Okavango Delta Moremi Crossing
Deep sand delta crossing in pristine wilderness
The Okavango Delta isn’t just a postcard — it’s 600 miles of deep sand, seasonal floodplains, and mokoro pole marks where elephants drink at dawn. This route cuts through Moremi Game Reserve’s eastern boundary, crossing the Khwai River at the old veterinary fence line before threading between Chief’s Island and the mainland through corridors that shift with each flood season. You’ll follow ancient cattle paths turned game trails, dodging hippo pools and navigating around termite mounds the size of small buildings.
This is proper African overlanding — stock 4WD won’t cut it here. You need diff locks, recovery gear, and enough fuel for 400km without a pump. Dry season (May to October) offers the best crossing conditions, though water levels can still surprise you at Boro River. Permits required through Botswana Department of Wildlife. The payoff? Camping under Southern Cross constellations while lions grunt in the distance and sunrise game viewing that’ll ruin you for zoo visits forever. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 248 mi / 400 km |
| Duration | 4-6 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with diff locks |
| Nearest town | Maun, North-West |
| Land manager | Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need lockers?
A stock vehicle won't cut it here. Deep Kalahari sand and submerged channel crossings demand low-range diff locks at minimum — a lifted rig with a snorkel and a rear locker is the practical baseline. Without lockers you will get stuck, and recovery help is not close.
When is the trail passable and what shuts it down?
May through October is the dry season window and the only realistic time to run this route. The Okavango flood peaks around June-August, which ironically makes crossings more defined but deeper — outside this window, wet season tracks become impassable mud and some channels flood unpredictably.
What permits do I need and where do I get them?
You need a permit from the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks to enter Moremi Game Reserve — buy it at the Main Gate (South Gate) near Maun or at Khwai North Gate before you enter. Daily conservation fees apply per person and per vehicle, so budget accordingly before you leave Maun.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The deep sand tracks through the mopane woodland between the channel crossings are relentlessly punishing — not one hard obstacle but 100+ km of wheel-sucking sand that drains fuel and overheats transmissions. Water crossings like the Khwai River require a proper wading check first; hippos and crocs are not hypothetical hazards.
How much fuel do I need to carry and is there any resupply on route?
There is zero fuel resupply between Maun and the far end of this route — 400 km of sand-driving burns significantly more than tarmac, so plan for at least 1.5x your normal consumption and carry a minimum of 150–200 liters if your tank doesn't already cover it. Maun is your last fuel stop; treat it like you're going offshore.
Trail track
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