Chief's Island

Chief's Island is the largest landmass in the Okavango Delta, situated in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve in northern Botswana. Measuring approximately 70 kilometers long by 15 kilometers wide and covering about 1,000 square kilometers, the island is a massive sand ridge—often described as a sandveld tongue—that was elevated above the surrounding floodplains by historical faulting and tectonic activity. It lies just south of where the main Okavango River splits into three primary channels. Historically, the island served as the private hunting preserve of the local BaYei chief before being incorporated into Moremi Game Reserve. Its renowned northern tip, the Mombo region, derives its name from the BaYei phrase meaning place of plenty.The island features a diverse ecosystem made up of mopane woodlands, thorn tree forests, acacia stands, open grasslands dotted with ilala palms and termite mounds, and papyrus-fringed channels and lagoons. While surrounding areas fill with annual winter floodwaters between May and August, Chief's Island remains permanent dry land above the rising waters. This hydrologic pattern transforms the island into a natural sanctuary, drawing thousands of migrating animals from across the delta to graze on its fertile plains and seek refuge on dry ground.Chief's Island is recognized for having some of the highest wildlife densities in southern Africa, particularly regarding apex predators like lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and endangered African wild dogs. Large herds of elephants, buffalo, red lechwe, impala, wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, and hippos inhabit the area alongside over 500 bird species. The island was also a focal point for white and black rhino reintroduction initiatives in Botswana. Visitor numbers are strictly limited under Botswana's low-impact tourism model, with access restricted to guests staying at a select few luxury camps. Activities on the island center around 4x4 game drives, guided walking safaris, and seasonal dugout canoe (mokoro) trips through the surrounding waterways.