Reviews of Kwetsani Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
23 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kwetsani Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Kwetsani Camp review"
"The Jewel of NG25"
Our guide Ronald has an infectious sense of humour but this belies an uncanny ability to seek out the most elusive sightings. It was with him that we began our relationship with the Hunda leopards which was to continue unabated for the next 6 days. He instinctively understood our wish to see and talk about everything, going out of his way to explain and describe all that we were seeing. A great guide.
Management was outstanding, starting with Dan and Charmaine Myberg the senior managers for the 3 Classic camps in the concession. They looked after us wonderfuly well while clearly being 'in charge' of every aspect of the delivery of service. For our last day the resident management team of Annelize and Bradley seamlessly resumed control.
Our fondness for Kwetsani remains intact but we have one single niggle. On previous visits during the annual flood we have been taken on game drives onto and around the Kwetsani island and local flood plain. Previous guides delighted in describing the activity as 'swimmin safari'! The practice now seems to have been stopped because there have been instances of vehicles becoming stuck or 'drowned' elsewhere in the concession. This was always the case and was, in the past, taken as one of the hazards of holidaying in NG25. We have personally experienced it twice from Kwetsani with little or no lasting effect. Perhaps the new policy is a slight overreaction and one misses some great birding opportunities. Still, a niggle, and this remains a great camp." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
"Kwetsani Camp review"
Excellent game viewing, a particular point was the fun on the boats getting to the island, would definately recommend." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 5n in Mozambique; 1n in South Africa
"MOST FABULOUS PLACE WE STAYED"
"Kwetsani Camp review"
Our boat rides were quite enjoyable and this is the only camp where we could take a mokoro trip. We had no idea on booking this camp that both islands that have game are located at the Jao Camp and Handu island, not directly at Kwetsani." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Kwetsani Camp...had canals for roads"
We went through some magnificent thunderstorms and torrential rain here. The safari vehicles had insulated rain ponchos which kept us dry(mostly) and warm; and our guide kept his good humor driving the flooded tracks. Believe it or not this was fun, being out in the downpour watching the animals. Our guide was an excellent driver in these conditions. He also made a good boat captain with a vast knowledge of the fauna in the delta. Although we are not bird watchers it was interesting to hear our guide locate, identify and give us all the particulars on the hundreds of bird species we saw. We saw thousands of red lechwe, and smaller numbers of lion, zebra, wildebeest, bushbuck, and elephant.
We had some aggravations with the staff. On our first night in camp the staff had left on lights in our room when they were there for turndown service, and when we retired 4 hours later the room had thousands(really) of white moths. The next morning we mentioned this to the manager, he apologized, said it would not happen again. For the next two evenings the lights were again left on, the only difference being that we now checked as soon as we returned from the evening game drive and turned them off.
The camp also had some equipment shortages/breakdowns. Due to car problems, we were scheduled one morning to go on a game drive with two professional photographers, who planned on spending 4 hours in one spot filming lechwe jumping over water-submerged roads. We did not do that. We and our fellow jeep mates were also asked to give up our scheduled boat trip for two Wilderness Safari communications employees who were making one night visits to a number of camps (due to afternoon rains, the morning was the only reliable time for a boat trip). After the 4 of us protested another boat was borrowed from Jao camp.
There was also a problem of bugs in the food. All of our camps in Botswana had more or less open dining areas and they all had bugs flying about in the evenings when you're eating by candlelight. We have been on safari before and we expected this. However at Kwetsani when you have 4 drowned moths in your soup every evening, and 4 or 5 insects on your plate eating your food with you every evening, it is time to redesign your dining area.
The junior management team seemed to act in a professional manner, but the temporary managers (filling in for a vacationing manger) seem to be out of their league. They seem to be creating a fraternity house atmosphere, way left of casual or laid back.
After all this is said, these are minor problems and we enjoyed our stay at Kwetsani. Would we come back to this area? Probably not. This is a bird lovers paradise and we would rather watch large mammals. It is also a 'water camp' that becomes quite flooded during rainy season, which is an adventure one time." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"Early concerns unfounded at Kwetsani"
Fantastic boating experience to see birds in their profusion and early each morning on our way to the game drivers on Handa Island. What a way to wake up!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Kwetsani Camp review"
Less big game because of the amount of water but still good viewing.
We needed a boat trip prior to game drive on either of the two large islands above water." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Kwetsani was a mix of rustic, luxury and charm"
Part of the airstrip and surrounding area was under water so we had to drive just past the airstrip, park the vehicle and get into a motor boat. It was then a 30 + minute ride to the camp where we got into another vehicle to take us to the entrance to the camp itself.
The motor boat ride through the water channels and Papyrus was an awesome experience which we both enjoyed. Each time we went out for game viewing, however, it involved swapping from boats to vehicles and vice versa which was quite time consuming and not appreciated by everyone but it couldn't be helped and anyway we are both a bit like kids and found it great fun and exilerating.
We liked the camp very much, it had a tree-house look and feel to it with a rustic comfort. We were well looked after by Ian and Michelle and the staff and the food and facilities were excellent. Views from our room, the main deck and the plunge pool were stunning." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"great time in this watery wilderness"
The Okavango was very high when I was there, so the camp was perched on an island amid a wide flooded landscape. Despite the water everywhere there was no shortage of game..buffalo in the reeds, many elephant, kudu and lots of Lechwe. Got good photos of Malachite and pied kingfishers as well as saddle billed storks and the rare slatey egrets. Highlight was probably the Male leopard in a tree ( just like in the classic photos ) as well as the amazing sunset displays of thunder clouds in the distance. Had a good sunset Mekoro trip as well. Of interest to me also were the clouds of dragonflies of all colours and sizes.
The food here is truly outstanding and we had some memorable meals, and plenty of fresh fruit and fresh bread on hand.
My guide Penyo was amiable and competent with a charming personality and I feel we became friends after a short time. We compared photos and I was happy to download some of the leopard we found for him.
The staff here are all oustanding with good management as in all the Wilderness camps I stayed at. I really cant think of any negative comments about Kwetsani." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and very rustic, Footsteps across the Delta focuses on walking safaris; it also runs a special children’s programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains Camp
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion and buffalo interaction that is often found here in broad daylight.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pom Pom Camp
Pom Pom Camp lies amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery. Come for idyllic mokoro trips and great birdwatching, and accept that big-game sightings here are a bonus.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island
Deep in quintessentially 'Okavango' territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, promises to be a great combination from a team who know all about the best in the Okavango.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
