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Forest health, especially insect defoliation monitoring in forest using direct sampling and visual estimation has been only moderately successful due to its cost, time required for sampling, and most importantly the need to collect data immediately before and after an extreme event. However, remote sensing techniques offer timely, up-to-date, and relatively accurate information for sustainable and effective management of forest health. In this paper, we discuss the different approaches including the remote sensing platforms and techniques that have been used for assessing insect defoliation and its implications for detecting and monitoring mopane worm defoliation of mopane woodland, highlighting their strengths and weakness. Research gaps in the detection of insect defoliation with remote sensing are highlighted and future directions of research are also proposed.