Moremi Game Reserve, Game reserve in Okavango Delta, Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve covers just under 5,000 square kilometres on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, where permanent water meets dry land. Only about 30% is mainland; the rest lies within the delta, with Chiefs Island and the Moremi Tongue among its features. Habitats range from mopane woodland and acacia forest to floodplains, lagoons and islands.

Proclaimed on 15 March 1963, the reserve is named after Chief Moremi III of the Batawana of Ngamiland. His widow, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, then ruling the area, moved to conserve wildlife because hunting was reducing animal numbers. In the 1970s the Chief's Royal Hunting Grounds were added, enlarging the reserve.

The reserve is named after Chief Moremi III of the BaTawana, and it was his widow, Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, ruling at the time, who pushed for conservation as hunting took its toll. Because it was proclaimed a game reserve rather than a national park in 1963, the BaSarwa Bushmen who lived there were allowed to remain. Visitors may see African wild dogs wearing radio collars from a research project running since 1989.

Game viewing peaks from July to October, when seasonal pans dry up and wildlife gathers at permanent water; from October to the rains in late November or early December it can be extremely hot. Roads vary with the Delta's water level, so carry a recovery kit and a snorkel for water crossings, and check your rental company's rules on driving through water. Only four camping areas exist: South Gate, Third Bridge, Xakanaxa and Khwai. Mosquitoes are prevalent, so take malaria precautions.

Moremi was proclaimed a game reserve rather than a national park in 1963, a status that let the BaSarwa (Bushmen) who had traditionally lived there remain inside it. African wild dogs in the reserve have been studied since 1989, and many are seen wearing collars fitted by researchers.