Camp Moremi

Overview

Raised high above the ground on teak platforms beneath a canopy of ancient ebony trees, Camp Moremi overlooks the tranquil Xakanaxa Lagoon in the eastern Okavango Delta. Set within the Xakanaxa region of Moremi Game Reserve, one of Botswana’s most celebrated safari destinations, the camp places guests in the heart of a remarkable wilderness shaped by water, woodland and open floodplains. From the moment you arrive, there is a strong sense of being removed from the outside world, with wildlife and nature taking centre stage.

Camp Moremi offers a classic African safari experience with a refined sense of comfort. Completely rebuilt in 2018, the camp retains the character and romance of a traditional safari lodge while introducing contemporary touches suited to today’s traveller. Sheltered by towering ebony trees and overlooking the lush lagoon, it is a place to slow down and reconnect with the wilderness. Days follow an unhurried rhythm of game drives, boat excursions, long lunches and evenings around the fire. The camp is owned and operated by Desert & Delta Safaris, one of Botswana’s established safari operators.

Accommodation is provided in 11 East African-style safari tents and one family tent, accommodating up to 24 guests. Each tent is raised on a private teak platform and thoughtfully designed to complement its natural surroundings. Interiors combine classic safari styling with modern comforts, while generous private decks open onto views of the lagoon and surrounding wilderness. En-suite bathrooms feature hot showers and flushing toilets, together with bathrobes, tea and coffee facilities and electric fans. The elevated design also allows guests to remain connected to the landscape, with the possibility of watching wildlife move quietly through the surrounding vegetation from the comfort of their deck.

At the heart of Camp Moremi is the elevated Moremi Tree Lodge, a characterful communal space set among the ebony trees above the lagoon. Wooden walkways connect the main areas of camp, including a relaxed lounge, library, dining room and cocktail bar. A distinctive sunken bar has been built around a termite mound and mature ebony tree, while a private deck provides a peaceful setting for taking in the surrounding landscape. Outside, an open-air boma, fireside area and secluded swimming pool with a thatched sun deck offer inviting places to gather or unwind between safari activities.

Dining forms an important part of the experience, with meals served in a variety of atmospheric settings around camp. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the boma, while afternoon tea beside the pool provides a relaxed pause between activities. Evenings often bring guests together around the fire or beneath the stars, creating the perfect setting to share stories from the day. The emphasis is on fresh, flavourful food and the simple pleasure of enjoying a well-prepared meal in beautiful surroundings.

The wildlife experience is at the centre of every stay. Twice-daily game drives explore Moremi’s remarkably varied habitats, from open savannah and woodland to waterholes and seasonal wetlands. This diversity supports an impressive range of wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard and hippo, alongside kudu, impala, waterbuck and other antelope. The region is also renowned for its birdlife, with the waterways, forests and floodplains attracting a wealth of species throughout the year.

The Okavango can also be experienced from the water on motorised boat safaris. The deeper waters around Xakanaxa are not suited to traditional mokoro excursions, but boat trips offer an equally rewarding way to explore the Delta. Moving quietly through the channels and lagoons provides opportunities to encounter hippos, elephants and waterbirds while revealing the intricate waterways and delicate ecosystems that define the Okavango.

Night drives and off-road driving are not permitted within Moremi Game Reserve, but this does little to diminish the experience. Camp Moremi’s setting provides an immersive connection to the wilderness, with wildlife often encountered close to camp and the sounds of the Delta continuing long after the day’s activities have ended.

Camp Moremi also works well as part of a wider Botswana safari. It can be combined with sister properties in Chobe, Savute and other areas of the Okavango Delta, allowing guests to experience the country’s contrasting landscapes and wildlife regions. Access is generally by light aircraft from Maun, Kasane or Victoria Falls, making it a convenient addition to a longer itinerary. The camp typically closes for a short period each year from mid-February to early March.

With its elevated position beneath ancient ebony trees, access to both land and water-based safari experiences, and an atmosphere that balances traditional safari charm with modern comfort, Camp Moremi offers an intimate introduction to the Okavango Delta and the wild beauty of Moremi Game Reserve.