Moremi Game Reserve

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

Moremi Game Reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing, both on land and from a mokoro (dugout canoe). Both black and white rhino have been reintroduced in the reserve, although sightings are still rare. All of the other Big Five are easily spotted. Leopards are quite relaxed here and wild dog sightings are some of the best in Africa.

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

HippoAbundant

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

White RhinoRare

Black RhinoRare

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

CheetahRare

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogOccasional

Wildlife Highlights

The Okavango Delta has good general wildlife, but the most common swamp-adapted animal is the otherwise rare red lechwe, which can be seen wading through water in big herds. The semi-aquatic sitatunga is harder to find. Other unusual antelope include tsessebe, sable and roan. Spotted-necked and African clawless otters can sometimes be seen swimming in the channels.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Moremi Game Reserve has seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit is in the dry months, from July to October, as there is an influx of animals gathering here at that time. Some lodges close from January to March when some areas might become inaccessible.