Xakanaxa & Sitatunga’s Edge: Exploring Moremi Game Reserve

When travellers start planning a Botswana safari, Moremi Game Reserve often comes up as one of the best places to see the Okavango Delta in all its variety. Within Moremi, the Xakanaxa region is especially sought after because it combines permanent delta channels with rich woodlands and open floodplains. This means a huge range of wildlife stays here year-round with elephants, lechwe, buffalo, lions, wild dogs, and an incredible mix of birdlife.

For anyone looking for one of the best safaris in Botswana, Xakanaxa offers something special: it’s one of the few areas where you can experience both land-based game drives and water-based exploration in the same day through exploring Moremi Game Reserve.

Exploring Moremi Game Reserve by boat

Sitatunga’s Edge: A Delta Experience Perfect for Photographers

Sitatunga’s Edge is an exclusive activity offered by The Okavango Collection. Guests step aboard a double-decker pontoon boat designed to explore the winding channels of the delta.

For photographers and birdwatchers, this is where Xakanaxa truly shines. The upper deck gives wide, open views across papyrus-lined waterways where kingfishers flash past, jacanas walk delicately over lily pads, and African fish eagles perch above the channels. The slower pace of the boat allows plenty of time to frame shots and wait for those moments you can’t capture on a traditional game drive.

A key focus is searching for the elusive sitatunga antelope. Perfectly adapted to living in the reeds, sitatungas are famously difficult to spot from vehicles. Out on the water, though, you stand a much better chance of catching a rare glimpse of one standing knee-deep in the wetlands. It’s a quiet, patient type of safari…ideal for travellers who enjoy slowing down and taking it all in.

The experience includes an on board lunch before heading back through Moremi on a return game drive, where there’s always the chance of spotting predators and herds along the way.

Why Stay in Khwai for Better Access

Staying inside Moremi Game Reserve gives incredible proximity to Xakanaxa, but the cost can be high. A great alternative is to stay at Mmatsebe Tented Camp in Khwai, which offers private riverside accommodation on a secluded plot at a more accessible rate.

From Khwai, guests can easily reach Moremi for day trips like Sitatunga’s Edge, combining the best of both worlds: an affordable, private stay in the iconic Khwai area with access to the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve.

Why Xakanaxa Should Be on Your 2026 Safari Itinerary

With travellers already booking their 2026 Botswana safaris, now is the time to plan ahead. Xakanaxa offers one of the richest safari experiences in Botswana thanks to its mix of delta channels, open floodplains, and dense woodlands. Pairing a stay at Mmatsebe Tented Camp with a Sitatunga’s Edge boat safari lets you enjoy Moremi’s highlights without the premium price tag of staying inside the reserve.

If you’re looking for a Botswana safari that combines excellent wildlife sightings, varied landscapes, and activities you can’t do anywhere else, Xakanaxa deserves a place on your list.