Khwai
Khwai is a wildlife-rich 200,000 ha gem on the fringes of the Okavango Delta – sandwiched between Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. This is one of the best places in Botswana to see wild dogs and other predators and, with no fences separating any of these areas, you are likely to see just about everything that northern Botswana has to offer.
The Khwai River flows through the concession and in places spreads out to form marshy areas and in others is a mere narrow channel that animals step across as they migrate between Moremi and the Linyanti section of Chobe National Park, via Khwai. The water channels have good populations of hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and lechwe, and the dry woodlands away from the river host good populations of sable and roan antelopes, zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes and many other species. As is the case with most of northern Botswana, elephants can be found everywhere, and lions, leopards and hyenas are commonly seen. Wild dogs often den in the area during the winter months and can then be seen with pups.
The 200,000 ha (2,000 km²) Khwai area consists of the small Khwai Community Concession (NG19) and the much larger Khwai Private Reserve (NG18). The tourism core of this area lies along the banks of the Khwai River and its tributaries with associated floodplains and woodlands, as much of the area north of the rivers is remote and dominated by mopane woodlands and open floodplains.
Most of the easily accessible concession area (Khwai Community Concession) is open to the public and mobile safari operators, and so wildlife sightings can be crowded during the prime safari season of July to September. This concession hosts lodges and campsites, and prices range from budget to luxury. On the other hand, Khwai Private Reserve has several mid and upmarket lodges, and access is restricted to guests.
Most importantly, Khwai Community Concession – which receives the majority of visitors – is owned and run by the local community, with camps and lodges renting the privilege of operating in this exquisite space. For visitors, that means knowing that the proceeds of their trip directly benefit the local people in the area, which in turn is vital for the survival of any conservation area. A visit to Khwai village, situated in the concession itself, also offers the opportunity to meet some of Botswana’s charismatic citizens and to appreciate their history and culture that is so intricately entwined with the wilderness around them.
Selection of Camps
Khwai Leadwood
Set within the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge of the Khwai River. This river is all that separates the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and the concession, with hippos, elephants and even lions crossing over from time to time.
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Khwai offers both day and night drives, bush walks, mokoro exursions, helicopter scenic and birdwatching.
Hyena Pan
We’re all about the wildlife at Hyena Pan. First up is its phenomenal location in Khwai Private Reserve. Positioned between Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park and the Khwai River, our exclusive concession is a meeting point for more animals than you can shake a stick at. Think nomadic herds of elephant and buffalo, lion, leopard and wild dog fiercely defending their territories, as well as kudu, red lechwe and herds of dainty antelope dotted across the plains.
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Activities includes gam drives, bush walks, mokoro and birdwatching
Sable Alley
Not only is Khwai Private Reserve one of Botswana’s best kept secrets, it’s also home to the lovely Sable Alley. Opened in 2017, Sable is a piece of light, bright and beautiful luxury amid the game-rich floodplains of Khwai, and the best news is that it’s as sustainable as it is sophisticated. The camp partened with the local communities in Khwai, and proceeds from staying at Sable Alley go straight back into the Khwai Village community projects.
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Activities includes; game drives, mokoro, bush walks, night drives and birdwatching
O bona Moremi
The shady O Bona Moremi Safari Lodge boasts classic dining and lounge facilities on an elevated deck overlooking a Khwai River tributary, its floodplains and riverine forests. The Safari Lodge lies on the boundary between the famous Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Wildlife Concession, giving you easy access to some of Botswana’s best wildlife viewing, with both land- and water-based activities. Visitors thrill to elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, hippo, plains game and wild dog sightings. Immediately adjacent to the north gate entrance of Moremi Game Reserve lies the little village of Khwai, giving guests the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of an original local community living in the heart of big game country.
Sango Safari Camp
Traditional Tented Camp Set Amongst One Of The Greatest Regions To Observe Botswana's Spectacular Wildlife.
Sango Safari Camp is nestled in the shade of the trees overlooking the Khwai River. Situated on the outskirts of the traditional village of Khwai and bordering Moremi Game Reserve, the camp offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the wildlife and culture of this unique habitat. This intimate safari camp was named after the Sango Family – some of the original inhabitants of the Khwai area, who collaborated with Bush Ways to develop the camp.
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp is a classic camp decorated in an understated 1950's colonial style. Lying on the banks of the Khwai River and boasting views of the Moremi Game Reserve, it is one of the most exquisite affordable camps within the region. With its 10 tented rooms, relaxed feel, abundance of game viewing and fine dining it makes for the ideal safari destination for couples and families.