About Xakanaxa
A tantalising setting where your seat on the deck overlooks the Xakanaxa Lagoon with delicate lilies, diving kingfishers and snorting hippos.
The setting is beautiful, with the entire camp shaded by mature trees that overlook the serene Xakanaxa Lagoon. This is a destination to unwind and savour the beauty of nature.
Xakanaxa is simple and unfussy – it’s all about the traditional safari experience. Help yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar, then find a spot to relax. Comfy sofas in the thatched, open-sided lounge invite you to settle in, while the reed walls blend harmoniously with the surroundings.
Step out to the open, partially shaded deck where cushioned armchairs beckon you to take a seat. Two jetties extend out over the lagoon - one featuring a cozy firepit, the perfect gathering place for convivial pre-dinner conversation. To one end, hand-crafted wooden chairs surround the infinity plunge pool, while mattresses on wooden loungers in the adjacent sala create an idyllic spot to rest.
Your tent is a haven of comfort, with mesh doors that slide open to reveal a private deck furnished with directors' chairs and lagoon views. Inside, mosquito netting drapes over wooden bedsteads, and bathrobes await you in the reed-and-pole walled bathroom, adding a touch of indulgence beneath the canvas.
After a day exploring the waterways and wildlife-rich landscapes of Moremi, return to this charming, safari-rustic camp. Share stories over tasty fare with your fellow guests at long, wooden dining tables warmed by the glow of paraffin lanterns.
Our view
Xakanaxa offers a traditional, low-key safari experience in a beautiful setting within one of Botswana’s most renowned wildlife areas – Moremi. Provided you accept that there are likely to be more vehicles because it’s a public park, it is a great option for high densities of wildlife at a relatively affordable price. It works well at the start of a safari and is also one of only a handful of camps that can be linked by boat transfer instead of by aircraft to another wildlife area.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
12 tents
Children
Best for aged 12+
Open
14 Feb to 30 Jan
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Helicopter
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Xakanaxa
32 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 85 pictures and 1 videos of Xakanaxa to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Xakanaxa
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
Visiting Chobe, Moremi & Surrounds and 2 other areas
US$12,930 - US$21,350 per person
Xakanaxa: Our full report
Camp Xakanaxa is a traditional-style camp located in one of the most beautiful and historically wildlife-rich ...
... areas of the Okavango Delta. Set in the north-east of the public area of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve, the whole camp, widely known simply as Xakanaxa, is shaded by Kigelia and leadwood trees overlooking the picturesque Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Camp Xakanaxa is set out beneath shady riverine woodland, at the edge of the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in a part of the renowned Moremi Game Reserve known as the Mopane Tongue.
From the reception area at the entrance to Xakanaxa, where there is a small curio shop, a short pathway leads around a well-maintained lawn inset with a small pond to the main area. Constructed of local timber, reed and thatch, this is raised on stilts to maximise the views over the lagoon and allow for the rise and fall of the Okavango flood waters. The lounge has seating areas with very comfortable chairs, a small library and a help-yourself bar. This opens out onto an expansive, partially shaded deck with director’s chairs set facing the lagoon. To one side, two long communal dining tables are set out under cover, fronted by a second deck where armchairs make the most of views over the tranquil lagoon.
Jutting out over the lagoon, a jetty ends with seating around a fire pit. A giant jackalberry tree grows to one side and it’s here we enjoyed memorable sightings of a Pel’s fishing owl as it perched and sought out prey in the currents below.
The watery views continue from a small plunge pool, set at the other end of the main area. Bathers can then relax in the shaded sala on one of the loungers. While this can't be beaten for location, those in search of exercise might be drawn instead to the much larger swimming pool set back and to one side of the reception area.
Xakanaxa's 12 Meru-style tents all stand on wooden decks with verandas overlooking the lagoon. They're fairly close together, so it is sometimes possible to hear your neighbours, but reed screens and the surrounding lush riverine vegetation ensure that you won't be able to see them. Beside the pathway that leads to each tent is an iron sculpture of the animal the room is named after. Look out for a special sighting of shy, attractive bushbuck that live in the surrounding woodland.
From a private deck looking over the lagoon, a sliding mesh door leads inside, revealing wooden floors covered with oriental rugs, mesh windows with slivery grey curtains, and a large double or twin beds beneath a mosquito net and celling fan. A couple of reading lights sit on the headboard above the bed and there's a small two-person sofa at the foot.
There's also a writing desk with camp information, a multi-plug socket including USB points for charging electricals and a reading light. A standing fan offers more cooling air when its needed. The luggage rack is small, so travellers may struggle to get two bags on it. But a dressing area to the back of the room has extra storage and a hanging unit. Every tent also has an electronic safe, and hot-water bottles are provided on cold nights between May and July.
At the back of each tent through a wooden door is an en-suite bathroom with a hot shower, twin basins and a flushing toilet. High mesh windows and wood pole walls give this an outside bathroom feel, but it is enclosed within the tent’s mesh and canvas structure, keeping out leaf debris and most insects. Dressing gowns, soaps, shampoo and body lotion are provided, and there is a hairdryer in every tent.
The family tent is made up of two standard tents connected by a short corridor. The second bedroom has a fold-out sofa, and another bed can be added, allowing up to three children to share. Note, however, that the rooms share bathroom facilities so may not suit friends travelling together.
Activities at Xakanaxa include game drives during the day in open 4WD safari vehicles, and boat cruises on the Delta waterways
Motorboat trips are an ideal way to explore the large, adjacent Xakanaxa Lagoon and its surrounding channels – an area that is especially good for birding in the spring and summer months (December to April), when the migrants are breeding. These trips also provide the best opportunity to track down a sitatunga, one of the area's most elusive and seldom-seen antelope.
Both game viewing and birding are very good in the Moremi Game Reserve, and this area has historically provided excellent wildlife watching – as it did on our last visits in December 2023 and November 2024, including leopard, lion and wild dog sightings. However, unlike in the private concessions of the Delta, night drives and walking safaris are not allowed, and game vehicles may not drive far off the tracks – even if interesting game is spotted further away. This can be particularly challenging in the green season, when tall grass can obscure sightings and sometimes hide animals entirely. The area is well worth visiting for its varied and pretty scenery as well as the wildlife densities, but we’d usually recommend including it at the start of your itinerary – before going on to the private reserves with more flexible activity rules.
Xakanaxa aims to have no more than six guests per game-drive vehicle, but when the camp is busy, they can take up to nine. Xakanaxa a very good option for travellers wanting a friendly, well-established camp with a little less restrictive price tag then many of the camps in Botswana during the “peak” dry season. And between November and May there is no surcharge applied to travellers booking a single room, making this a good choice for solo travellers. For keen photographers, birdwatchers or those who would like more space, private vehicles and specialist guides can be arranged, subject to availability and for an additional charge.
Travellers should be aware that Xakanaxa sits between Camp Moremi and Okuti, with a public campsite relatively close by as well. This, and because self-drivers and mobile safaris also use the reserve, can lead to heightened vehicle concentration in the busy months, especially as guides from the three camps communicate about sightings by radio. However, we feel that the historically superb wildlife viewing in this area outshines the number of vehicles that can occur.
Geographics
- Location
- Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Two to three nights are ideal at Xakanaxa.
- Directions
- The flight by light aircraft to Xakanaxa Airstrip takes around 25 minutes from Maun or an hour from Kasane, followed by a 15-minute transfer by safari vehicle to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our visits to Camp Xakanaxa we’ve found the food to be homely, varied, tasty and fresh.
Before heading out on the morning activities, you’ll be offered a selection of dishes for breakfast. The varied choices usually include cereals, granola, dried fruits, nuts, yoghurt, preserves, muffins, mini donuts, toast, mini frittatas, fresh fruit, cold meats, cheeses and crackers. There’s also the option of tea, coffee, smoothie and a selection of juices. A welcome option was a ‘coffee to go’ in a reusable, insulated thermos coffee mug that could be taken on your activity.
You'll return from the morning activities to brunch. During our stay this consisted of delicious fish cakes, a vegetable casserole, broccoli and walnut salad, red-cabbage salad, and a hot breakfast choice of bacon, sausages and mushrooms with eggs cooked to order. There was also freshly baked cinnamon bread, fruit and a cheese platter.
For afternoon tea, just before the start of the afternoon activity, we were offered homemade lemonade and iced tea, accompanied by delicious mince filled donut halves topped with sour cream, and lemon and poppy seed cake. For a guest who was gluten intolerant the camp had made a savoury gluten-free muffin and there was fresh cut fruit.
For dinner, after a memorable afternoon activity, we enjoyed a slice of baked camembert topped with relish to start. Main was a buffet selection including well-done lamb, spiced bream fish, mashed potato, flavoured rice, peas, delicious walnut and cranberry stuffed butternut and a selection of accompanying sauces. There was also a garden salad and a cheese platter. Desert was fruit semifreddo. The portions were well sized so that guests didn’t feel overfull after a meal.
Two white wines and two red wines are usually paired with the meal and offered as a choice at dinner. The bar is also open for those who prefer to select a different beverage.
On Thursdays a buffet of more traditional Setswana dishes is typically offered for guests to try.
For snacks between main meals, nuts and droewors bites were served with sundowners and rusks were offered with the mid-morning activity coffee break. (And a jar of shortbread cookies is provided with the tea/coffee station in each room.) - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dining and meals for special occasions are available on request.
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks, local-brand spirits, house wines and beer are included at Xakanaxa. Premium brands are excluded but are available at extra charge.
Each tent is provided with glasses and a flask of drinking water, which is replenished daily. We don't recommend that travellers drink from the tap.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Xakanaxa Camp offers boat cruises on the Okavango Delta waterways year-round. That allows birders to seek out both dry-country and waterbirds across the diverse habitats in this area. We’ve enjoyed one of our best sightings of a Pel’s fishing owl hunting here, as well as a wide variety of raptors, king fishers, bee-eaters and lyrical songbirds.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
- Wildlife safaris
- Camp Xakanaxa is right in the middle of the Xakanaxa area of the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best areas for wildlife safaris in Botswana. With excellent densities of animal and birdlife, the only drawback is that you are often likely to share game sightings with other vehicles.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Xakanaxa welcomes families with children of six years and older.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Families with children aged between 6-11 years must book private activities.
- Special activities & services
- There are board games and books for children available in the family tent. The camp can also arrange activities for children such as football, pizza making or an interpretive bush walk around camp. It is also possible to arrange for camp staff, often the housekeepers, to child sit during meals and siesta. While these staff often have children of their own, please by aware they are not usually qualified childcare professionals.
- Equipment
- Xakanaxa has a family tent, and for children aged 6-12, an extra bed can be put into a double room. A triple room for adults is not permitted.
- Generally recommended for children
- Xakanaxa has a friendly, laid-back feel, so could be a great option for those travelling with teenagers, provided they have a genuine interest in wildlife and nature. Note that while the camp is surrounded by an electric fence to keep elephants out, most other wildlife, including hippos, buffalo, and predators, can pass under it. Furthermore, there are unguarded, unfenced pools, and easy access to the lagoon, so we would not recommend this camp for those travelling with younger children.
- Notes
- Xakanaxa is on the water's edge and is very open, with big mammals wandering through regularly, so parents must take full responsibility for supervision of their children at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Xakanaxa
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Xakanaxa 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.
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Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator in case of cloudy days or other power interruptions.
Each tent has a multiplug point for charging electrical equipment. - Communications
- There is no cellphone coverage at Xakanaxa, but there is WiFi in the main area and the tents. The service can be patchy, but if you find the right spot it works for messages, emails and video calls on WhatsApp.
- TV & radio
- There is no television or radio at Xakanaxa.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The camp uses a reverse osmosis machine to filter the water from the Delta. All the tents have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.
Filtered drinking water is offered in flasks in each room, and from a waterpoint in the main area where you can refill water bottles.
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 an emergency. In addition to this, a government mobile clinic frequents the area.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their tents after dark as wildlife is known to wander through the camp. “Fog horns” are provided in the tents to summon help in case of emergency after dark.
There is a three-strand electric fence around the back of the camp. This is designed to keep elephants out of the camp as they can be destructive to the trees. - Fire safety
- Each tent has a fire extinguisher.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Helicopter
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full complimentary laundry service is included.
- Money
- No exchange facilities are offered at Xakanaxa. There is a safe in each of the tents.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted (with a surcharge); Diners and Amex are not. Cash payments may be made in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula.
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Xakanaxa's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Xakanaxa.
Excursions from Xakanaxa
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Xakanaxa. 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.
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 Xakanaxa 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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