The Mababe River flows in the Khwai River, forming the northern border between Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai community area. These large floodplains provide good grazing for many species of antelope and unobstructed seasonal movement of wildlife.
Rise early, with coffee and biscuits at first light, for the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot and by mokoro canoe. Lion, leopard, hyena, serval and African wildcat are common predators here, with wild dogs and cheetah being less common. Buffalo use this area seasonally with large herds moving in during the summer rains. The swampy areas in the west are also home to red lechwe and other ungulates including tsessebe, blue wildebeest, reedbuck, giraffe, zebra, kudu, sable antelope, roan antelope and impala.
For birders, the western reaches of the Khwai River are prime habitat for the uncommon Rosy-throated longclaw and the entire length of the river is the hunting domain of the Bat-hawk. Other commonly found species include the Tawny eagle, Steppe eagle*, Lesser-spotted eagle*, Martial eagle, Bateleur and African hawk-eagle. If you are fortunate you may see the rare Cuckoo hawk, Long-crested eagle and Black sparrowhawk. These waterways also host Africa rail, African crake*, Greater painted snipe, Allen’s gallinule*, Lesser jacana and Lesser moorhen (*=migratory species).
Exploring after dark with a spotlight offers the opportunity to see some of the nocturnal animals and birds that are rarely encountered during the day.
Note: Night drives and guided walks are not permitted within the national parks, so these activities are conducted in the Khwai community area outside the boundaries of Moremi Game Reserve.