Black Pools (Moremi) - Image 1
1 / 3

Black Pools Moremi

4.1
·82 reviews·, Botswana

Experience the wild heart of Moremi Game Reserve at unfenced Black Pools, where wildlife roams freely around your campsite.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Animals are active, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Black Pools (Moremi) - Image 1

Black Pools Moremi

Best Time

Spring mornings

Animals are active, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the wild heart of Moremi Game Reserve at unfenced Black Pools, where wildlife roams freely around your campsite.

4.1
(82 reviews)

"Saw many elephants just meters from our camp and also other animals. Was a great experience. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Bring Cash for Payments

Card machines can be unreliable; always have cash on hand for campsite fees and any purchases. :moneybag:

🐘 Respect Unfenced Campsites

Wildlife roams freely. Secure food and belongings, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. :seenoevil:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elephant Encounters at Waterholes

Elephant Encounters at Waterholes

Campsite MQ1/MQ2

Witness herds of elephants at the camp's waterhole, often just meters from your campsite. A truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle.

Reddit
Nocturnal Wildlife Visits

Nocturnal Wildlife Visits

Campsite

Experience the thrill of lions visiting the camp for a drink at night, or badgers raiding bins. An unfenced camp offers constant surprises.

Reddit
Moremi Game Reserve Drives

Moremi Game Reserve Drives

Access to 3rd Bridge

Explore the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, with easy access to areas like 3rd Bridge for incredible game viewing opportunities.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Unfenced Campsites & Wildlife Encounters

Prepare for an immersive experience as campsites are unfenced, allowing wildlife like elephants and lions to roam freely. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Reddit

Payment & Amenities

Bring cash for payments, as card machines can be unreliable. While campsites are basic, ablution blocks are cleaned regularly, though hot water is solar-powered and may vary. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Animals are active, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon game drives
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💰 Bring Cash for Payments

Card machines can be unreliable; always have cash on hand for campsite fees and any purchases. Reddit :moneybag:

🐘 Respect Unfenced Campsites

Wildlife roams freely. Secure food and belongings, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Reddit :seenoevil:

🚿 Plan Solar Showers

Hot water is solar-powered. Plan your showers, especially during busier periods, though it's usually sufficient. Reddit :shower:

🚗 Prepare for Sandy Roads

Roads can be a mix of soft sand, corrugations, and hard sections. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for off-road conditions. Reddit :car:

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Bring Cash for Payments

Card machines can be unreliable; always have cash on hand for campsite fees and any purchases. Reddit :moneybag:

🐘 Respect Unfenced Campsites

Wildlife roams freely. Secure food and belongings, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Reddit :seenoevil:

🚿 Plan Solar Showers

Hot water is solar-powered. Plan your showers, especially during busier periods, though it's usually sufficient. Reddit :shower:

🚗 Prepare for Sandy Roads

Roads can be a mix of soft sand, corrugations, and hard sections. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for off-road conditions. Reddit :car:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(82 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Black Pools Moremi offers an unforgettable, wild camping experience with incredible wildlife encounters, including elephants at the waterhole and potential nocturnal visits from lions. While the campsites are basic and the price is considered high by some, the immersive natural setting and the thrill of unfenced camping are major draws. Some visitors noted that ablution blocks could use maintenance, but overall, the friendly staff and unique atmosphere make it a memorable destination for adventurous travelers. Reddit

"We stayed one night at campsite MQ2 (probably best site for animal sightings). Saw many elephants just meters from our camp and also other animals. Was a great experience.
Staff was very friendly and helpful."

RCM

"The campsite has limited shade. Best spot for Elephant view is around MQ1 / MQ2 ( some shade). 2 very neat ablutions- wash up is cold water. Drives into Moremi and access to 3rd Bridge. No power but wifi available to campers in the camp. Reception close to the entrance. Pricey camping but no other option in the area.
Very friendly staff, willing to assist. Have cash to pay. Card machine doesn't always work."

Cheryl Theunissen

"Fantastic location but ablution blocks are tied and in need of maintenance. Only one loo with a seat in ladies side. Very expensive for what is provided"

Robin Thesen

What People Like

Close wildlife encounters
Unfenced wild camping
Elephant sightings at waterhole

What People Dislike

Expensive for basic amenities
Ablution block maintenance
Unreliable card machines

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The drive from Maun to Black Pools Moremi is long and can be challenging, featuring a mix of soft sand, corrugations, and hard sections. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for off-road conditions. Reddit

A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to the varied road conditions, including soft sand and corrugations. Reddit

It's advisable to fill up your fuel tank in Maun before heading to Black Pools Moremi, as fuel stations are scarce in the immediate vicinity. Reddit

Roads within the reserve can vary significantly, from sandy tracks to more compacted surfaces. Be prepared for potential challenges, especially after rain. Reddit

While there are airstrips in the wider Moremi area, direct flights to Black Pools Moremi are not common. Driving is the primary mode of access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Park entrance fees for Moremi Game Reserve can be expensive. It's recommended to check the latest rates before your visit, as prices can change. Reddit

While not always explicitly stated, booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred spot. Reddit

Park gates typically open at sunrise and close at sunset. Ensure you plan your entry and exit accordingly to avoid issues. Reddit

Discounts are generally not common for park entry. Be prepared for the standard fees, which contribute to conservation efforts. Reddit

It's best to have cash on hand, as card machines at park entrances and campsites can be unreliable. Reddit :moneybag:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Campsites are basic and unfenced, offering a wild camping experience. Expect to share the space with wildlife. Ablution blocks are cleaned regularly. Reddit

The camp is unfenced with no staff or rangers present after 6:00 PM, emphasizing the wild nature of the experience. Reddit

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants at the waterhole, and potentially lions visiting the camp at night. Badgers are also known to raid bins. Reddit

Yes, Wi-Fi is available to campers at the campsite, which can be a useful amenity in a remote location. Reddit

Ablution blocks are basic but cleaned regularly. Hot water is provided by solar geysers, so it's advisable to plan your showers. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Black Pools Moremi is a campsite, and there are no restaurants or food services available. You will need to bring all your own food and supplies. Reddit

Yes, you can typically buy firewood for your campfire at the campsite, which is essential for cooking and ambiance. Reddit

Pack non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare. Consider items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and long-life milk. Remember to bring cooking utensils and a cooler box. Reddit

Campsites usually have a designated area for fires or braais. You will need to bring your own portable stove or cooking equipment if you prefer. Reddit

Use sturdy, animal-proof containers and store food in your vehicle or a designated secure area. Be vigilant about securing all food items, as animals like badgers can raid bins. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the best light for wildlife photography, creating dramatic and beautiful shots. Reddit

A telephoto lens (e.g., 300mm or more) is essential for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscapes and larger scenes. Reddit

The unfenced nature of the campsite provides unique opportunities for close-up wildlife encounters, but always maintain a safe distance. The waterhole is a prime spot. Reddit

Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Use your vehicle as a hide when possible, and never approach animals on foot. Reddit

Dust can be a significant issue, so protect your camera gear. Low light conditions at dawn and dusk can also be challenging, requiring a camera with good low-light performance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Black Pools Moremi offers an incredibly exciting, albeit wild, experience for families. The unfenced campsites mean children will be constantly amazed by the proximity of wildlife, such as elephants at the waterhole. Reddit However, this also requires vigilant supervision. Ensure children understand the importance of staying close to the campsite and never approaching animals. Reddit

Pack plenty of snacks and easy-to-prepare meals, as there are no dining facilities. The basic ablutions with solar-heated water mean showers might need to be timed, which could be a minor challenge with very young children. Bringing along some entertainment for downtime, like books or travel games, is a good idea. The adventure of seeing animals up close will likely be the highlight for most kids. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While camping is generally more budget-friendly than lodges, Black Pools Moremi is noted as being pricey for what it offers. Reddit However, for those seeking an authentic, wild camping experience within Moremi Game Reserve, it can still be a viable option compared to more exclusive camps. The key to managing costs is to be fully self-sufficient: bring all your own food, drinks, and camping gear. Reddit

Be prepared for the park entrance fees, which are also a significant cost. Having cash on hand is crucial, as relying on card machines can lead to complications. Reddit The value here lies in the unparalleled wildlife encounters and the raw, untamed environment, which can be priceless for nature enthusiasts. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Black Pools Moremi presents a unique opportunity for incredible wildlife shots. The unfenced nature of the camp means you can often photograph animals like elephants and even predators at very close (but safe) distances, especially around the waterhole. Reddit The golden hours of sunrise and sunset provide stunning light for dramatic wildlife portraits and landscapes. Reddit

Bring your longest telephoto lenses to capture details from a safe distance. Be prepared for dust, which can be a challenge for camera gear, so bring protective covers. The early mornings and late evenings are prime times for activity, so be ready with your camera even when relaxing at camp. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of Unfenced Camping

Black Pools Moremi offers a truly wild camping experience, as the campsites are unfenced. This means you are sharing your space directly with the incredible wildlife of the Moremi Game Reserve. Visitors have reported seeing elephants just meters from their tents and even lions visiting the camp at night for a drink from the waterhole. Reddit This proximity to nature is a major draw for many, offering an unparalleled sense of immersion. However, it also requires a heightened sense of awareness and preparedness. Reddit

It's crucial to understand the implications of unfenced camping. Always secure your food and belongings, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially after dark. While staff are friendly and helpful during the day, there are no rangers present at the campsite after 6:00 PM. Reddit This emphasizes the need for self-reliance and caution. Embrace the wildness, but do so responsibly to ensure a safe and memorable adventure. Reddit

Navigating the Roads to Black Pools Moremi

The journey to Black Pools Moremi is an adventure in itself. Travelers describe the roads from Maun as a challenging mix of soft sand, corrugations, and hard-packed sections. Reddit This terrain necessitates a capable 4x4 vehicle. Without one, you risk getting stuck or damaging your vehicle. It's advisable to deflate your tires slightly for better traction on sandy stretches and to carry a tire pressure gauge for re-inflation. Reddit

Within the Moremi Game Reserve, road conditions can also vary significantly. Some tracks are well-maintained, while others can be more demanding. Always drive cautiously, be aware of potential hazards like hidden branches or deep ruts, and never drive off designated tracks. Reddit Planning your route and having a reliable navigation system or map is essential, as signage can be sparse. The drive, while potentially arduous, is part of the authentic safari experience, leading you deeper into the wilderness. Reddit

Campsite Amenities and Practicalities

The campsites at Black Pools Moremi are described as basic, with sites being a fair size and offering a good distance from neighbors. Reddit While amenities are simple, they are generally well-maintained. The ablution blocks are cleaned regularly, providing essential facilities for campers. However, it's important to note that hot water is supplied by solar geysers. Reddit This means that during peak usage times or on cloudy days, the hot water supply might be limited. Planning your showers accordingly is a good strategy. Reddit

Wi-Fi is available to campers, which can be a welcome convenience in such a remote location for staying connected or sharing your experiences. Reddit When it comes to payments, it's strongly advised to bring cash. While card machines are present, they don't always work reliably, and having cash ensures you can settle your campsite fees and any other expenses without issue. Reddit

You may also like