About Sable Alley
A masterclass in safari chic, Sable Alley’s cocktail of sophistication and contemporary style is topped by an exceptional selection of gins.
It’s one of the most luxurious lodges in the Khwai Private Reserve, yet don’t be deceived: there’s nothing stuffy about this place. The lines are clean, the atmosphere relaxed, the staff friendly and sociable.
The entire camp – including the pool – looks across a lily-covered lagoon to the game-rich grasslands of Moremi Game Reserve beyond. It’s an enticing setting, popular with hippos and attracting increasing numbers of wildlife.
Open at the front to make the most of the view, the camp’s lofty thatched central area is spacious and airy. Carefully chosen furniture and a neutral décor are enlivened by squashy cushions, tasteful African artefacts and some very stylish lights.
In the 12 wide-fronted chalets, light wood, floaty mosquito nets and pastel colours create a cool and relaxing vibe – enhanced by floor-to-ceiling mesh windows. It’s a perfect backdrop for a bath under the stars, or an afternoon spent lazing on your private veranda.
Although much of the camp is raised on wooden decking, sandy pathways and a firepit set in a clearing accentuate the wilderness that’s awaits exploration – from land, or from the water.
Our view
Sable Alley is a comfortable, stylish and well-run camp, with excellent staff and generally good guiding. With improvements in wildlife densities and more relaxed sightings in the Khwai Private Concession, we feel it’s a camp that is definitely worth considering in the Moremi/Okavango Delta area.
Country manager: Botswana
Accommodation
12 tented chalets
Children
Best for aged 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Sable Alley
31 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 29 pictures and 1 videos of Sable Alley to get the candid view.
View gallerySable Alley: Our full report
A luxury reincarnation by new owners of the original Banoka Bush Camp, Sable Alley opened in 2017.
The camp overlooks a beautiful lagoon connected to the Khwai River within the diverse 2,000km² Khwai Private Reserve – which in itself borders Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve to the south and Chobe National Park to the east.
Sable Alley is independently owned, and located in the same extensive, private Khwai concession (NG19) as its sister camps, Elephant Pan, Little Sable and the new Tuludi.
With the name change to Sable Alley came a complete rebuild by an experienced team of people whom we have known for many years. We were already very familiar with the camp's riverine location, and having made several visits since the change, we remain very impressed. The staff are sociable and friendly, yet professional and efficient at the same time – a winning combination.
Wherever you are in camp you'll look out over the lily-covered waterway and beyond to Moremi Game Reserve. During our latest stay, in November 2019, the lagoon was filled with resident hippos, with elephants coming down to drink, eat and cool off.
Long, sandy pathways lead out from each side of the main area to Sable Alley's 12 tented chalets: nine twin/double tents, one honeymoon tent, and two family tents which are each made up of two adjoining standard tents. All are spacious, timber-framed and canvas-walled structures, elevated on stilts, with wooden steps up to a veranda complete with a day bed/sofa.
Floor-to-ceiling, wood-framed and mesh double doors slide open to reveal the sleeping area, whose twin or double beds are backed by a large wooden screen with modern bedside lamps and tables, all within a mosquito net. There's also a writing desk with a complimentary decanter of sherry, and a comfy chair. Natural light-wood flooring, pale canvas walls, muted tones and large mesh windows make for a bright and airy room and give a modern and fresh feel.
The en-suite bathroom at the back of the room comes with twin ceramic basins, separate toilet and shower cubicles, and an open wardrobe. You'll also find a full-length mirror – a luxury that's lacking in most safari camps. A door from the indoor shower leads to an outdoor shower, where a semicircle of rough wooden poles gives privacy while leaving great wash-time views. The honeymoon tent, which is furthest away from the main area for extra privacy, has the added bonus of a bath.
Each of the two family tents is essentially two tented chalets linked by a shared veranda. While this makes it suitable for those with teenagers, it would not suit families with younger children unless one parent slept in each chalet, since the tents themselves are not interconnecting.
Central to the camp is a thatch-covered main area, raised on a wooden deck beneath a high ceiling, the apex reaching to about 10m. Several seating areas are spread out under the covered area and beyond, giving it a relaxed, more spacious feel than many Delta camps. The décor is rather stylish, too, with browns, cream, beige and light green offset by local African artefacts and more modern pieces.
Tasteful, contemporary tables and chairs are found in the dining areas; squashy fabric or leather sofas, armchairs and rattan chairs with large cushions furnish the lounge areas and sunken veranda; and outside on the deck you'll find fun hanging chairs. The bar had the widest selection of gins that we have seen in a Botswana camp – not that we sampled them all!
Down some steps you'll come to the firepit – a great meeting place for pre-dinner drinks, and warming breakfasts during the winter months of May to August. As the weather warms up, the plunge pool comes into its own, with some comfortable loungers and a shaded area with chairs. And at the back of camp, a small, air-conditioned curio shop is the hub for their “bush” WiFi.
While you're at the camp, it's worth asking for a back-of-house tour to learn how the camp functions and, in particular, about the efforts being made to promote sustainable and renewable energy usage at the new breed of safari camps like this.
Activities at Sable Alley include day and night game drives in 4WD vehicles, seasonal mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions and guided walks (with armed guides) for the more adventurous. Wildlife densities in this area are improving as the animals become more relaxed around game-drive vehicles. Although guiding is usually very good, on our last visit it was not quite up to the usual high standard that we would expect here.
On request, and for an additional cost of hiring a private guide and vehicle, you could also take a full-day game drive which allows you to travel further afield to different corners of the reserve. Depending on time and logistics (it’s a drive of about two hours), your guide may also be able to take you to the eye-level hide at sister camp, Hyena Pan. This camouflaged hide, which faces a small pumped waterhole that attracts a steady stream of wildlife, makes a great place to sit and watch whilst the animals come to you, and affords excellent photographic opportunities.
One further option is to sleep under the stars at Skybeds – a magical experience that we loved (though we know it's not for everyone). Such a night ideally needs to be arranged in advance as space is limited to just three “beds”, and they are becoming increasingly popular. Note that it takes around two hours to get to Skybeds and there is a charge for the transfer; please ask us for further details.
Geographics
- Location
- Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd suggest a stay of two or three nights at Sable Alley, perhaps combined with their fly camp, SkyBeds, or other camps in more watery parts of the Okavango Delta, and possibly also in the Makgadikgadi Pans area.
- Directions
- Access to Sable Alley is via light aircraft to Khwai Private airstrip which is 20 minutes from Maun. From the airstrip it is a 15-minute drive to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Each time we have visited Sable Alley, most recently in November 2019, the food has been very good and in general was lighter and healthier than the usual safari meals. Dietary requirements and food intolerances can be catered for, though please do advise us in advance so we can give the lodge prior notice.
A light breakfast buffet with a selection of cereals, fruit and yoghurts is offered before your early-morning game drive, together with tea, coffee, and fruit juice.
Lunch is served buffet style, and because it's individual dining, guests have the flexibility to eat when they like between 12 noon and 2.00pm. You can expect a good array of dishes, including perhaps quiche lorraine or butternut quiche, bacon, sausages, broccoli and sweetcorn salad, beetroot, green salad, baked beans and freshly baked bread, with a selection of fresh fruit and a cheese platter to follow.
If you opt for a full-day game drive, the camp will provide a packed lunch (usually sandwiches, fruit and biscuits).
Afternoon tea, served just before the afternoon activity, is delicious. Ours have included mini pizzas, fish goujons, brie and apricot puffs, mini hot dogs, fruit skewers and carrot cake – although not all at once! These were served with a cool ginger drink with a refreshing kick, as well as iced tea, coffee and fruit juice
Dinner is plated, and usually also served at individual tables, unless you wish to dine with other guests. We started with a tasty crumbed halloumi dish with a cranberry sauce. For the main course we had pork fillet wrapped in bacon, with basmati rice, cauliflower, green beans and gravy. To finish, there was a delicious cheesecake.
Afternoon tea, served just before the afternoon activity, is delicious. Ours have included mini pizzas and a delicious carrot cake served with a cool ginger drink with a refreshing kick, as well as iced tea, coffee and fruit juice
Dinner is plated, and usually also served at individual tables, unless you wish to dine with other guests. We started with a tasty tomato gazpacho soup and fresh bread rolls. The oxtail that followed was a little too fatty (we probably would have preferred the fish); both came with mashed potato, green beans and baby corn. To finish, pudding was a delicious passion-fruit mousse. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available, but plenty of private dining options are available in the main area.
- Drinks included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
Guests can help themselves to tea and coffee in the main area throughout the day.
Sable Alley uses a filtration/reverse osmosis system which makes the water safe to drink. Fresh bottled water is available for those who prefer not to drink the tap water.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of six years plus are welcome at Sable Alley. Those aged 6–12 may take part in game drives but a private vehicle must be booked, which will be at an extra cost.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under six years.
The minimum age for any mokoro (dug-out canoe) activity is 13 years. - Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None, but Sable Alley does have two family rooms.
- Generally recommended for children
- We think Sable Alley is best suited to older children. Although the camp does have a pool, which we’ve seen a few children enjoying, there are no games or activities for children, and younger children might become a bit bored.
- Notes
- The camp is unfenced and dangerous wildlife can wander through at any time. The tented chalets and main buildings are all raised off the ground on decks, with open railings, and access to the chalets is in part on sandy paths. There is no fence around the pool either. Children need to be closely supervised by their parents/guardians at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Sable Alley
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Sable Alley 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
90% success
89% success
78% success
75% success
70% success
70% success
44% success
31% success
18% success
6% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Sable Alley can be 100% solar powered, although it also has a back-up generator, should this be required.
Each chalet has a multi-point plug adaptor. - Communications
- There is no cellphone reception (unless you have a local Botswana SIM card), and no direct phone, fax or email for public use. There is a Wi-Fi hotspot near the main area, though please note that connectivity is not totally reliable and there is limited band width.
- TV & radio
- No TV or radio.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the tented chalets are plumbed with hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
Sustainability
Inspiring and educating future generations
One of the main priorities at Sable Alley is educating the future generations. This old bush camp which was recently renovated, has kept its privileged location overlooking a hippo-filled lagoon amidst a variety of habitats. The camp retains a tasteful style carefully blending in with its surroundings. All tents are 100% solar-powered and amenities are locally-sourced. However, more importantly, the camp has been working on inspiring younger guests to be more empathetic towards wildlife and the challenges it encounters.
A new exciting project was developed in collaboration with Coaching for Conservation (C4C), a wildlife conservation initiative aimed at instilling a feeling of respect towards nature in Botswana’s future generations. The project uses Natural Selection lodges as the visitor “classrooms” where younger guests can partake in an integrated conservation program similar to what local children experience through the innovative approaches of C4C. Young visitors can spread this conservation messages around their own overseas classrooms and create a long-term relationship with Botswana, its wildlife and its local young conservationists. There’s also a strong focus placed upon having respect for oneself, other people, and the environment.
Earlier this year the C4C trainers visited Sable Alley to work alongside the guides in creating a camp based version of their programme that all the children who visit can enjoy.
See more great sustainability projects in Botswana
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Maun. All management and guides are first-aid trained and there is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. Medical evacuation is available in case of emergency, but 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.
Swimming pool warning: Please be aware that the swimming pool at Sable Alley Camp does not have depth markings or No Diving signs. Bathers need to be careful when entering the pool. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their rooms after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A safety briefing is given on arrival. “Fog horns” are provided in the chalets to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- There is a firebreak near the camp and a fire extinguisher outside each chalet.
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 at Sable Alley. Laundry is collected in the morning and usually returned the same day, weather permitting. Washing powder is provided in the bathroom for you to wash smalls, which, for cultural reasons, will not be handled by the staff.
- Money
- There is a safe in each room. No exchange facilities are offered.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as are cash payments in US dollars, euros, GB sterling, South African rand and Botswanan pula.
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Sable Alley's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sable Alley.
Excursions from Sable Alley
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Sable Alley. 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.
Machaba Camp
Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elephant Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Elephant Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Khwai River Lodge
Khwai River Lodge is a luxurious and well-equipped safari camp, on the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve. This area isn't exclusive, but it is beautiful and has excellent game.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
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.
When to go to Moremi Game Reserve
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Sable Alley 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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Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
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