About Khwai River Lodge (currently closed)
Chris, from Expert Africa, first visited Khwai River Lodge around 1992, and he has fond memories of the original ...
... lodge, with understated little bungalows dotted among the leadwood trees on the edge of the river's floodplain. This venerable old lodge, in a game-rich area overlooking the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve, was demolished around 1997, apart from the basic structure of its old office, and over the next couple of years, a new more opulent lodge arose from the rubble, built to a very high standard.
Khwai River Lodge is a well-run and very substantial luxury safari lodge in a picturesque area. The game densities here are usually high, especially toward the latter parts of the dry season, and the lodge’s location within a community concession allows it to offer day and night drives, and guided walks.
Our view
Khwai River Lodge is a well-run and very substantial luxury safari lodge in a picturesque area. The game densities here are usually high, especially toward the latter parts of the dry season, and the lodge’s location within a community concession allows it to offer day and night drives, and guided walks.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
15 tented chalets
Children
Best for 14+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 16 pictures of Khwai River Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryKhwai River Lodge: Our full report (currently closed)
Chris, from Expert Africa, first visited Khwai River Lodge around 1992, and he has fond memories of the original ...
... lodge, with understated little bungalows dotted among the leadwood trees on the edge of the river's floodplain. This venerable old lodge, in a game-rich area overlooking the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve, was demolished around 1997, apart from the basic structure of its old office, and over the next couple of years, a new more opulent lodge arose from the rubble, built to a very high standard.
This camp has recently been taken over and renamed "Sediba Sa Rona" - it is due to be rebuilt and then reopened in March 2026. The below information refers to the historic lodge and will be updated as soon as we know more… watch this space or speak to us for further information.
The present Khwai River Lodge was modelled on the same design as its sister camp, Savute Elephant Camp in Chobe National Park.
For now, Khwai River Lodge’s build quality is already very high, and no expense seems to have been spared. The central area at is slightly raised on a timber platform and topped by an enormous thatched roof. It includes a lounge with a fireplace and a bar. You will also find chess sets, a TV with a library of wildlife videos, comfy couches and a small library. In the adjoining dining area, wooden tables are set for stylish dinners, alongside a wide area of decking overlooking the narrow, shallow river valley.
Built into the deck is a huge swimming pool overlooking the plains, while nearby, a raised observation deck with thatched roof shelters a small telescope. It's a good spot for game viewing or perhaps the occasional intimate private dinner.
Khwai River Lodge also has a spa facility which offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, plus a couples treatment centre. A private library has internet access – available for guests to use, in addition to the WiFi throughout the camp. And the old office has been preserved as a small museum and curio shop.
The 15 tented chalets at Khwai River Lodge – 13 ‘standard’ and two ‘luxury’ – are far too opulent to be called simply ‘tents’. Because these are spread out in a line, each quite a distance from the next, the camp stretches for over a kilometre in length and the furthest chalets are a significant walk from the central lounge. All are built on high timber platforms, facing the Khwai River, with a wide veranda at the front, where two sunloungers, a table and chairs overlook the river.
The chalets themselves are huge canvas structures measuring about 18m x 6m. Glass sliding doors open onto polished wooden floors, topped with rugs and set with comfortable furniture – not just the usual safari chair or two. Twin three-quarter-size beds, which are usually pushed together, have high-quality cotton bedding, bedside tables and lamps, surrounded by mosquito netting, an air-conditioning unit and an overhead fan. There’s a fully-stocked minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and an electronic safe, while the desk has universal plug points, and a hairdryer. Each tent also has an electric heater, which we can imagine being very welcome during the colder winter nights!
Behind the bed, a wall separates the bedroom from the en-suite bathroom, finished with lots of dark wood and silver. The dressing room has plenty of hanging space and shelves, with dressing gowns and slippers for your comfort during your stay. There are twin basins and mirrors, a separate toilet and a large (two-person) shower, each behind a wooden door.
In addition, the two ‘luxury’ tented chalets have a double open-air shower and a beautiful deep copper-framed Victorian bath beneath the trees, as well as an extended viewing deck and a heated splash pool.
Activities at Khwai Lodge focus on game drives and guided walks with an armed guide. The morning activity usually commences after a light breakfast, and returns in the late morning for a substantial brunch. The afternoon game drive commences after high tea and will head back to camp after sunset. There is always the offer to head out for a night drive after dinner, when a spotlight will be used to seek out the nocturnal creatures of the bush.
Most of the lodge’s activities are conducted within the Khwai Community Reserve, where both day and night drives are allowed, and game vehicles can go off-road to afford the best possible viewings. If you spend three or four nights here it’s likely that you’ll also be taken into Moremi Game Reserve for a day drive – but here park rules forbid any night drives, off-road driving and walking.
While Khwai River Lodge was once the only permanent camp in this area, a few more lodges have opened up over the last few years. The area is also used by independent travellers, with North Gate (Khwai) campsite only a few kilometres to the west, and self-drive campers from Moremi often driving through to Khwai for the day. As a result, guests at Khwai River Lodge may well see other vehicles when game driving so it's not a totally exclusive experience ... but then it's a very beautiful area and the game viewing is very good throughout the year.
Geographics
- Location
- Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–3 nights is usually the ideal length of time at Khwai River Lodge.
- Directions
- Khwai River Lodge is about 30 minutes’ flight from Maun Airport – or an hour from Kasane. From the airstrip, it’s a short game-drive transfer of about 10 minutes.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- It’s been a few years since we last stayed at Khwai River Lodge, but in the past the food has always been of a high standard, and we expect this to still be the case. On our most recent visit in we saw what looked like a delicious lunch being served. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to join in, but the guests most certainly looked satisfied!
Early morning tea and coffee can be delivered to your tent before you meet in the main area for the morning activity. Khwai usually serves a very light breakfast prior to your game drive/safari walk, then during the morning the guide will usually stop for tea, coffee and biscuits at some point.
A full brunch is served when you get back to camp, either from an à la carte menu, or as an extensive buffet if the camp is full.
Afternoon tea is always offered before the afternoon game drive – and while you're out, the guide will usually stop around sundown for a drink and a snack.
In the evening, a three-course dinner – a fairly stylish affair – is served in the main dining area. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service can be arranged.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks, including a select list of branded spirits and wines, are within the rates, but VSOP spirits, reserve wines & imported champagne will be charged extra.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of 8 years and older are welcome. However, children aged 8–12 years must share accommodation with an adult and the family must arrange private game activities (at extra cost).
- Property’s age restrictions
- 8 years
- Equipment
- Khwai River Lodge can put an extra bed into a chalet to make a triple room.
- Generally recommended for children
- We wouldn't recommend a safari camp in a big-game area like this to travellers with young children, although it'd be fine for older, sensible children who have an interest in wildlife.
- Notes
- The camp and pool are both unfenced, and wildlife does move through the camp. In fact, on our last visit in November 2015, a female lion had come through the camp that morning. Any child would need to be under constant parental supervision.
Communications
- Communications
- Each chalet is equipped with an internal telephone to enable guests to contact both reception and other chalets.
- TV & radio
- Satellite TV and internet is available in the library.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the chalets have running hot and cold water, with a flushing toilet.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All of the guides and camp managers are trained in first aid. The nearest doctor is in Maun and for anything very serious there is a Medivac system in place which can transport patients to the nearest hospital in Gaborone or even Jo’burg. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- You will always be escorted to and from your tent after dark and night watchmen patrol the camp during the evenings.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the main area and in all of the rooms.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A daily laundry service is included at Khwai River Lodge.
- Money
- There are electronic safes in each of the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- The camp accepts payment in US Dollars, Euros, Rand and Sterling as well as being able to take payment via Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
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Khwai River Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Khwai River Lodge.
Excursions from Khwai River Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Khwai River Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Private Mobile
The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it's exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go.
Machaba Camp
Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Located deep in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit.
Xakanaxa
Camp Xakanaxa is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb wildlife viewing.
Khwai Lediba
Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Sable Alley
Smart, independent and well-run, Sable Alley overlooks a beautiful, hippo-filled lagoon within the diverse Khwai Private Reserve.
Okuti
With an innovative design and good service, Okuti Camp offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve.
Mombo Camp
Mombo is one of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities.
Little Machaba
Overlooking the Khwai River and Moremi Game Reserve beyond, Little Machaba is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a great game-viewing area.
Chief's Camp
Chief's Camp is situated on Chief's Island, within the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana's top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro.
Elephant Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Elephant Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
Skybeds
Situated in a private reserve close to Moremi Game Reserve, Skybeds offers a simple yet wonderful opportunity to sleep under the stars and watch wildlife from your bed.
Camp Moremi
In one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana, Camp Moremi sits at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Little Mombo
One of Botswana's top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve.
Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
Tuludi
Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Mokete Camp
New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana's camps, with an area that's scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings.
Khwai Leadwood
Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Monachira
A new lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, with a focus on water-based activities, the family-friendly Monachira will be opening in May 2025.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
When to go to Moremi Game Reserve
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Khwai River Lodge in Moremi Game Reserve
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Moremi Game Reserve in January
January is the height of the rainy season in Moremi Game Reserve. Evening showers and occasional thunderstorms cool the air, making temperatures more comfortable than the peak heat of October to December. Wildlife disperses across the landscape, but the Khwai River area still offers good sightings of lions and elephants.
January is also an exceptional time for birdwatching, with migratory species abundant and breeding activity in full swing. The lush greenery creates stunning photographic opportunities, while mokoro excursions allow for tranquil exploration of waterways. Despite the rain, Moremi’s diverse ecosystems, including mopane forests and waterways, offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Lower visitor numbers mean better rates at camps and lodges.
- Warm with occasional heavy thunderstorms
- Spectacular birdlife throughout the reserve
- Wildlife dispersed in the floodplains and woodlands
- Good availability in camps and lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Moremi Game Reserve in February
February in Moremi Game Reserve sees the wet season continue, with heavy evening rains and cooling temperatures. The reserve is green and vibrant, alive with insects, smaller animals, and many animals are raising their young. The Xakanaxa Lagoon area is particularly rich in wildlife diversity at this time.
While thicker vegetation makes spotting larger animals more challenging, patient observers may encounter leopards or antelope species. Birdwatching remains a highlight, with over 500 species, including many in colourful breeding plumage. High water levels make boat trips a wonderful way to explore the intricate waterways of the Delta. Visitor numbers are low, offering a more intimate safari experience and better availability at luxury camps.
- Warm temperatures with some thunderstorms
- Abundant birdlife, including breeding species
- Wildlife raising young across the reserve
- Game viewing improving in central areas
- Low visitor numbers and good camp availability
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Moremi Game Reserve in March
March marks the end of the rainy season, with fewer storms and more sunny days. The landscape remains lush, and wildlife activity increases as animals finish raising their young. This is an ideal time for photography, with the green scenery providing dramatic backdrops.
While thick vegetation can still make wildlife spotting challenging, patient observers may be rewarded with sightings of predators like lions and leopards, especially in the Khwai River area. Birdwatching continues to be exceptional, with many migratory species still present. Water-based activities like boat cruises offer unique perspectives on the delta's wildlife. With fewer visitors, March provides a quieter, more exclusive safari experience in Moremi’s mopane forests to expansive floodplains.
- Variable weather, rains easing off with occasional thunderstorms
- Many animals finishing raising their young
- Excellent birdwatching and photography opportunities
- Few visitors and lower rates in camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Moremi Game Reserve in April
April in Moremi Game Reserve typically signals the end of the rainy season, with clearer skies and a vibrant green landscape. Night temperatures begin to drop, particularly in the southern areas of the reserve. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also an excellent time for boat excursions, offering intimate encounters with aquatic wildlife and bird species.
Birdwatching remains highly rewarding, with many species still nesting or breeding. The Xakanaxa Lagoon area is especially rich in wildlife diversity during this period. With the shoulder season underway, visitors can enjoy better value at top camps. April strikes a wonderful balance of pleasant weather, diverse wildlife sightings, and fewer tourists.
- Cooler evenings with occasional showers
- Lush green landscapes after the rains
- Improved predator-prey interactions
- Quiet period with relatively low rates
- Water levels rising - ideal for boat safaris
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Moremi Game Reserve in May
May is one of the best months to visit Moremi Game Reserve. The annual floodwaters from Angola start to reach the Delta, creating ideal conditions for water-based safaris. Cooler mornings and evenings heighten predator activity, although tall grasses in some areas may still obstruct views.
The Khwai River and Chief’s Island are prime locations for spotting large herds of elephants and buffalo. Birdwatching remains excellent, with over 500 species recorded in the reserve. May is perfect for combining game drives and boat excursions, offering a diverse and rewarding safari experience. Clear, crisp evenings also provide outstanding stargazing opportunities. As shoulder season ends, value-conscious travellers should book early to secure availability at camps and lodges before peak rates apply.
- Cool mornings and evenings with little rain
- Game viewing improves as grasses thin
- Increased predator activity in the reserve
- Final month of shoulder season - rates still reasonable
- Availability becomes limited as demand rises
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Moremi Game Reserve in June
June marks the start of the dry season in Moremi Game Reserve. Mornings and evenings are cool, sometimes reaching freezing at night, while daytime temperatures rise to 25-30°C/77-86°F with clear skies. The air clarity is excellent for photography. As surface water diminishes, wildlife starts to congregate around remaining water sources.
Game viewing improves significantly throughout Moremi, but especially in the Khwai River area and around Xakanaxa Lagoon. June is perfect for night drives, which are possible in areas outside the reserve. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many water birds concentrated around permanent water bodies. With peak season approaching, many camps and lodges are becoming much busier and so booking well in advance is wise.
- Warm days, cold nights in Moremi
- Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
- Animals congregating around water sources
- Vegetation thinning, improving visibility
- Peak season starts, rates increase
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Moremi Game Reserve in July
July in Moremi Game Reserve offers cool mornings and evenings, combined with excellent game viewing. The thinning vegetation and concentration of wildlife around water sources make this one of the best months for safari experiences. The Khwai River area and Chief's Island are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting big cats and large herds of elephants and buffalo.
Water-based activities like motorboat cruises on the permanent waterways provide unique wildlife viewing perspectives. Birdwatching remains excellent, with large concentrations of water birds. July is ideal for photography, with clear skies and animals gathering at waterholes. Night drives offer opportunities to spot nocturnal species.
- Comfortable days, cold nights in the reserve
- Excellent game viewing as vegetation recedes
- Khwai area becomes busy with visitors
- Private concessions offer exclusive experiences
- Peak season with high rates in most camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Moremi Game Reserve in August
August is a popular time to visit Moremi Game Reserve, coinciding with peak safari season. Temperatures are generally cold at night and comfortable during the day, rising towards month-end. Wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, making game viewing exceptional.
The Khwai River area offers excellent predator sightings, though can be very busy with travellers. August is one of the best times to experience the delta floods at their peak, ideal for boating safaris. Birdwatching is rewarding, with large concentrations of water birds. The clear, dry conditions create spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities.
- Dry, warm days and cool nights in Moremi
- Fantastic wildlife watching, especially in the Delta
- Okavango flood waters typically at their peak
- Stargazing opportunities on clear nights
- High rates and limited availability in camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Moremi Game Reserve in September
September in Moremi Game Reserve sees warming daytime temperatures while nights remain cool. The dry conditions create a hazy atmosphere, resulting in stunning sunsets. Game viewing is excellent, with large numbers of elephants and buffalo congregating in the Khwai River area and around Xakanaxa Lagoon. Predator sightings are frequent, especially around water sources.
September is ideal for walking safaris and night drives, offering unique wildlife encounters outside the borders of the reserve. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with migrant birds beginning to return. Water-based activities provide close encounters with aquatic wildlife whilst the clear night skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities.
- Warmer days, cool nights in the reserve
- Prime month for wildlife viewing in Moremi
- Large elephant herds visible near water
- Hazy conditions create dramatic sunsets
- Peak season rates, many lodges fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Moremi Game Reserve in October
October is one of the hottest and driest months in Moremi Game Reserve. The lack of water and vegetation results in excellent big-game viewing, particularly around the remaining water sources. Water levels are lower, limiting some water-based activities, but concentrating wildlife for easier viewing.
October is excellent for walking safaris and night drives, both possible outside the park, which provide unique perspectives on the Okavango’s ecosystems. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with many migrant species arriving. The dry, hazy conditions create dramatic landscapes and stunning sunsets, ideal for photography. The most luxury provide comfortable and cool bases for exploring the reserve during this intense wildlife period.
- Hot days, chance of rain late in the month
- Excellent big game viewing opportunities
- Water activities limited as flood waters recede
- Last month of peak season in Moremi camps
- Migratory birds begin to arrive in the reserve
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Moremi Game Reserve in November
November usually marks the end of the dry season in Moremi Game Reserve, with increasing temperatures and humidity often culminating in the first rains. These short, heavy showers bring a flush of green to the landscapes. Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more available, but game viewing still remains very good.
November is fantastic for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant species. The first rains create spectacular skyscapes and rainbows, offering unique photographic opportunities. Water levels start to rise, gradually improving conditions for mokoro excursions. The prices at luxury camps reduce to shoulder-season levels, offering bargains for value-conscious travellers wanting to balance of wildlife viewing and comfort.
- Hot days, sometimes humid in Moremi
- Increasing likelihood of rain as month progresses
- Wildlife less concentrated but still good viewing
- Arrival of migratory birds enhances birdwatching
- Shoulder season begins, rates become lower
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Moremi Game Reserve in December
December in Moremi Game Reserve sees the continuation of the rainy season, bringing some relief to the high temperatures. While game viewing becomes more challenging as wildlife disperses, great sightings can still be had in key areas. The landscape transforms with lush vegetation, creating beautiful scenery. December is excellent for birdwatching, with migratory birds in full attendance and many species breeding.
The rejuvenated waterways enhance boat safari experiences, offering unique perspectives on the Delta's ecosystem. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic skies, perfect for landscape photography. Luxury camps offer lower season rates, providing excellent value for experiencing Moremi's diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes during this vibrant time of year.
- Temperatures cooling from October-November highs
- High chance of rain, usually short heavy storms
- Birds in breeding plumage and often including migrants
- Wildlife more dispersed
- Low-season rates available in most camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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