The wild heart of the Okavango Delta, the Mopane Tongue of Moremi was first classified as a protected game area in 1962. All of the Delta’s major habitats are represented, from papyrus swamps to tree islands, riverine mopane woodland and permanent wetlands. With water-tight protection over decades, the volume and diversity of wildlife is magnificent, making this arguably Botswana’s number one game viewing hotspot. Since the reintroduction of rhino to Chief’s Island, it is now possible to see all of Africa’s Big 5, as well as superb birdlife and excellent numbers of cheetah, giraffe, hyena, hippo, varied antelope and (at certain times) wild dog. With so many animals in such numbers, most of them relaxed around vehicles, the game viewing potential is virtually unrivalled.
Bordering the Moremi are the Khwai Private Reserve and the Khwai Community Concession. The Khwai Private Reserve is 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness sitting on the north eastern fringe of the Delta. Four lodges enjoy traversing rights over the diverse landscape is one of mopane and acacia woodland, seasonal waterholes, open floodplains and waterways that wind their way across the landscape from the Khwai River. Between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park lies the 180,000-hectare Khwai Community Concession managed by the Khwai Development Trust on behalf of the Khwai Village community. Despite its popularity and reputation for being busy, we find that this game rich area offers an intense wildlife experience, and is best known for its renowned predator population.
Activities in Moremi focus on game drives and boat cruises, which are complemented by off road game drives, night drives, mokoro trips and even walking safaris in the Khwai region. So, it would be possible to enjoy a varied Botswana safari without going further afield, but we would generally recommend that you combine it with more of the Delta’s private concessions or time in the Linyanti and Chobe. The reserves can be appreciated from lodge accommodation or on mobile safaris, both of which we can arrange. While a Botswana safari can be exceptional without visiting these parts, there is no doubt that it showcases all that is enticing about the Delta
