1-Day Moremi Game Reserve Safari from Maun with Big Four Viewing

1 Day Round trip from Maun Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day Moremi Game Reserve safari with early pickup from Maun (hotel, lodge, or airport)
02 Open-sided 4x4 game drives for excellent visibility and photo opportunities
03 Explore diverse landscapes including floodplains, lagoons, and the Mopane Tongue
04 Guided wildlife tracking around key areas such as South Gate and Xinii Lagoon
05 Bush picnic lunch inside the reserve, followed by an afternoon drive and sunset return

Set out on a full-day safari adventure from Maun into the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve in an open-sided 4x4. After an early pickup, travel north past the Buffalo Fence and enjoy tea or coffee before entering the reserve for an immersive day of game viewing.

Your guide will navigate a mix of habitats—from floodplains and lagoons to the Mopane Tongue—following key tracks around areas such as South Gate and Xinii Lagoon to maximize your chances of spotting the Big Four and other iconic species. Pause for a packed bush picnic lunch in a scenic spot, then continue your afternoon game drive before returning to Maun around sunset.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Maun, Moremi game reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Full-Day Moremi Game Reserve Safari from Maun

06:00 AM - Departure: Early morning pickup from your hotel, lodge, or the airport in Maun in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle.
07:30 AM - Coffee & Gate Arrival: Travel north through the "Buffalo Fence" toward the park. A light breakfast with tea and coffee is served just before entering the park gates.
08:30 AM to 01:00 PM - Morning Game Drive: Spend the morning exploring diverse habitats like the Mopane Tongue, floodplains, and lagoons. Your guide navigates key tracks such as South Gate and Xinii Lagoon to track wildlife.
01:00 PM - Bush Picnic: Enjoy a provided packed picnic lunch at a safe, scenic location inside the reserve.
02:00 PM to 04:30 PM - Afternoon Game Drive: Continue tracking animals as they move toward water sources during the warmer part of the day.
06:00 PM / 07:00 PM - Return to Maun: Exit the park and drive back to Maun, arriving around sunset.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Maun 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport: Round-trip transit from Maun in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle designed for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off: Convenient pickup from your local Maun lodge, hotel, or Maun International Airport early in the morning, and drop-off around sunset.
Park Entrance Fees: All official Department of Wildlife and National Parks fees for Moremi Game Reserve are covered in the upfront price.
Professional Guide: A licensed local safari guide who knows the reserve's tracks, interprets animal behavior, and tracks down predators.
Meals: A packed light breakfast, often served near the park gate, and a bush picnic lunch served midday at a designated rest site inside the reserve.
Drinks: Unlimited bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and morning coffee or tea.

What's Not Included

Accommodation: No overnight lodge or tented camping stay is included, as you return to Maun the same day.
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, or spirits are generally not provided, though most operators allow you to bring your own if you wish.
Tips & Gratuities: Tips for your safari guide are entirely discretionary and handled at the end of the trip.
Personal Items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and cameras are your responsibility.

What to bring

Binoculars: Crucial for spotting predators hidden in the brush or viewing birdlife across lagoons.
Camera Gear: Bring extra batteries or a power bank. The dust inside an open vehicle can ruin gear, so bring a protective zip-bag or cover for your phone and camera.
Sun & Bug Protection: Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent containing DEET.
Cash: Bring some local currency (Botswana Pula) or US Dollars for tipping your guide at the end of the day.
Wild Environment: This is not a zoo. Animals roam freely across millions of acres. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide will work tirelessly to track footprints and listen to alarm calls.
Strict Safety Rules: Never stand up in the vehicle, wave your arms, or make loud noises when near large animals like elephants or lions. You must stay inside the vehicle at all times unless your guide explicitly tells you it is safe to step out.

Know before you go

Long Transit: Expect roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of bumpy driving each way just to get between Maun and the park gate.
Rough Terrain: Inside the reserve, the tracks are unpaved, sandy, and sometimes muddy. Be prepared for a high-vibration, bumpy ride ("the African massage").
Restrooms: Toilets are only available at the main park gates and a couple of designated picnic sites. There are no restrooms along the driving tracks, so you must notify your guide if you need a bush stop.
Chilly Mornings: Open-sided 4x4 vehicles catch a lot of wind. Early mornings (6:00 AM) are extremely cold, even in summer. Bring a heavy jacket, a beanie, and a scarf.
Midday Heat: Temperatures soar by noon. Dress in layers so you can strip down to a light t-shirt.
Colors: Wear neutral colors like khaki, beige, tan, or green. Avoid blue and black, as they attract biting tsetse flies. Avoid bright whites, which can startle animals.

Logistics