MOREMI GAME RESERVE

In Moremi, the public campsites are at South Gate, Third Bridge, Xaxanaxa and Khwai. They’re close to the Okavango Delta and you’ll sometimes have to drive through water to get to your camp. Moremi also has private camps, labelled on our maps as HATAB or

South Gate

This camp (photo above) is at the southern entrance gate to Moremi. Stay here on your first night in the reserve. It’s run by a company called Kwalate Safari.

Like the other camps in Moremi, it’s not fenced and you shouldn’t leave anything outside that a hyena, jackal or honey badger might mistake for food. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking to the ablution facilities at night. A powerful torch is a must!

Camping P185 per adult (about R243); P100 per child aged 6 – 17 (R131); free for children under 6. There are 10 stands that accommodate a maximum of eight people and three vehicles per stand. Ablution facilities include flush toilets and hot water showers. GPS: S19.42583 E23.64429 Contact: 00 267 686 1448 (Maria); kwalatesafari@gmail.com

Xaxanaxa

This camp has one of the best locations in Moremi: right next to the water of the Okavango Delta. Tall trees tower over the stands. You can also book boat cruises here. There are 10 stands that accommodate a maximum of eight people and three vehicles per stand.

Camping P185 per adult (about R243); P100 per child aged 6 – 17 (R131); free for children under 6. There is an ablution block with flush toilets and showers with hot water. Xaxanaxa is also run by Kwalate Safari. GPS: S19.18358 E23.41577 Contact: 00 267 686 1448 (Maria);

kwalatesafari@gmail.com

Third Bridge

This camp is at the north-western edge of the road network in Moremi. The camp is sometimes hard to access, especially when the pole bridges are broken. (See map on page 40.) Right now they’re in working order.

There are nine stands, each accommodating a maximum of eight people and three vehicles. Rate: P270 (R354) per adult; halfprice for children aged 8 – 17; free for children under 8. There is also one twin-sleeper, self-catering safari tent: P750 (R983) per person.

Third Bridge is managed by the Xomae Group, which also manages a wilderness camp called Gcudikwa on a nearby island – only accessible by boat. To camp at Gcudikwa costs P700 (R917) per person; plus P3 500 (R4 586) for the boat ride. It can sleep up to 20 people. GPS: S19.23930 E23.35635 Contact: 00 267 686 2221 (Ontekanye); xomaesites@btcmail. co.bw; xomaesites.com

Khwai

This camp is on the banks of the Khwai River, on the northern border of Moremi. It’s near North Gate, the northern exit of the reserve.

The stands are set far apart so noisy neighbours won’t be an issue, (unless they’re elephants), but it’s quite a walk to the ablution facilities. Some people prefer to drive there.

Khwai is run by the SKL Group. Camping costs R250 per adult; R125 per child aged 8 – 17; R60 per child aged 5 – 7; free for kids under 5. There are 10 stands, each with its own tap, braai facilities and bin. GPS: S19.17284 E23.75152 Contact: 00 267 686 5365; reservations@sklcamps.co.bw; sklcamps.com

Mankwe Bush Lodge & Campsite

Mankwe is outside the park, but the animals don’t pay any attention to the park borders – you’ll still see lots of wildlife. The camp is very accessible, even if you don’t have a 4x4 because the road south to Maun is in a fairly good condition. They offer full-day safaris into Moremi – a great way to explore the park if you don’t have a 4x4. These safaris cost P1 250 per person (R1 638), including park fees and lunch.

Camping costs P205 (R269) per adult and P105 per child aged 2 – 12. Stands can accommodate up to 16 people and a maximum of four vehicles. There are ablution facilities, but you have to bring your own drinking water. Firewood is free for the first night, and campers are allowed to use the swimming pool, bar and restaurant at the nearby lodge. The lodge has 10 safari tents: P2 160 (R2 830) per person sharing, dinner and breakfast included. Discounts for children. GPS: S19.38125 E23.89755 (turn-off) Contact: 00 267 686 5787 (Maun); 072 523 2796 (SA); reservations@wildsideafrica.net; mankwe.com

Xobega Island Camp

If you want to stay in the Delta and in luxury, choose this camp. It’s on an island only accessible by boat from the Mboma boat station. There are 10 safari tents, from US$235 (R3 340) per person. Rates go up in peak season. It seems like a lot of money, but the rate includes all meals, park fees and game drives. No children under 12 allowed. GPS: S19.19489 E23.27318 (Mboma boat station) Contact: 021 712 5284 (SA bookings); xobega.com

Tuskers Bush Camp

This camp is another luxurious option. It’s in a private concession just east of Moremi.

There are six safari tents, from US$235 (R3 340) per adult; halfprice for children aged 6 – 12. Rates include meals and game drives, but not park fees. Rates go up in peak season. Contact: 021 712 5284 (SA bookings); tuskers.net