What travellers need to know about Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve reopening

Botswana’s safari industry is gradually returning to normal after authorities reopened the main road into the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve following months of severe flooding in the Okavango Delta.

The strategic access route had been closed since March 2026 as rising floodwaters submerged roads, stranded vehicles and disrupted tourism operations across large parts of the delta. The flooding also affected several airstrips and caused occupancy rates to drop during what is usually one of Botswana’s busiest safari seasons.

For travellers planning an Okavango Delta safari in 2026, the reopening is an important development. While some areas remain difficult to access, tourism operators are once again transporting guests into the delta and most safari camps continue to operate.

According to Moremi Game Reserve manager Kefeletswe Phori, authorities reopened the reserve’s main access road on 13 April 2026 following extensive consultations with tourism stakeholders after an earlier reopening attempt in late March had been postponed due to ongoing flooding and unsafe road conditions.

Some sections of the reserve are still affected by high water levels. Third Bridge remains closed, while roads around Xakanaka and the South Gate-Khwai route are only usable in dry weather conditions. Travellers should therefore expect possible itinerary adjustments, longer transfer times and changing road conditions depending on rainfall and flood levels.

Despite the challenges, many visitors continue travelling to the Okavango Delta, attracted by the region’s spectacular scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Some safari camps have adapted by shifting from traditional game drives to water-based excursions using boats and mokoros.

Many safari camps remained operational throughout the flooding period by using boats to transport guests and supplies into remote parts of the delta. Although some game drives and walking safaris were disrupted by washed-out roads, the unusually high water levels also created exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with animals gathering closer to camps in certain areas. The floods have transformed parts of the Okavango Delta into a spectacular water wilderness, and several operators are optimistic about a strong safari season despite the logistical challenges.

Operators say the unusual conditions are creating a unique safari experience, with floodplains transforming parts of the delta into a scenic water wilderness. Several camps are reportedly expecting a strong tourism season despite the logistical difficulties.

At the same time, local safari operators are calling for long-term infrastructure improvements, including alternative access routes and bridges across flood-prone channels, to reduce future disruptions during major flood events.

Travellers visiting Botswana in the coming months are advised to remain flexible, monitor updates from their tour operators and consider combining both land- and water-based safari experiences for the best Okavango Delta experience during the current flood season.

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