Read 1 traveller review of Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp is primarily water-based and is set on a long narrow island in the beautiful Jao Concession (NG 25) in Botswana's Okavango Delta. There are gorgeous views from the large viewing deck across the delta floodplains, and you can watch the sunrise while you are enjoying an early breakfast. There is a scope on the deck for viewing the animal and bird-life which often wanders in front of camp. Several large trees have been incorporated into the lovely design of this main area, and a walkway leads down to the plunge pool and several sun-loungers. Kwetsani's lounge houses comfy leather sofas and armchairs, and you can spend time browsing the natural history books and magazines which are provided for guests' use. There is also a curio shop, well-stocked bar and “help-yourself” fridge.

Kwetsani Camp has five thatched canvas and pole constructed chalets which are raised on stilts and linked by wooden walkways. Each room is entered via French doors which provide great views over the surrounding floodplains.

The terrain in this area of the Okavango Delta changes dramatically from season to season due to ever changing levels of flooding; and the flood levels will determine what activities are available. These will usually include day and night game drives, mekoro and motor boat-trips (although these may be limited by low water levels at certain times) and guided walks.

Kwetsani Camp stands out for its lovely location and design, and its very relaxed atmosphere.

Click on a link for more details of:
Tented Chalet at Kwetsani Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 3 or 4 nights depending on time of year. If you visit Kwetsani when flood levels are low, day and night game drives should be possible.

Central facilities: The main area comprises a very large open deck looking out over a scenic shallow flood-plain. Wander down the wooden walkway and you will find a lovely small splash pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is also a small curio shop. The lodge at Kwetsani is slightly raised, the lounge area offering comfy leather sofas and armchairs and a small library. The well-stocked bar encompasses a growing jackalberry tree and you are encouraged to help yourself to drinks whenever you are thirsty. Don't forget to try out the quirky “loo with a view”!

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana

Directions: Fly-in to Jao Airstrip. Transfers are usually by boat, but are by road if the flood-waters have receded sufficiently.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Marketed by Wilderness (owned by Ngamiland Adventure Safaris).

Staff: The camp managers when we last visited were the very friendly Shane and Kim Dietrichsen.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: A pre-drive breakfast is served, then brunch on your return. High tea is served at about 4pm and then dinner at around 8.30pm, depending on when you return from your evening game drive. Children and vegetarians are catered for on request. Food is served buffet-style.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Room service is not available – 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.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome and we felt that the managers at Kwetsani Camp were particularly positive about receiving children. There are restrictions though, which are outlined below.

Age restrictions: Children of 12 years of age and over are accepted. Kwetsani Camp may accept children of ages 8-12 if the whole camp is booked out but this must be requested in advance.

Activities: Craft activities (e.g candle-making) and fishing trips can be arranged. The camp can also organise special meals for children.

Equipment: No (children of 7 years and under are not accepted).

Generally recommended for children: Please see our comments below.

Notes: Kwetsani is a very open camp with dangerous wildlife in the area and it is open to the water in the flood season. The rooms are connected by raised walkways and are on stilts and would not be suitable for small children. Rooms cannot accommodate a third bed.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email – this is the bush! Contact in case of an emergency is via radio to Maun.

TV & radio: No television or radio either!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid and trauma trained and various medications are kept at camp. In more serious cases of illness, Wilderness have an affiliated nurse who is based in Maun and can always be contacted for further medical advice. In an emergency, camps can arrange for clients to be flown out if necessary.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

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

Fire safety: There are extinguishers on the balconies of all rooms. There is no fire drill as such.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Included, save for underwear. Washing powder is provided in the rooms for this purpose.

Money: No exchange facilities offered. There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.

Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex are not. Credit card transactions are limited to a minimum of 200 Pula. No commission is charged on credit card transactions. Rand, £, $, Euros and Botswana Pula are accepted.

^ Top of page