Well-known operators in Maun include Mack Air, Safari Air, Wilderness Air and Moremi Air, and your lodge or tour operator will normally make the booking for you.
| Transfer Type | Indicative Cost (One Way) | Best For |
| Shared seat rate | Around US$150–350 per person, depending on airstrip and season | Couples and solo travellers on lodge packages |
| Private charter (small aircraft) | Around US$900–2,000+ per aircraft | Families, groups, photographers, tight schedules |
| Scenic flight add-on | Around US$150–250 per person | Seeing the Delta from the air before or after a self-drive trip |
Prices are indicative only and vary by operator, aircraft size, fuel costs and season. Always request a current quote.
Pros and Cons of Flying In
- Pros: fastest route, no 4×4 driving, spectacular aerial views, seamless connections with international flights, access to remote areas like Chief’s Island that cannot be reached by road.
- Cons: strict luggage limits, higher cost, and small aircraft can be bumpy in the afternoon heat.
Option 2: Self-Drive from Maun to South Gate
For adventurous travellers, a self-drive safari into Moremi is one of the great experiences in Africa. You set your own pace, camp under the stars at unfenced campsites and follow tracks through mopane woodland, floodplains and riverine forest. It does, however, demand proper preparation, a well-equipped 4×4 and solid sand-driving skills.
The Route: Maun – Shorobe – Buffalo Fence – South Gate
- Maun to Shorobe (about 45 km, tar): Leave Maun heading north-east on the road towards Shorobe village. This first section is tarred and straightforward. Fill up with fuel, water and supplies before you leave town – there is no reliable fuel beyond Maun.
- Shorobe to the Buffalo Fence (about 15–20 km, gravel): The tar ends around Shorobe and the road becomes gravel. You will reach the veterinary cordon fence (locally called the Buffalo Fence), where officials may check your vehicle for fresh meat and animal products.
- Buffalo Fence to South Gate (about 35–40 km, sand): Beyond the fence you enter wildlife country. The track becomes progressively sandier, with corrugations and patches of deep sand. Engage four-wheel drive, reduce tyre pressure if needed and keep a steady pace. Elephants are common along this section.
- Arrive at South Gate (Maqwee): Present your campsite booking confirmation and park fee receipt (or pay at the gate if necessary), sign the register and receive any route updates from the rangers.
Distances and Driving Times
| Route | Approx. Distance | Approx. Driving Time | Road Type |
| Maun – Shorobe | 45 km | 40–50 min | Tar |
| Maun – South Gate (Maqwee) | 95–100 km | 2.5–3.5 hours | Tar, gravel, then sand |
| South Gate – Third Bridge | 45–50 km | 2–3 hours | Sand, water crossings |
| South Gate – Xakanaxa | 45–50 km | 2–3 hours | Sand, mopane woodland |
| Third Bridge – Xakanaxa | 25–30 km | 1.5–2 hours | Sand, seasonal flooding |
| Xakanaxa – North Gate (Khwai) | 40–45 km | 2–2.5 hours | Sand, black cotton soil when wet |
| South Gate – North Gate (direct) | 35–40 km | 1.5–2 hours | Sand |
| Maun – North Gate (via South Gate) | About 135–140 km | 4–5 hours | Mixed |
Driving times exclude game viewing stops – which, in Moremi, you will make often. Inside the reserve, average speeds of 15–25 km/h are normal.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
A high-clearance 4×4 with low-range gearing is compulsory for Moremi. Sedans, SUVs without low range and soft-roaders will not cope with the deep sand and water crossings. Most self-drivers rent a fully equipped safari vehicle in Maun.
| Vehicle | Why It Works in Moremi | Typical Setup |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 76/79 | Legendary reliability, excellent ground clearance, easy to repair in the bush | Rooftop tent(s), long-range fuel tank, fridge, water tank, recovery gear |
| Toyota Hilux double cab | Popular, capable and economical; good for couples or small families | Canopy, rooftop tent, dual battery, fridge, camping kit |
| Land Rover Defender | Strong off-road performance and space | Varies by rental company; often fully kitted for camping |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | Comfortable on tar and capable in sand | Rooftop tent and camping kit; check clearance and fuel range |
Fully equipped 4×4 camping vehicles in Maun typically cost in the region of US$150–300 per day, depending on the vehicle, season and inclusions. Ask about cross-border permission if you plan to continue into Namibia, Zambia or Zimbabwe.
Essential Self-Drive Checklist
- Fuel: Fill up in Maun and carry enough for your whole loop plus a reserve. Sand driving can double normal fuel consumption. A long-range tank (140 litres or more) or jerry cans are strongly advised.
- Water: Carry at least 5 litres per person per day, plus extra for emergencies. Campsite water may not be drinkable.
- Recovery gear: Tyre pressure gauge and compressor, spade, tow strap, jack and base plate, two spare tyres where possible, puncture repair kit.
- Navigation: Download Tracks4Africa or a similar offline GPS map and carry a paper map. Mobile signal is patchy or absent inside the reserve.
- Communication: A satellite phone or satellite messenger is highly recommended for emergencies.
- Supplies: Buy food, firewood and ice in Maun. Khwai village has only a few small shops with basic goods.
- Paperwork: Campsite confirmation, park fee receipts, driving licence (with an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English), vehicle papers and rental authorisation.
| Sand Driving Tips
Lower tyre pressure to around 1.6–1.8 bar in deep sand (follow your rental company’s guidance) and reinflate on harder surfaces. Keep momentum in sand, avoid sudden braking and steer gently. Stop on firm ground or slightly downhill if possible. Before any water crossing, check the depth, look for submerged logs and hippos, and never cross a channel you have not seen another vehicle cross safely. Never walk into water to test depth – crocodiles and hippos are present. |
Option 3: Drive from Kasane via Chobe and Savuti (Northern Approach)
Many self-drivers tackle the classic northern Botswana loop linking Kasane, Chobe National Park, Savuti and Moremi before finishing in Maun (or the reverse). This approach brings you into Moremi through North Gate (Khwai).
The Route
- Kasane to Savuti (about 170–180 km): Drive through the Chobe Riverfront or along the main road towards Ngoma, then south on sandy tracks to Savuti. Expect 5–7 hours including game viewing, with some very deep sand sections.
- Savuti to Mababe Gate (about 55–60 km): Leave Chobe National Park through Mababe Gate, crossing the open Mababe Depression. The sand ridge route is drier; the marsh route can be impassable after rain.
- Mababe Gate to Khwai and North Gate (about 30–40 km): Continue through the Khwai community area to the Khwai River and the famous wooden bridge at North Gate.
| Route Section | Approx. Distance | Approx. Driving Time |
| Kasane – Savuti | 170–180 km | 5–7 hours |
| Savuti – Mababe Gate | 55–60 km | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Mababe Gate – North Gate (Khwai) | 30–40 km | 1–1.5 hours |
| Kasane – North Gate (total) | About 260–280 km | A full long day; better split with a night at Savuti |
It is strongly recommended to spend at least one night at Savuti rather than attempting Kasane to Moremi in a single day. Not only is the driving tiring, but Savuti is one of the best wildlife areas in Botswana in its own right.
Option 4: Join a Guided Mobile or Overland Safari
If you want the freedom of camping in Moremi without the responsibility of driving, a guided mobile safari from Maun is an excellent middle ground. A professional guide drives you in a custom safari vehicle while a support crew goes ahead to set up camp, cook meals and manage logistics.
- Fully serviced mobile safaris use spacious walk-in tents with beds, en-suite bucket showers and chef-prepared meals – comfortable and still close to nature.
- Participation or overland safaris are more budget-friendly; guests help with setting up camp and some chores.
- Day trips from Maun are possible but involve 5–6 hours of round-trip driving, leaving limited game-viewing time. An overnight stay is far more rewarding.
A guided trip also takes care of park fees, campsite reservations and vehicle recovery – and an experienced guide will find far more wildlife than most first-time self-drivers.
Option 5: Reaching Moremi by Water – Boat and Mokoro
Water is part of the Moremi experience, but it is mostly a way to explore the reserve rather than to arrive in it. Still, it is worth understanding the options:
- Mokoro excursions from Maun: Mokoro (dug-out or fibreglass canoe) trips leave from community poling stations near Maun into the Delta buffer zone near the reserve boundary and Chief’s Island. These are typically day or overnight trips with wild camping on islands.
- Boat trips inside Moremi: Visitors staying around Xakanaxa and Third Bridge can take motorboat excursions through lagoons and channels such as the Xakanaxa and Gcobega lagoons, visiting heronries and spotting hippos, crocodiles and the elusive sitatunga antelope.
- Water-based lodges: Several camps on Chief’s Island and in neighbouring water concessions combine fly-in access with daily boat and mokoro activities.
Water levels depend on the annual Okavango flood, which peaks in the dry winter months (roughly June to August). Some boat and mokoro activities may be limited when water levels are low.
Comparing Your Options: Which Is Best for You?
| Option | Time from Maun | Cost Level | Best For |
| Fly-in by light aircraft | 20–40 minutes | High | Lodge guests, short trips, travellers who do not want to drive |
| Self-drive via South Gate | 2.5–3.5 hours to the gate | Moderate | Experienced 4×4 drivers and independent campers |
| Self-drive from Kasane | 1–2 days from Kasane | Moderate | Multi-park northern Botswana loops |
| Guided mobile safari | 2.5–3.5 hours by road | Moderate to high | Camping adventure without the driving or logistics |
| Road transfer by lodge | 2–4 hours | Moderate | Lodges near Khwai or South Gate offering road transfers |
| Water access (boat/mokoro) | Varies | Low to high | Exploring the Delta waterways as part of a stay |
Moremi Park Fees, Bookings and Gate Times (2026)
Park Entry Fees
Moremi and Chobe are classified as the Department of Wildlife and National Parks’ premium (Category A) protected areas. Fees are charged per person per day and vary by residency.
| Visitor Category | Adult (per day) | Child 8–17 (per day) |
| International visitors (non-residents) | BWP 270 (about US$20) | BWP 135 |
| SADC residents | BWP 205 | Around BWP 102 |
| Botswana citizens | BWP 30 | BWP 15 |
| Children under 8 | Free | Free |
Vehicle entry fees are charged in addition, with higher rates for foreign-registered vehicles. Fees are subject to change – confirm current rates with DWNP (dwnp@gov.bw) before you travel. Lodges and tour operators usually include park fees in their packages.
How to Pay and Book
- Book your campsite or lodge first. Self-drivers are only admitted to Moremi with a confirmed reservation at one of the reserve’s campsites (South Gate, Third Bridge, Xakanaxa or Khwai/North Gate). These are managed by private concessionaires and fill up months ahead for the July–October peak.
- Pay park fees in advance at the DWNP office in Maun where possible. Payment at the gate is possible in some cases, but do not rely on it – card machines can be offline.
- Carry all confirmations and receipts – printed copies are best, as there is often no signal to retrieve emails.
Gate Opening Hours
| Season | Gates Open | Gates Close |
| April – September | 06:00 | 18:30 |
| October – March | 05:30 | 19:00 |
You must be at your campsite or out of the reserve by closing time – driving after dark is not permitted for self-drivers. Plan your entry time carefully, especially if driving from Maun or Savuti on the same day.
Best Time to Travel and Seasonal Road Conditions
Moremi is a year-round destination, but the season affects both wildlife viewing and how easy it is to get around. Rain falls mainly between November and March, while the Okavango flood – fed by rain in the Angolan highlands months earlier – peaks between June and August, during the dry season.
| Months | Season | Wildlife | Access and Roads |
| Jan – Mar | Wet / green season | Lush scenery, newborn animals, superb birding, fewer visitors | Muddy black cotton soil, some tracks closed; flying in is easier |
| Apr – May | Transition | Good game viewing as bush starts to dry | Roads improving; floodwaters begin to arrive |
| Jun – Aug | Dry season, peak flood | Excellent viewing; animals concentrate near water | Flooded tracks around Third Bridge, Xakanaxa and Mboma may close or need detours |
| Sep – Oct | Late dry season | Peak game viewing, big herds, predators active | Generally best driving, but deep, soft sand and high heat |
| Nov – Dec | Early rains | Migrant birds, start of the calving season | Variable; afternoon storms can make tracks slippery |
| Check Conditions Before You Go
Track conditions in Moremi can change within weeks. Ask your rental company, the DWNP office in Maun or your campsite operator for the latest route advice, and follow ranger instructions at the gates. Some routes, including sections near Third Bridge, are rerouted or closed during high water. |
Sample Routes to and Through Moremi
3-Night Self-Drive: Maun – Moremi – Maun
| Day | Route | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Collect your 4×4 in Maun, stock up and drive to South Gate (about 3 hours). Afternoon game drive to Third Bridge. | Third Bridge Campsite |
| Day 2 | Morning game drive around Mboma Island and the floodplains. Afternoon drive to Xakanaxa; optional boat trip on the lagoon. | Xakanaxa Campsite |
| Day 3 | Game drive along the Moremi Tongue to North Gate and the Khwai River – known for leopard, wild dog and elephant. | Khwai (North Gate) Campsite |
| Day 4 | Early morning drive along the Khwai River, then exit via South Gate and return to Maun. | — |
7-Night Northern Botswana Loop: Kasane – Chobe – Savuti – Moremi – Maun
| Days | Route | Overnight |
| Days 1–2 | Chobe Riverfront game drives and a sunset boat cruise from Kasane | Kasane / Ihaha |
| Days 3–4 | Drive south through Chobe to Savuti; explore the Savuti Channel and marsh | Savuti |
| Day 5 | Cross the Mababe Depression to Khwai and enter Moremi at North Gate | Khwai (North Gate) |
| Day 6 | Game drive to Xakanaxa; boat excursion on the lagoon | Xakanaxa |
| Day 7 | Drive to Third Bridge via the floodplains | Third Bridge |
| Day 8 | Exit via South Gate and drive to Maun; optional scenic flight over the Delta | — |
3-Night Fly-In Safari
Arrive in Maun on a morning flight from Johannesburg, transfer airside to a light aircraft and fly about 30 minutes to a lodge airstrip at Xakanaxa or Khwai. Enjoy three nights of guided game drives, boat trips and night drives (in the concession areas), then fly back to Maun in time for your afternoon connection. This is the easiest way to experience Moremi in a short amount of time.
Safety Tips for Visiting Moremi
- Campsites are unfenced. Elephants, lions, hyenas and hippos regularly walk through camp. Never sleep outside your tent, keep food locked away and stay close to your vehicle after dark.
- Stay in your vehicle except at designated campsites and viewpoints. Walking in the reserve is not permitted for self-drivers.
- Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance, never block an animal’s path and do not feed animals – baboons and hyenas quickly learn to raid campsites.
- Malaria: Moremi is in a malaria area. Consult a travel health professional about prophylaxis, and use repellent, long sleeves and mosquito nets.
- Tell someone your plans. Leave your itinerary with your rental company or campsite operator and check in at gates as required.
- Don’t drive at night on the Maun–Shorobe road or anywhere in wildlife areas – cattle, donkeys and wildlife are a serious collision risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Moremi Game Reserve from Maun?
South Gate (Maqwee) is about 95–100 km from Maun, which takes roughly 2.5–3.5 hours by 4×4. North Gate (Khwai) is about 135–140 km from Maun via South Gate. By light aircraft, most Moremi airstrips are 20–40 minutes from Maun.
Can I drive to Moremi in a normal car?
No. A high-clearance 4×4 with low-range gearing is essential. The roads beyond Shorobe are gravel and deep sand, and the tracks inside the reserve include water crossings and soft mud during the rains.
What is the closest airport to Moremi Game Reserve?
Maun International Airport (MUB) is the main gateway. From there, light aircraft fly to airstrips such as Xakanaxa, Khwai and Chief’s Island. Kasane Airport is the alternative gateway for travellers approaching from Chobe.
Do I need to book in advance to enter Moremi?
Yes. Self-drivers must have a confirmed campsite booking to be admitted, and campsites sell out months ahead in the dry season. Lodge guests should also book early, especially for July to October.
How much does it cost to enter Moremi?
International adult visitors pay BWP 270 (around US$20) per day, plus vehicle fees if self-driving. SADC residents pay BWP 205 and Botswana citizens BWP 30. Confirm current rates with DWNP before travelling.
Can I visit Moremi as a day trip from Maun?
It is possible but not ideal. You would spend 5–6 hours driving there and back, leaving little time for game viewing. A scenic flight is a better option if you only have a day; otherwise plan at least two nights.
What is the best way to get to Moremi for first-time visitors?
For most first-timers, flying in to a lodge or joining a guided mobile safari is the best choice. Self-driving is rewarding but best suited to travelers with real off-road and sand-driving experience.
Is there fuel inside Moremi Game Reserve?
No. Maun is the last reliable fuel stop on the southern approach and Kasane on the northern route. Carry enough fuel for your entire trip plus a safety reserve.
Can I combine Moremi with Chobe National Park?
Yes – this is one of Africa’s classic safari combinations. Self-drivers link the parks via Savuti and the Mababe Depression, while fly-in travelers can connect between camps by light aircraft.
When is Moremi Game Reserve open?
The reserve is open all year. Gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:30 from April to September, and open at 05:30 and close at 19:00 from October to March.
Plan Your Journey to Moremi
Getting to Moremi Game Reserve is part of the adventure. Whether you watch the Delta unfold beneath the wing of a bush plane or follow sandy tracks past elephants and lagoons in your own 4×4, the reward is the same: one of the richest, wildest and most beautiful wildlife areas on the planet.
The key to a smooth trip is planning ahead – booking campsites or lodges early, choosing the right vehicle or flight, carrying enough fuel and water, and checking seasonal conditions before you go.
| Ready to Explore Moremi?
Marriott Safaris Africa can arrange every part of your journey – flights into Maun, light-aircraft transfers, fully equipped 4×4 rentals with rooftop tents, guided mobile safaris, campsite and lodge bookings, and multi-park routes combining Moremi with the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Contact our team today to start planning your Botswana safari. Perfection Anytime. |
