Moremi Game Reserve Entry Gates

Moremi Game Reserve Entry Gates, Moremi Game Reserve is the only formally protected part of the Okavango Delta, and for most self-drivers and mobile-safari travellers the adventure begins at one of its two road gates. Choosing the right gate shapes everything about your trip: how long you spend on sandy tracks, which wildlife areas you reach first, where you sleep, and how easily you can continue to Khwai, Savuti and Chobe. This guide explains each Moremi gate and the key interior hubs in detail, so you can plan your route with confidence.

Whether you are entering from Maun through South Gate (Maqwee), arriving from the Khwai River and Savuti side through North Gate (Khwai), or heading deep into the Delta towards Third Bridge and Xakanaxa, you will find practical, up-to-date information below.

Quick Answer: How Many Gates Does Moremi Have? Moremi has two main road entry gates: South Gate (Maqwee), about 99 km north-east of Maun, and North Gate (Khwai), on the Khwai River in the reserve’s north-east. Third Bridge and Xakanaxa are not entry gates but important interior hubs with public campsites, wildlife-officer posts and some of the reserve’s best game-viewing. Fly-in visitors use private airstrips linked to their lodges and never pass through a road gate.

Moremi Game Reserve at a Glance

Before looking at the gates individually, it helps to understand the reserve they protect. Moremi covers the north-eastern section of the Okavango Delta and includes Chief’s Island and the Moremi Tongue, a mix of permanent waterways, seasonal floodplains, mopane woodland and acacia savannah.

Feature	Details
Country / Region	Botswana, North-West District (Ngamiland)
Established	1963, by the BaTawana community under Mma Moremi, widow of Chief Moremi III
Size	Approximately 4,800–5,000 km² (figures vary by source)
Managed by	Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)
Main road gates	South Gate (Maqwee) and North Gate (Khwai)
Key interior hubs	Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, Mboma Island, Bodumatau
Nearest town	Maun (approx. 99 km to South Gate)
Big Five	Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino (rhino reintroduced, rarely seen)
Special species	African wild dog, red lechwe, sitatunga, Pel’s fishing owl, wattled crane
Best time to visit	July to October (dry season, peak game-viewing)

Overview of the Moremi Gates and Entry Points

The table below compares the main access points. Distances and drive times are approximate; sand depth, flood levels and rain can change them significantly from month to month.

Entry Point	Type	Location	Best For	Campsite Operator
South Gate (Maqwee)	Main road gate	Southern boundary, approx. 99 km from Maun	First stop from Maun; access to Third Bridge and Xakanaxa	Kwalate Safaris
North Gate (Khwai)	Main road gate	Khwai River, north-east boundary	Arrivals from Savuti/Chobe; Khwai floodplains	SKL Camps
Third Bridge	Interior hub	Western side, on the Sekiri River	Delta scenery, lions, Mboma loop	Xomae Group
Xakanaxa	Interior hub	Xakanaxa Lagoon, northern Moremi	Boat trips, lagoons, heronries, predators	Kwalate Safaris
Private airstrips	Fly-in access	Throughout reserve and concessions	Luxury lodge guests (Mombo, Xakanaxa, etc.)	Lodge-managed

Important: Book Before You Arrive Overnight self-drive visitors must have a confirmed campsite or lodge booking before reaching the gate. Campsites in Moremi are run by private concessionaires (Kwalate Safaris, Xomae Group and SKL Camps), while park entry fees are paid to the DWNP. Rangers can refuse entry to overnight visitors without proof of accommodation, and peak-season campsites (June to October) often sell out months in advance.

South Gate (Maqwee Gate)

South Gate, also called Maqwee Gate, is the most-used entrance to Moremi Game Reserve and the natural starting point for anyone driving from Maun. It sits on the southern edge of the reserve, set among tall mopane trees, and includes the DWNP reception office, a small public campsite and basic ablution facilities.

How to Get to South Gate from Maun

From Maun, follow the tar road north-east to the village of Shorobe. Beyond Shorobe the tar gives way to gravel and then sand, passing the buffalo veterinary fence at Kaziikini area before the final stretch to the gate. The total distance is roughly 99 km, and most drivers take 2 to 2.5 hours, longer in the rains or with heavy, corrugated sections.

Route Section	Road Surface	Approx. Distance	Approx. Time
Maun to Shorobe	Tar	45 km	40 min
Shorobe to buffalo fence	Gravel / sand	25 km	30–45 min
Buffalo fence to South Gate	Sand	29 km	45–60 min
Total: Maun to South Gate	Mixed	approx. 99 km	2–2.5 hrs

Facilities at South Gate

• DWNP gate office: check-in, permit verification and fee payment (where accepted).
• Maqwee (South Gate) campsite: a small number of shaded pitches with fire pits and braai stands, plus shared ablutions with hot water.
• Toilets and drinking water: available, but bring your own drinking water as supply can be unreliable.
• No fuel, shop or ATM: fill up and draw cash in Maun before you leave.

Wildlife and Game Drives Near South Gate

The immediate surroundings of South Gate are dense mopane woodland, which is excellent elephant country but generally quieter for other species. The real rewards lie a short drive away. Head west along the Mogogelo River road towards Third Bridge, and you pass Black Pools, Bodumatau and Dead Tree Island, where lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo and large herds of impala and red lechwe are frequently seen in the dry months.

Planning Tip: Use South Gate as a Transit Point Many experienced self-drivers enter at South Gate, pay their fees, and continue directly to Third Bridge or Xakanaxa on the same day. If you stay at South Gate campsite, treat it as a convenient first or last night rather than the highlight of your Moremi stay.

North Gate (Khwai Gate)

North Gate, widely known as Khwai Gate, guards the north-eastern edge of Moremi where the Khwai River forms the reserve boundary. It is famous for its rustic wooden pole bridge, which every vehicle crosses to enter the reserve. On the north bank lie Khwai village and the community-run Khwai concession; on the south bank lies Moremi itself.

How to Get to North Gate

There are two common approaches to North Gate:

• From Maun: take the road through Shorobe and continue towards Mababe and Khwai rather than turning to South Gate. Expect around 130–150 km and 3.5–4.5 hours on sand. Alternatively, enter at South Gate and drive through the reserve to exit at North Gate.
• From Savuti (Chobe National Park): exit Chobe at Mababe Gate and drive south-west through the Mababe Depression and Khwai area. This deep-sand section usually takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on conditions.

Facilities at North Gate

• DWNP gate office: permit checks and fee payment. Visitors have reported paying park fees here in cash in pula, so carry enough local currency.
• North Gate (Khwai) campsite: managed by SKL Camps, with large, shady stands along the riverine forest and well-kept ablution blocks.
• Khwai village (nearby): very limited supplies; do not rely on it for fuel or major provisions.

Wildlife and Game Drives Near North Gate

North Gate offers arguably the most consistently rewarding game-viewing right on its doorstep. Loops along the Khwai River pass through classic riparian woodland and open floodplains where elephants come down to drink in large numbers, hippos wallow in the channels, and leopard, lion and African wild dog are regularly seen. Birding is outstanding, with saddle-billed storks, African fish eagles and Pel’s fishing owl among the highlights.

Moremi North Gate vs Khwai Community Camps North Gate campsite sits inside the reserve, so park fees apply each day. Campsites on the north bank, such as Magotho in the Khwai concession, are outside Moremi and do not charge DWNP park fees, though concession rules apply. Some travellers combine both: camping in Khwai and taking day trips into Moremi.

Third Bridge: The Heart of Moremi

Third Bridge is not a gate, but it is the destination many visitors drive through South Gate to reach. Named after the third wooden pole bridge on the route from South Gate, it crosses the Sekiri River in some of the most beautiful Delta scenery accessible by road: papyrus-fringed channels, palm islands and wide floodplains.

• Distance: approximately 48 km from South Gate (about 1.5–2 hours).
• Campsite: Third Bridge campsite is operated by the Xomae Group and is one of the most sought-after in Botswana.
• Game drives: the Mboma Island loop, Xakanaxa road and Bodumatau area are known for lion, leopard, wild dog and big buffalo herds.
• Water crossings: during high flood (roughly June to September) some channels near Third Bridge can be deep. Check water levels with rangers before crossing, and never swim or wade; crocodiles and hippos are present.

Safety Note: Unfenced Camping Third Bridge and all Moremi campsites are completely unfenced. Lions, hyenas, elephants and hippos regularly walk through camp, especially at night. Stay in your tent or vehicle after dark, never leave food out, and keep children within arm’s reach at all times.

Xakanaxa: Lagoons and Boat Safaris

Xakanaxa lies in the north of the reserve beside the Xakanaxa Lagoon, roughly midway between Third Bridge and North Gate. It is the best place in Moremi to combine game drives with water-based activities, as motorboat excursions into the lagoons and channels can be arranged locally when water levels allow. Seasonal heronries attract storks, herons and egrets in large numbers.

• Distance: around 25 km from Third Bridge and roughly 45 km from North Gate (times vary greatly with flooding).
• Campsite: Xakanaxa public campsite is operated by Kwalate Safaris; several luxury lodges are also located nearby.
• Highlights: elephant, lion, leopard, sitatunga in papyrus areas, and exceptional birdlife.

Distances Between Moremi Gates and Hubs

Use this table as a planning guide. Because many tracks are deep sand or seasonally flooded, always allow extra time and aim to reach camp well before the gates and campsites expect you to be off the roads.

From	To	Approx. Distance	Approx. Drive Time
Maun	South Gate	99 km	2–2.5 hrs
Maun	North Gate (via Shorobe/Mababe road)	130–150 km	3.5–4.5 hrs
South Gate	Third Bridge	48 km	1.5–2 hrs
South Gate	Xakanaxa	50–60 km	2–2.5 hrs
Third Bridge	Xakanaxa	25 km	1–1.5 hrs
Xakanaxa	North Gate	45 km	1.5–2 hrs
South Gate	North Gate (direct)	35–45 km	1.5–2 hrs
North Gate	Savuti (Chobe)	approx. 70–90 km	2.5–4 hrs

Moremi Gate Opening Hours

Moremi’s gates follow the standard DWNP schedule, which changes with the season. Game drives are only permitted between these hours, and you must be at your campsite or out of the reserve by closing time.

Season	Months	Gates Open	Gates Close
Dry / winter	1 April – 30 September	06:00	18:30
Wet / summer	1 October – 31 March	05:30	19:00

Arrive Early Gate staff often begin closing up before the official closing time. Plan to arrive at your entry gate by early afternoon at the latest, especially if you still have a long drive to Third Bridge or Xakanaxa. Driving after dark inside the reserve is prohibited and dangerous.

Moremi Game Reserve Entry Fees (2026)

DWNP introduced revised park entry fees across Botswana’s major parks, including Moremi and Chobe, from 1 April 2026. Fees are charged per person, per calendar day (not per 24 hours). The table shows indicative 2026 rates.

Category	Botswana Citizen	SADC Resident	International Visitor
Adult (18+), per day	BWP 30	BWP 205	BWP 270 (approx. US$20)
Child (8–17), per day	BWP 15	BWP 102.20	BWP 135
Child (under 8)	Free	Free	Free

• Vehicle fees: charged separately per vehicle per day, with foreign-registered vehicles paying significantly more than Botswana-registered ones.
• Camping fees: paid directly to the campsite operator (Kwalate, Xomae or SKL), not at the gate.
• Payment: carry Botswana pula in cash. Card machines exist at some points but are unreliable. Where possible, pre-pay fees at the DWNP office in Maun and keep your receipt throughout your stay.

Fee Disclaimer Park fees in Botswana are reviewed regularly. Confirm current rates with the DWNP (dwnp@gov.bw) or with Marriott Safaris Africa before travel. Guided safari packages normally include park fees in the quoted price.

Which Moremi Gate Should You Use?

Your Plan	Recommended Gate	Why
Starting your safari in Maun	South Gate	Shortest, most direct route from Maun
Coming from Savuti or Chobe	North Gate	Natural continuation of the Chobe–Khwai route
Focusing on Third Bridge and Delta scenery	South Gate	Closest gate to Third Bridge
Focusing on Khwai River game-viewing	North Gate	Prime riverine wildlife at the gate
Classic Maun–Moremi–Chobe–Kasane circuit	Enter South, exit North	Avoids backtracking and covers all hubs
Fly-in luxury safari	None (airstrip)	Lodges arrange charter flights from Maun or Kasane

Best Time to Visit by Gate

Period	Conditions	Gate & Route Notes
April – June	Cooling temperatures; floodwaters arriving in the Delta	Good access; flood levels begin to rise near Third Bridge
July – October	Dry season; peak wildlife concentrations	Best overall game-viewing; book campsites far ahead. Flood crossings near Third Bridge can be deep in July–August
November	Early rains; very hot	Game still good; first storms soften roads
December – March	Green season; heavy rain possible	Black cotton soil and flooding can make routes impassable; some tracks close. Check with DWNP before travel

2026 Travel Update Moremi was temporarily affected by weather-related disruptions earlier in 2026, and DWNP confirmed the reserve reopened on 13 April 2026. Conditions on individual tracks can still change quickly after heavy rain or high floods, so check the latest road and closure information with DWNP or your operator before setting out.

Self-Drive Requirements for Moremi Gates

Moremi is one of Africa’s great self-drive adventures, but it is not suitable for ordinary cars or inexperienced off-road drivers. Before arriving at either gate, make sure you are fully prepared:

• Vehicle: a high-clearance 4×4 with low-range gearing, such as a Toyota Land Cruiser or Toyota Hilux. Rooftop-tent set-ups are popular and practical.
• Fuel: there is no fuel in the reserve. Fill up in Maun (or Kasane if coming from the north) and carry extra jerrycans for a range of at least 500–600 km.
• Water and food: carry enough drinking water (at least 5 litres per person per day) and all supplies for your stay.
• Recovery gear: tyre deflator and compressor, spade, tow strap, high-lift jack and sand tracks. Deflate tyres for deep sand.
• Navigation: offline GPS maps such as Tracks4Africa, plus a paper map. Mobile signal is extremely limited.
• Communication: a satellite phone or satellite messenger is strongly recommended. Travelling in convoy with a second vehicle is ideal.
• Documents: passport, driving licence (and International Driving Permit if required), vehicle papers, rental authorisation letter, campsite booking confirmations and park fee receipts.

Rules and Etiquette at the Gates and in the Reserve

• Stop at the gate office on entry and exit; rangers record every vehicle.
• Drive only on designated tracks; off-road driving damages fragile habitats and is prohibited.
• Observe the speed limit (generally 40 km/h) and give animals right of way.
• Stay in your vehicle except at designated campsites and marked points.
• No game drives before gate opening or after closing times.
• Take all rubbish out of the reserve; do not feed wildlife.
• Camp only at the campsite and pitch you have booked.

Sample 4-Day Moremi Self-Drive Route Through Both Gates

Day	Route	Overnight	Highlights
Day 1	Maun → South Gate → Third Bridge	Third Bridge campsite	Mogogelo River road, Black Pools, Bodumatau
Day 2	Third Bridge game drives	Third Bridge campsite	Mboma Island loop, Delta channels, lions
Day 3	Third Bridge → Xakanaxa	Xakanaxa campsite	Lagoon boat trip, heronries, elephants
Day 4	Xakanaxa → North Gate → Khwai	North Gate or Khwai campsite	Khwai River floodplains, wild dog, hippos

From North Gate, you can continue north-east to Savuti and the Chobe Riverfront near Kasane, completing one of Southern Africa’s classic safari circuits.

Plan Your Moremi Safari with Marriott Safaris Africa

Navigating Moremi’s gates, campsite bookings and DWNP payments can be complex, especially in peak season. Marriott Safaris Africa can arrange well-equipped 4×4 vehicles with rooftop tents, campsite reservations at South Gate, Third Bridge, Xakanaxa and North Gate, guided mobile safaris and fly-in lodge packages, all tailored to your dates, budget and travel style.

Ready to Explore Moremi? Perfection Anytime. Contact Marriott Safaris Africa for a free, tailor-made Botswana itinerary covering Moremi, the Okavango Delta, Khwai, Savuti and Chobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many gates does Moremi Game Reserve have?

Moremi has two main road gates: South Gate (Maqwee) near Maun and North Gate (Khwai) on the Khwai River. Third Bridge and Xakanaxa are interior hubs with campsites rather than entry gates.

2. How far is South Gate from Maun?

South Gate is approximately 99 km from Maun, usually a drive of 2 to 2.5 hours on a mix of tar, gravel and sand.

3. What are the opening hours of Moremi gates?

From 1 April to 30 September the gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:30. From 1 October to 31 March they open at 05:30 and close at 19:00.

4. How much is the entry fee for Moremi Game Reserve in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, international adult visitors pay BWP 270 per day, SADC residents BWP 205 and Botswana citizens BWP 30. Children aged 8–17 pay reduced rates and under-8s enter free. Vehicle and camping fees are charged separately.

5. Can I pay park fees at the gate?

Payment arrangements have changed over the years. Some visitors pay in cash at the gate, but the safest approach is to pre-pay at the DWNP office in Maun or Kasane and carry your receipt, along with backup cash in pula.

6. Do I need a 4×4 to enter Moremi?

Yes. A high-clearance 4×4 with low range is essential due to deep sand, mud and water crossings. Two-wheel-drive vehicles are not suitable.

7. Which gate is best for first-time visitors?

Most first-time visitors from Maun enter through South Gate and exit at North Gate, which covers Third Bridge, Xakanaxa and the Khwai River without backtracking.

8. Can I visit Moremi on a day trip from Maun?

Day visits are possible through South Gate, but with roughly 4–5 hours of round-trip driving you will have limited time for game drives. Staying at least two nights is far more rewarding.

9. Are Moremi campsites fenced?

No. All campsites inside Moremi are unfenced, and wild animals including lions, elephants and hyenas move through them freely. Follow camp safety rules carefully.

10. Who manages the campsites at each gate?

South Gate (Maqwee) and Xakanaxa are operated by Kwalate Safaris, Third Bridge by the Xomae Group, and North Gate (Khwai) by SKL Camps. Book directly with the operator or through a Marriott Safaris Africa