Episode 25: How to reserve your campsite inside Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, Africa
Planning to reserve a campsite in Moremi Game Reserve? Here’s everything you need to know to secure your spot and explore Botswana’s wild beauty.
Why Advance Moremi Campsite Booking Matters
Moremi Game Reserve is one of Botswana’s most iconic safari destinations, and campsites inside the park are extremely limited. To reserve a campsite in Moremi, you need to act early—especially during the high season (June–October). Popular sites like Third Bridge and Xakanaxa are often fully booked 6–8 months in advance.
It’s important to note that wild camping is illegal inside all Botswana national parks. To avoid fines or being denied entry, you must have a confirmed reservation to stay overnight within Moremi.
Where to Book Campsites in Moremi
There are several main campsites inside Moremi Game Reserve.
You can reserve your campsite in Moremi directly with these operators or through local agents in Botswana. Be prepared for slow response times, and consider using a travel planner if you’re booking more than one site.
THIRD BRIDGE
KHWAI/NORTH GATE
XAKANAXA
What You Need Before Booking Your Moremi Campsite
To enter Moremi, you must pay entry fees to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) and obtain a DWNP permit. This permit is separate from your accommodation booking and must match your camping dates and group size.
You can pay these fees:
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At the Maun DWNP office
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At the park gates (cash or card, depending on the gate)
A 4×4 vehicle is mandatory for all travel inside Moremi. Roads often include deep sand, mud, and seasonal flooding. You should only self-drive if you have prior off-road experience, proper recovery equipment, and full self-sufficiency.
There is no cell service in the reserve. Make sure to download offline maps, use GPS, and bring printed confirmations of your campsite booking and permits.
Pro Tips for Planning Your Self-Drive Safari
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Book 6–8 months in advance, especially during high season (June to October)
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Travel in convoy, or at least with two vehicles, for safety and easier recovery
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Print all confirmations (campsite and DWNP) — there is no network at park entrances
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Respect camp rules: keep noise down, don’t walk after dark, and store food properly to avoid attracting animals.
Plan Ahead to Reserve Your Campsite in Moremi
To fully enjoy your Botswana safari adventure, it’s essential to reserve your campsite in Moremi Game Reserve well in advance. Whether you’re planning a self-drive safari or working with a travel agent, early planning ensures you get a spot at your preferred site and avoid last-minute stress. With limited availability, no wild camping allowed, and challenging road conditions, preparation is key. Book early, travel safely, and immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations.
🎙️ Full Podcast Transcript
How do you book a campsite inside Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana?
It’s a question we get all the time. It can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re coming from overseas and you’re not familiar with how things work here. In today’s episode, we’ll break it down for you: what kinds of campsites exist inside Moremi, how to book them, and what you need to know before you go.
There are different types of campsites in Moremi. Some are managed by private operators, and others fall under DWNP—the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The process isn’t centralized, so you’ll need to contact the right operator depending on where you want to stay. For example, Third Bridge and Xakanaxa are managed by Xomae Group.
Kwalate Safaris handles South Gate, and SKL runs Khwai, which is technically just outside the park but often used by Moremi visitors. It’s important to book your campsite before arriving—especially in high season—because you won’t be allowed to stay in the park without a confirmed booking. And wild camping is not permitted anywhere in Botswana’s reserves.
Park entry permit
Another thing to know is that booking the campsite doesn’t include your park entry permit. That’s something separate, and it’s handled by DWNP directly. You’ll need to pay entry fees at the gate or, in some cases, at their office in Maun. Keep in mind—there’s no cell service inside the park, so you should have everything printed and ready before you enter.
If you’re traveling during the high season, which is June to October, try to book your campsites at least six to eight months in advance. Popular spots like Third Bridge fill up quickly. Also, we recommend traveling in convoy—especially if you’re not familiar with sand driving. Moremi can be remote and challenging, so it’s safer not to go alone.
Make sure you carry printed copies of your booking confirmations and DWNP permits. The staff at the park gates will ask to see them. Also, follow the campsite rules—don’t leave food out, and respect the quiet hours. These rules are in place for your safety and to protect the animals that live in the reserve.
One last tip—be flexible. Sometimes your first choice of campsite won’t be available, so it’s good to have backup options. And if you’re unsure about the booking process, many local agents can help coordinate your itinerary and handle the reservations. It might cost a little more, but it saves time and avoids frustration.
And that’s it for today’s episode. We hope this helps you better understand how to book your campsite in Moremi and prepare for your self-drive safari in Botswana. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—and don’t forget to check out our blog for more travel tips and updates.
Safe travels, and see you in the bush!
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We are sharing our daily life in the Okavango Delta in Africa but also how to visit Botswana, the National Parks and how to find wild life.
We will publish in English on Thursdays and in French on Tuesdays.
