Read 14 traveller reviews of Kwara Camp

North of Moremi, Kwara Camp is the sister-camp of Lagoon and Lebala (in the Linyanti-Kwando area) and its private reserve covers about 1,750km². It is fairly unusual for the Delta as few top game camps have close access to deep-water. The environments found near Kwara are perhaps more varied than those around most Okavango camps - large lagoon channels lined by papyrus, shallow floodplains, mopane woodlands and dry, open scrub.

Kwara Camp has a very relaxed atmosphere and rustic feel. Eight large, comfortable ensuite tents with outdoor showers (the honeymoon tent also has a claw-footed bath) and big shaded verandas are raised onto individual wooden platforms. Kwara's restful lounge overlooks a large lagoon and there is a boma close to the water's edge where early morning breakfast is served around the fire.

Kwara offers mekoro trips and 4x4 safari drives (day and night), and the team here are enthusiastic about tracking predators. Drives always have a tracker as well as a driver-guide, which helps to produce some excellent game sightings.

Kwara Camp also offers boat trips, some on an unusual double-decker boat giving great views over the papyrus. You can visit the renowned heronry at Gcodikwe Lagoon, which is at its best September to March. This really is a fantastic experience – a must for keen birders - although the smell of the hundreds of birds that roost there is initially rather over-powering! Watch out for the comical baby marabou storks which perch precariously, flapping their stunted little wings - crocodiles lurk in the waters below them just waiting for them to drop off. This trip also offers superb opportunities for photography, as approaching the heronry by boat allows you to get very close up - without scaring its inhabitants away.

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Tented Chalet at Kwara Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 8 tented rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights

Central facilities: Entering the thatched lodge at Kwara Camp you will find the curio shop on your left as you approach the comfortable lounge and bar. This area is slightly raised and allows pleasant views over the shallow lagoon and you can relax here, maybe have a game of mancala, and keep an eye out for the animals which the water attracts. There is also a small selection of natural history books which you may like to spend an hour or two browsing through. The bar has a well-stocked fridge and you are encouraged to help yourself whenever you like. Adjacent to the lounge is a large dining hall which is open-sided and also has views over the lagoon. There is a plunge pool set on the edge of the main lodge on a pleasant decked area, and you can relax on sun-loungers here. Between the lodge and the lagoon is the boma where a fire is lit in the early mornings and evenings. This is a magical spot to enjoy a drink or two after supper, and listen to the sounds of the African night.

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana

Directions: Fly in to the airstrip which is only a short drive from Kwara Camp.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Kwando Safaris

Staff: Kwara Camp is currently very ably run by a friendly and helpful husband and wife team - Peter and Bonang. Game drives in Kwara always have a tracker as well as a driver-guide, which helps to produce some excellent game sightings.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The food served up here during our most recent visit was consistently good. An early breakfast is served around a fire in the boma before your morning activity, and this consists of porridge and cookies, tea, coffee and juice. A full cooked breakfast is then served on your return from your activity at around 11am, along with fruit, yoghurt and toast. Watch out for the mischievous Burchell's glossy starlings – they will be after your muesli if you are not vigilant! “Lunch” is served buffet-style at 4pm. A variety of dishes (for example breads, salads, cheese, biscuits and fruit) are on offer usually with one hot option being served up - delicious fish cakes with vegetables are an example of one dish which we were served at lunch during our latest visit. An enjoyable three-course dinner is provided at around 8.30pm, and a selection of wines is also served.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No room service - this is a safari camp.

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance. There is a “help-yourself” drinks fridge in the bar area of Kwara's main lodge.

Children

Attitude towards children: Generally children are welcome but please take into account the restrictions below.

Age restrictions: No children under 8 years of age are allowed at camp unless the whole camp has been booked out. For children aged 8-12, a private vehicle must be booked.

Activities: None.

Equipment: There is no special equipment available.

Generally recommended for children: Recommended for children 10 years old and above.

Notes: Kwara is very open with dangerous wildlife in the area (elephants regularly wander through the camp). The camp is also open to the water.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

TV & radio: Kwara is in the bush - there is no TV or radio

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. In an emergency, the camp can arrange for clients to be flown out.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Because of the Okavango's large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Kwara Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. A safety talk is given on arrival. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.

Fire safety: There are extinguishers in the common areas of the camp. In the event of fire, guests should gather in the boma.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.

Money: No exchange facilities are offered. There are no safes in the rooms.

Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex are not. No commission is charged on credit card transactions. Rand, £, $, Euros and Botswana Pula are accepted.

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