About Machaba Camp
Elephants peacefully grazing the Khwai floodplains in front of Machaba conjure up something of a safari idyll.
The permanent water, fringing Moremi Game Reserve, is key to the year-round appeal of this classic tented camp, whose setting – backed by a narrow tract of woodland – attracts wildlife aplenty.
Guests, too, are very much at home here. The tents are substantial, but still very much tents, their shallow porches opening straight out on to the sandy soil, with the river just beyond. This is no place for fancy decking.
Instead, rush mats and oriental-style rugs are spread across the floors, topped with comfy chairs and sofas and a mix of wooden furniture to create a decidedly homely feel.
While folding directors’ chairs and metal-framed beds add an authentic stamp, creature comforts are by no means lacking. The beds are huge – and supremely comfortable. Big round mirrors hang above his and hers basins in the bathrooms. White tablecloths rule in the dining area. And there’s a lovely circular pool with a view (and just a bit of decking).
To wander along the sandy paths – lit at night by storm lanterns – is to accentuate the feel of the bush. That sustainability is taken seriously here is a big plus.
Our view
Since our first visit to Machaba in 2013, we have been consistently impressed. Excellent, hands-on management, good guiding, a secluded location and fantastic game viewing all combine to make the camp superb value. Although the Khwai area can sometimes feel busy by the standards of Botswana's private concessions, Machaba is located in a relatively quiet sector, with the option of game drives in both the Khwai Community Concession and the Moremi Game Reserve opposite.
Country manager: Botswana
Accommodation
10 tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Machaba Camp
37 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 21 pictures and 1 videos of Machaba Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Machaba Camp
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
Visiting Chobe, Central Kalahari and 2 other areas
US$11,780 - US$16,860 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
Visiting Chobe, Okavango Delta and 1 other area
US$8,920 - US$13,480 per person
Aardwolf Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Two sister-camps within private concessions bordering Moremi Game Reserve offer access to excellent game, varied landscapes and a range of land and water-based safari activities. A great-value safari in one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions.
Visiting Moremi & Surrounds, Okavango Delta
US$5,830 - US$9,430 per person
Machaba Camp: Our full report
Opened in 2013, Machaba Camp is located along the Khwai riverfront, looking across to the Moremi Game Reserve.
The camp lies to the east of the Khwai Community Concession, a tranquil, open spot along the river, backed by a sparse forest of sycamore figs, and with plenty of wildlife. Machaba is spacious yet traditional in feel, and very comfortable.
The wildlife in the Khwai region is fantastic, with good game year-round. This consistency is because, unlike the Okavango Delta, the Khwai River is not dependent on the annual floods from the Angolan highlands, so the rise and fall of water levels is largely based on local precipitation. As a result, Machaba makes an excellent place to visit in Botswana's quieter “shoulder” season, and with the camp’s proximity to the game-rich Moremi Game Reserve, it's possible for guests to explore there as well.
Accommodation at Machaba re-defines the meaning of the word “tent”, with en-suite, spacious and very sturdy structures classically decorated to a high standard. That said, on our last visit in November 2019 we felt the tents were looking a little tired, and while there are plans to replace them, no date has yet been set for this.
All ten tents are set back a little from the water's edge. Each has polished concrete floors beneath a canvas roof, covered by a taut flysheet and supported by a timber frame. Eight of the tents are standard, while the remaining two, designed for families, feature two linked tents with a shared bathroom at the rear.
From the veranda at the front of each tent, zipped canvas doors open to reveal a double or twin beds, a large teak writing desk complete with brass light fixtures, and a free-standing fan. Wall-to-wall mats topped by rugs add warmth and a softer feel under foot. A couple of comfortable chairs invite relaxation during the heat of the afternoon, or you can seek refuge on the concrete veranda where a pair of camping chairs face the river. There's even a masseuse's bed out there, with massages available by arrangement throughout your stay.
At the back of the tent, the en-suite bathroom comes with indoor and outdoor showers, his and hers washbasins beneath large hanging mirrors, and a flushing toilet in a separate “cubicle”. Complimentary toiletries are provided, and a shelving unit houses a washing basket, a small safe for valuables and both room and body sprays to keep the bugs away.
The main area at Machaba has a classic safari camp feel. A spacious, two-winged tented structure, it has high ceilings and open sides to maximise the views across the Khwai River and into Moremi Game Reserve. The polished concrete floors are dotted with Persian rugs and it's beautifully decorated in tones of grey, blue and beige.
One wing houses a large and comfortable lounge with a couple of intimate seating areas, detailed maps of the local region on the walls, and plenty of tables and bookshelves; we have been very impressed by the range of books and magazines on local geography, geology, flora and fauna. Guests are welcome to serve themselves from the drinks cabinet and fridge, although there's usually someone around to help.
The opposite wing is reserved for meals, with individual tables draped in white tablecloths for breakfast and lunch, and one longer table for communal dining in the evening. Dishes are laid out on another long wooden table with beautifully carved legs, and you can help yourself throughout the day to tea and coffee.
At the very east of the camp is a particularly attractive circular swimming pool near the river, where chairs and loungers are spread out on a wooden deck. Honeymoon couples or those celebrating a special occasion can arrange for a private dinner here – though for safety reasons, due to the distance from the main area, a guide will stay nearby throughout the meal. Private dinners are also available in the tents.
Machaba is situated in the Khwai Community Concession, which is shared by a number of camps and caters to self drivers, so it tends to be a little busier than some of the private concessions in Botswana. However it does have the same advantages as the private concessions, including walking and night drives, and guides are allowed to drive off road to get a closer look at animals.
We have stayed at Machaba four times since it opened and generally we have been really impressed by the guiding; the guides here really know their stuff and clearly enjoy their job. That said, on our most recent visit we felt our guide was a little quiet and could have shown a bit more passion.
Activities revolve largely around 4WD game drives, although safari walks can be arranged when a suitably qualified guide is in camp and the grass is short enough to make walking safe. Mokoro excursions can also be taken along the Sable Alley Channel, which feeds into the Khwai River, though it is a drive of around 40 minutes from camp.
The Khwai area is known for its leopard and wild dog populations, but lion – which have thrived here in the past – have been less apparent on our most recent visits in 2016 and 2019. During our last stay, we saw wild dog on three separate occasions, as well as, a serval right in front of camp. Hippo, elephant and giraffe were also present in good numbers.
In addition to being very comfortable and well-run, Machaba is an excellent example of the new generation of sustainable safari operators springing up in the region. The managers are more than happy to take interested guests on a back-of-house tour to show how the camp is designed to limit any negative impact on the environment. This includes a sophisticated system of solar panels, and low-energy appliances (including fridge-freezers that require little more energy than a couple of light bulbs), both of which keep the need for the generator to a minimum. In addition, organic waste is neutralised before being returned to the environment in a harmless form, while all non-organic waste is taken to Maun for recycling.
Geographics
- Location
- Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- A stay of three nights would be ideal at Machaba Camp.
- Directions
- It’s roughly 30 minutes by light aircraft from Maun to Khwai Airstrip, followed by a 20-minute game drive to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our most recent visit to Machaba, in November 2019, the food was again excellent. With advance notice, the camp can cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. They can also prepare special meals for children, on request.
Before heading out on the morning activities, there's a light breakfast of cereal, yoghurt, muffins and fresh fruit.
For brunch, served after our morning activity, we enjoyed chicken and mushroom pie, carrot and pineapple salad, a green salad, wild rice salad, broccoli and apple salad, an assortment of fruit and a cheese platter. Sausages, eggs and bacon can also be cooked to order.
Afternoon tea, just before the start of the afternoon activity, included beef crostini, churros with chocolate sauce and a lemon cake. There was a very tasty ginger drink, homemade lemonade, iced tea and coffee.
Dinner is served after the afternoon activity. To start we enjoyed a cold, tomato-based soup, similar to gazpacho. This was followed by braised leg of lamb with roast potatoes and a mix of vegetables. For dessert we had a tasty chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Bush dinners, bush picnics, and private dining in the rooms are available upon request
- Drinks included
- All beverages stocked in camp (bottled water, soft drinks, local beers, spirits and a limited selection of generally South African wines) are included. Champagne and premium or imported wines and spirits cost extra and must be requested in advance.
Guests are given a water bottle on arrival, which they are encouraged to top up from the filtered supply in the camp's main area. Each tent is also provided with glasses and a flask of drinking water that is replenished daily. We don't recommend that travellers drink from the tap.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Machaba has two very spacious family tents and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Botswana
- Birdwatching
- Machaba Camp is located in the Khwai Community Reserve. The camp is built in riverine forest on the edge of the Khwai River. The Moremi Game Reserve, the floodplains of the Khwai River and mature woodland are all home to a good variety of species.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
- Cultural Experiences
- Machaba can arrange excursions to meet local villagers, so you can see what life is like in this fairly remote corner of Africa. This takes time, but can be fascinating and always varies depending on what's happening in the village when you visit.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Machaba Camp. However families with children younger then six years must book a private vehicle at additional cost.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- As the camp wants to get to know both parents and children before arranging activities, these can be organized on arrival. In 2019, the management couple at Machaba had young children of their own living on site, and were very familiar with entertaining children in the bush.
- Equipment
- There are two very spacious family rooms at Machaba.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Machaba for more mature children, who are genuinely interested in wildlife.
- Notes
- Machaba is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife, including lion and leopard, can wander through the camp at any time. There is no fence around the pool. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Machaba Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Machaba Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
95% success
95% success
94% success
84% success
74% success
68% success
67% success
21% success
6% success
6% success
6% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator, and the camp has 24-hour electricity, with charging stations in each tent.
- Communications
- Some guests may pick up cellphone reception, as Khwai Village is close by, but this is not always possible. There is a telephone available to guests at additional cost. WiFi is available at a shaded picnic table at the back of camp, near the kitchen.
- TV & radio
- There is no television or radio at Machaba.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- All the tents have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Maun. Management and guides are first-aid trained and medical evacuation is available in case of emergencies. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their tents after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. 'Fog horns' are provided in the tents to summon help in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- Each tent has a fire extinguisher.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included (including smalls). Laundry is collected in the morning and usually returned the same day, weather permitting. Washing powder is provided in the room for guests to wash their smalls.
- Money
- No exchange facilities are offered at Machaba. There is a small safe in each tent that can fit travel documents, cash and wallets.
- Accepted payment on location
- MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted (with a surcharge); Diners and Amex are not. Cash in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula is accepted.
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Machaba Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Machaba Camp.
Excursions from Machaba Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Machaba Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Private Mobile
The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it's exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Located deep in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit.
Xakanaxa
Camp Xakanaxa is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb wildlife viewing.
Khwai Lediba
Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Sable Alley
Smart, independent and well-run, Sable Alley overlooks a beautiful, hippo-filled lagoon within the diverse Khwai Private Reserve.
Okuti
With an innovative design and good service, Okuti Camp offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve.
Mombo Camp
Mombo is one of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities.
Little Machaba
Overlooking the Khwai River and Moremi Game Reserve beyond, Little Machaba is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a great game-viewing area.
Chief's Camp
Chief's Camp is situated on Chief's Island, within the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana's top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro.
Elephant Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Elephant Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
Skybeds
Situated in a private reserve close to Moremi Game Reserve, Skybeds offers a simple yet wonderful opportunity to sleep under the stars and watch wildlife from your bed.
Camp Moremi
In one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana, Camp Moremi sits at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Little Mombo
One of Botswana's top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve.
Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
Tuludi
Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Mokete Camp
New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana's camps, with an area that's scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings.
Khwai Leadwood
Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Monachira
A new lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, with a focus on water-based activities, the family-friendly Monachira will be opening in May 2025.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
When to go to Moremi Game Reserve
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Machaba Camp in Moremi Game Reserve
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Moremi Game Reserve in January
January is the height of the rainy season in Moremi Game Reserve. Evening showers and occasional thunderstorms cool the air, making temperatures more comfortable than the peak heat of October to December. Wildlife disperses across the landscape, but the Khwai River area still offers good sightings of lions and elephants.
January is also an exceptional time for birdwatching, with migratory species abundant and breeding activity in full swing. The lush greenery creates stunning photographic opportunities, while mokoro excursions allow for tranquil exploration of waterways. Despite the rain, Moremi’s diverse ecosystems, including mopane forests and waterways, offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Lower visitor numbers mean better rates at camps and lodges.
- Warm with occasional heavy thunderstorms
- Spectacular birdlife throughout the reserve
- Wildlife dispersed in the floodplains and woodlands
- Good availability in camps and lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Moremi Game Reserve in February
February in Moremi Game Reserve sees the wet season continue, with heavy evening rains and cooling temperatures. The reserve is green and vibrant, alive with insects, smaller animals, and many animals are raising their young. The Xakanaxa Lagoon area is particularly rich in wildlife diversity at this time.
While thicker vegetation makes spotting larger animals more challenging, patient observers may encounter leopards or antelope species. Birdwatching remains a highlight, with over 500 species, including many in colourful breeding plumage. High water levels make boat trips a wonderful way to explore the intricate waterways of the Delta. Visitor numbers are low, offering a more intimate safari experience and better availability at luxury camps.
- Warm temperatures with some thunderstorms
- Abundant birdlife, including breeding species
- Wildlife raising young across the reserve
- Game viewing improving in central areas
- Low visitor numbers and good camp availability
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Moremi Game Reserve in March
March marks the end of the rainy season, with fewer storms and more sunny days. The landscape remains lush, and wildlife activity increases as animals finish raising their young. This is an ideal time for photography, with the green scenery providing dramatic backdrops.
While thick vegetation can still make wildlife spotting challenging, patient observers may be rewarded with sightings of predators like lions and leopards, especially in the Khwai River area. Birdwatching continues to be exceptional, with many migratory species still present. Water-based activities like boat cruises offer unique perspectives on the delta's wildlife. With fewer visitors, March provides a quieter, more exclusive safari experience in Moremi’s mopane forests to expansive floodplains.
- Variable weather, rains easing off with occasional thunderstorms
- Many animals finishing raising their young
- Excellent birdwatching and photography opportunities
- Few visitors and lower rates in camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Moremi Game Reserve in April
April in Moremi Game Reserve typically signals the end of the rainy season, with clearer skies and a vibrant green landscape. Night temperatures begin to drop, particularly in the southern areas of the reserve. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also an excellent time for boat excursions, offering intimate encounters with aquatic wildlife and bird species.
Birdwatching remains highly rewarding, with many species still nesting or breeding. The Xakanaxa Lagoon area is especially rich in wildlife diversity during this period. With the shoulder season underway, visitors can enjoy better value at top camps. April strikes a wonderful balance of pleasant weather, diverse wildlife sightings, and fewer tourists.
- Cooler evenings with occasional showers
- Lush green landscapes after the rains
- Improved predator-prey interactions
- Quiet period with relatively low rates
- Water levels rising - ideal for boat safaris
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Moremi Game Reserve in May
May is one of the best months to visit Moremi Game Reserve. The annual floodwaters from Angola start to reach the Delta, creating ideal conditions for water-based safaris. Cooler mornings and evenings heighten predator activity, although tall grasses in some areas may still obstruct views.
The Khwai River and Chief’s Island are prime locations for spotting large herds of elephants and buffalo. Birdwatching remains excellent, with over 500 species recorded in the reserve. May is perfect for combining game drives and boat excursions, offering a diverse and rewarding safari experience. Clear, crisp evenings also provide outstanding stargazing opportunities. As shoulder season ends, value-conscious travellers should book early to secure availability at camps and lodges before peak rates apply.
- Cool mornings and evenings with little rain
- Game viewing improves as grasses thin
- Increased predator activity in the reserve
- Final month of shoulder season - rates still reasonable
- Availability becomes limited as demand rises
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Moremi Game Reserve in June
June marks the start of the dry season in Moremi Game Reserve. Mornings and evenings are cool, sometimes reaching freezing at night, while daytime temperatures rise to 25-30°C/77-86°F with clear skies. The air clarity is excellent for photography. As surface water diminishes, wildlife starts to congregate around remaining water sources.
Game viewing improves significantly throughout Moremi, but especially in the Khwai River area and around Xakanaxa Lagoon. June is perfect for night drives, which are possible in areas outside the reserve. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many water birds concentrated around permanent water bodies. With peak season approaching, many camps and lodges are becoming much busier and so booking well in advance is wise.
- Warm days, cold nights in Moremi
- Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
- Animals congregating around water sources
- Vegetation thinning, improving visibility
- Peak season starts, rates increase
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Moremi Game Reserve in July
July in Moremi Game Reserve offers cool mornings and evenings, combined with excellent game viewing. The thinning vegetation and concentration of wildlife around water sources make this one of the best months for safari experiences. The Khwai River area and Chief's Island are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting big cats and large herds of elephants and buffalo.
Water-based activities like motorboat cruises on the permanent waterways provide unique wildlife viewing perspectives. Birdwatching remains excellent, with large concentrations of water birds. July is ideal for photography, with clear skies and animals gathering at waterholes. Night drives offer opportunities to spot nocturnal species.
- Comfortable days, cold nights in the reserve
- Excellent game viewing as vegetation recedes
- Khwai area becomes busy with visitors
- Private concessions offer exclusive experiences
- Peak season with high rates in most camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Moremi Game Reserve in August
August is a popular time to visit Moremi Game Reserve, coinciding with peak safari season. Temperatures are generally cold at night and comfortable during the day, rising towards month-end. Wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, making game viewing exceptional.
The Khwai River area offers excellent predator sightings, though can be very busy with travellers. August is one of the best times to experience the delta floods at their peak, ideal for boating safaris. Birdwatching is rewarding, with large concentrations of water birds. The clear, dry conditions create spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities.
- Dry, warm days and cool nights in Moremi
- Fantastic wildlife watching, especially in the Delta
- Okavango flood waters typically at their peak
- Stargazing opportunities on clear nights
- High rates and limited availability in camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Moremi Game Reserve in September
September in Moremi Game Reserve sees warming daytime temperatures while nights remain cool. The dry conditions create a hazy atmosphere, resulting in stunning sunsets. Game viewing is excellent, with large numbers of elephants and buffalo congregating in the Khwai River area and around Xakanaxa Lagoon. Predator sightings are frequent, especially around water sources.
September is ideal for walking safaris and night drives, offering unique wildlife encounters outside the borders of the reserve. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with migrant birds beginning to return. Water-based activities provide close encounters with aquatic wildlife whilst the clear night skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities.
- Warmer days, cool nights in the reserve
- Prime month for wildlife viewing in Moremi
- Large elephant herds visible near water
- Hazy conditions create dramatic sunsets
- Peak season rates, many lodges fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Moremi Game Reserve in October
October is one of the hottest and driest months in Moremi Game Reserve. The lack of water and vegetation results in excellent big-game viewing, particularly around the remaining water sources. Water levels are lower, limiting some water-based activities, but concentrating wildlife for easier viewing.
October is excellent for walking safaris and night drives, both possible outside the park, which provide unique perspectives on the Okavango’s ecosystems. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with many migrant species arriving. The dry, hazy conditions create dramatic landscapes and stunning sunsets, ideal for photography. The most luxury provide comfortable and cool bases for exploring the reserve during this intense wildlife period.
- Hot days, chance of rain late in the month
- Excellent big game viewing opportunities
- Water activities limited as flood waters recede
- Last month of peak season in Moremi camps
- Migratory birds begin to arrive in the reserve
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Moremi Game Reserve in November
November usually marks the end of the dry season in Moremi Game Reserve, with increasing temperatures and humidity often culminating in the first rains. These short, heavy showers bring a flush of green to the landscapes. Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more available, but game viewing still remains very good.
November is fantastic for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant species. The first rains create spectacular skyscapes and rainbows, offering unique photographic opportunities. Water levels start to rise, gradually improving conditions for mokoro excursions. The prices at luxury camps reduce to shoulder-season levels, offering bargains for value-conscious travellers wanting to balance of wildlife viewing and comfort.
- Hot days, sometimes humid in Moremi
- Increasing likelihood of rain as month progresses
- Wildlife less concentrated but still good viewing
- Arrival of migratory birds enhances birdwatching
- Shoulder season begins, rates become lower
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Moremi Game Reserve in December
December in Moremi Game Reserve sees the continuation of the rainy season, bringing some relief to the high temperatures. While game viewing becomes more challenging as wildlife disperses, great sightings can still be had in key areas. The landscape transforms with lush vegetation, creating beautiful scenery. December is excellent for birdwatching, with migratory birds in full attendance and many species breeding.
The rejuvenated waterways enhance boat safari experiences, offering unique perspectives on the Delta's ecosystem. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic skies, perfect for landscape photography. Luxury camps offer lower season rates, providing excellent value for experiencing Moremi's diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes during this vibrant time of year.
- Temperatures cooling from October-November highs
- High chance of rain, usually short heavy storms
- Birds in breeding plumage and often including migrants
- Wildlife more dispersed
- Low-season rates available in most camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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