Kwando Lagoon Camp, Kwando-Linyanti Area

rooms

The thatched chalets encase you in luxury yet keep you close to the wild outside. Canvas walls and mesh windows allow the outside in and the lovely wooden walkways leading to each chalet open onto a private veranda with stunning views of the river, and the occasional elephant intent on a refreshing dip. Inside is a warm and welcoming haven consisting of leather seats, coffee tables and writing desks- perfect for keeping up to date with your travel journal. Spacious double or twin beds are a step up and there is plenty of room for luggage in the space behind, with designated hanging cupboards. The en-suite bathroom is a delight with two hand basins, a deep bath and refreshing outdoor shower.

facilities & activities

The camp is in prime position for the extraordinary herds of elephants and buffalo that gather in this vast region in the winter months. And where there are herds of elephant and buffalo there are a huge number of natural predators. The emphasis therefore is very much on big game predator sightings. Expect exhilarating but bumpy rides through the bush, off road and with a mission. This makes for unforgettable sightings but is far removed from a leisurely ride out spotting the wildlife that might happen to meander into view. The camp is also famous for sightings of the elusive African wild dog (with a 'local' pack who regularly den here), along with the big game such as lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah. There are morning and night game drives in open topped Toyota land cruisers and always with a two person team consisting of a personal guide and tracker – ensuring very little is missed.

The highlight are the night drives – a specialty here. After a leisurely sundowner watching the sun's rays dip below the horizon, its then off for the exhilarating night drive where the nocturnal inhabitants are discovered by spotlight, often by surprise. You'll arrive back in time for a delicious and warming dinner by candlelight serenaded by the river and sounds of the night.

The camp also offers a lovely afternoon river cruise; slip silently along and sneak past the unsuspecting herds of buffalo, elephants and hippos as well as a huge variety of birds by the waters. Enjoy the vistas allowed by the double decker design and while away the hours - a soothing tonic to the thrill of the chase of the jeep safaris. Or take the traditional dugout canoe, the Mokoro, and enjoy the stillness broken only by the water dripping from the hand carved wooden pole while you glide along the waterways.

Or step a little closer to nature and take one of the nature walks amongst the bush. The friendly and local guides will point out all the tracks and pass on a level of detail that can be missed on a traditional safari - a humbling and inspiring taste of the African bush.

However, once the day is done then the camp is the perfect setting to relax and soak in the warm African air. An inviting thatched area with a cosy lounge and library set high above the river, is the perfect place to lose yourself in the stunning vistas, or take a dip in the refreshing pool set in the polished wood deck with panoramic views across the river. Settle by the campfire on the sandy river side and swap tales while you sip a cold glass of wine, or fish from the wooden deck perched in the lovely swing bench that sits over the river. Take a slow meander along the wooden walkways to the camp's Curio shop and pick up a little taste of Africa to take home along with your cherished memories.

dining

Well it's safe to say you won't go hungry. A freshly baked muffin, warm porridge or fresh fruit along with a restorative tea or coffee begins the dawn adventures. Arrive back to a full buffet brunch with a mouth-watering selection of options ranging from a hot plate of succulent sausage, bacon and beans to fresh salads, home-made breads and cheese. There's definitely time for tea before the afternoon activities; choose from sweet treats such as chocolate brownies or a more substantial bean burger with chilli jam washed down with refreshing homemade lemonade or iced tea.

And when the sun's rays dip below the horizon, it's time to soak in the gorgeous, candle lit views and enjoy a three course buffet feast along with a delectable selection of South African wines. Swap stories with other guests or dine a deux under the stars. Occasionally, an al fresco picnic is served out in the bush under the canopy of trees - let’s just hope the lions aren't partial to a fresh lemon and lime cheesecake that evening...

family

The minimum age for children is eight. The camp is unfenced and beside the river and there is obviously a large amount of potentially dangerous wildlife in the area. The pool and wooden walkways are also unfenced and therefore children must remain under the supervision of their parents at all times.

This said, there is the option to book a tailor made ‘family safari'. This gives you the luxury of your own private vehicle along with a personal guide and tracker who will not only entertain, but educate and inspire with their expert knowledge, carefully tailored to the needs of each child. They'll learn about spoor castings, identify animals and plants, listen for night sounds and enjoy some craft-making using the natural surroundings. There's even a spot of meal preparation with the chefs where they'll learn about local ingredients and traditional cooking. Your guide will accompany you throughout your stay leaving you to some well-earned peace while inspiring a lifelong love of Africa in your children.

There is a dedicated family chalet set to one side of the camp and accessible via the pool deck. This consists of an en-suite and spacious double bedroom with a separate twin bedroom, providing plenty of room for a family. Earlier child friendly meals can be organised with advance notice and there is also child-minding available (although the staff are not professionally qualified). NB. Cots, high chairs and other baby necessities are not provided.

location

The camp is found on the largest unfenced and private wildlife reserve in Botswana, on the banks of the shady Kwando River surrounded by lush forest and open plains of the Delta. However it is a relatively easy journey from Johannesburg International Airport. Hop on a short two hour flight to Maun and it's then a 30 minute scenic flight by light aircraft to Kwando airstrip. The adventure really begins in the safari jeeps that transfer you from the airstrip to the camp through the wild wilderness, giving a little taster of the adventures to come.