This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp

Kwara Camp: Our full report

In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Kwara Camp sits on a forested island within the private, game-rich Kwara Reserve.

From this vantage point, overlooking floodplains and a seasonal lagoon, it offers year-round land and water activities. Following a complete rebuild in September 2019, the camp is now far more upmarket in style than previously, with no under 18s allowed.

Kwara lies within the private 1,750km² Kwara Reserve, which borders the north side of Moremi Game Reserve. The environment here is perhaps more varied than around most Okavango camps. Seasonal floodplains and wooded islands surround the camp; papyrus-lined permanent waterways and lagoons cover the south of the reserve; and extensive dry land to the north supports mopane woodlands and open scrub savannah.

In its new incarnation, Kwara is completely different and much smarter in style than its predecessor, but it retains its relatively good value.

Spaced out along sandy walkways under the riparian forest canopy, Kwara Camp's nine tented chalets are raised on individual wooden platforms: five on one side of the camp, four on the other. Each has a wide deck which looks out onto the lagoon.

Inside, the rooms are massive! Constructed of wood with stretched canvas walls, each is split into three main parts: a lounge area, a slightly elevated bedroom, and an en-suite bathroom. Tasteful décor combines with large glass windows and sliding doors to give an open, airy feel.

Your first encounter is with the lounge area, which is furnished with a comfortable sofa and two armchairs, along with a writing desk topped with wildlife magazines. In the bedroom, twin beds (or a double) lie beneath a ceiling fan and mosquito nets.

The en-suite bathroom is divided from the main room only by a relatively flimsy, see-through curtain. Indoor and outdoor showers, his and hers sinks and a gorgeous bath all have views towards the lagoon. While the toilet is in a separate cubicle offering maximum privacy, the indoor shower is relatively open. Conditioning shampoo, shower gel, soap and body lotion are all provided, and there’s plenty of wardrobe space, as well as a dressing table, digital safe, a flask of drinking water, tissues, mosquito repellent, bug spray and mosquito coils.

At the heart of the camp is a roomy central area where you'll find a library, lounge, bar and curio shop alongside an adjoining dining area. All are raised slightly on wooden decks, with open sides that overlook the lagoon. Sofas in the comfortable lounge are centred around a coffee table. In the bar, where a counter is surrounded by bar stools, attractive glass-doored fridges are laden with drinks. And the library is a place to relax in comfort, reading one of the camp's small stock of books, playing a traditional game of morabaraba, or looking out over the lagoon to spot visiting wildlife.

Down some steps towards the lagoon is a sandy clearing with a firepit encircled by camp chairs, where an early morning bite is served around a warming fire. It's also a magical spot to enjoy a drink or two after dinner, listening to the sounds of the African night.

Kwara has two small swimming pool areas, one at each end of the camp, which provide welcome respite from the summer heat. Each has a small bar stocked with ice-cold drinks, a lounge area and pool loungers.

Kwara Camp offers a good variety of activities, including both 4WD safaris (day and night) and water-based excursions. Game drives always have a tracker as well as a driver-guide, which helps to produce some excellent wildlife sightings.

On our most recent visit, in November 2019, wildlife sightings on our game drives were a little disappointing in what is usually a very productive area. However, compensation came in the form of a pack of 25 wild dogs, which entertained us for nearly an hour. An impressive sable antelope bull put in an appearance, too, as did a breeding herd of elephants.

The team at Kwara is enthusiastic (and sometimes quite single-minded) about tracking predators and the ability to drive off road within the reserve is often an advantage for this. For some visitors, this highly focused approach to guiding is exactly what's wanted. The various guides often work together, reading the bush to find lions, cheetah or wild dogs, and they are often successful.

For travellers who prefer a more relaxed approach, however – taking in a variety of animals and birds as they arise – Kwara is probably not the right choice.

Boat trips at Kwara are usually on a double-decker boat with an engine, with great views over the papyrus. In the past, a visit to a nearby heronry has often been a highlight, particularly between September and December.

Kwara's mokoro trips navigate the shallow edges of the lagoon in front of camp, under the watchful eye of resident hippos, and are often combined with a guided walk on the opposite island. Although not as scenic as some mokoro routes at inner Delta camps, the lagoon is still peaceful, and gliding along gives you a close look at waterlilies and birds such as the African jacana and pied kingfisher. Fishing excursions are also available, except in January and February when a fishing ban is enforced by the Botswana authorities.


Our view

Kwara has nine very spacious rooms, all modern in design. There is a minimum three-night stay policy, and the age limit for children is strictly 18 years – a far cry from the simple little camp we once knew. But it holds its same location in a great area with excellent game densities that often delivers really good predator sightings. The camp's "digital detox" policy is perfect for its single-minded focus on the wildlife experience, but do expect to be incommunicado with the outside world whilst you're here.

Anton Walker

Anton Walker

Botswana expert

Geographics

Location
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
Kwara Camp has a minimum stay of three nights. It works well in combination with its sister camps, Lagoon Camp and Lebala Camp, in northern Botswana's Linyanti region within the extensive Kwando Reserve; and Nxai Pan and Tau Pan, in the drier reaches of the Kalahari to the south.

Note: If you combine Kwara with Lebala, Lagoon, Tau Pan or Nxai Pan for a total of six or more nights (15 November–31 March only), we can offer a long-stay discounted rate.
Directions
Kwara airstrip is roughly 30 minutes by light aircraft from Maun. It is only a 10–15-minute drive from the airstrip to Kwara Camp, depending on wildlife spotted along the way.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The food at Kwara during our most recent stay in November 2019 was adequate, with some good dishes, but not consistently so. Meals are served buffet style and a good variety is provided including fresh vegetables and fruit. Vegetarians and most other dietary requirements can be accommodated.

Before the morning activity, a light breakfast is served around the campfire, usually consisting of porridge or a choice of cereals, muffins or biscuits, a fruit bowl, tea, coffee and juice.

After your morning excursion, a wholesome brunch buffet is provided, with a good choice of dishes. We were offered all the components of a full cooked breakfast, as well as quiche, cold meats, a mix of salads, a cheeseboard, home-made bread and a sliced-fruit platter.

High tea sets you up for the afternoon activity. We were treated to yummy beef samosas, lemon drizzle cake and fresh watermelon. To drink there was tea, coffee and homemade juice or iced tea.

Dinner is a four-course meal, which usually consists of plated starters and dessert, and a choice of main-course dishes from the buffet. Traditional local dishes are included on some nights. Our sweetcorn fritter was followed by a cold tomato and sweet pepper soup with a fresh bread roll. The main course was a buffet of roast pork with gravy, baked fish in.a creamy sauce, mashed potato, creamed spinach and butternut squash. Dessert was a poached pear and cream dessert followed by a cheeseboard. A choice of very good white or red wine was served with dinner.

Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
Filtered and purified water as well as bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and classic spirit brands plus a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne, imported wines and premium branded spirits will cost extra and must be requested well in advance.

Guests are usually given a water bottle on arrival, which they are encouraged to top up with filtered water from the camp's main area. Each room is provided with glasses and a flask of drinking water, which is replenished daily. We don't recommend that travellers drink from the tap.

Special interests

Birdwatching
The environment at Kwara Camp is incredibly diverse resulting in superb birdwatching. Seasonal floodplains and wooded islands surround camp while papyrus-lined waterways, lagoons, mopane woodland and scrub savannah are all easily accessible.
See ideas for Birdwatching
Photography holidays
The safari vehicles at Kwara have a roof-removal option, offering almost unobscured views and are ideal for a photographic safari in Botswana. Avid photographers can take a private vehicle/guide (at additional cost) for ultimate flexibility on activities.
See ideas for Photography holidays
Wildlife safaris
If you’re looking for a wildlife safari in Botswana that focuses on predators, look no further. Kwara’s game and environments are varied, with plenty of tsessebe, impala, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, giraffe, buffalo and elephant – as well as the big cats and wild dogs.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris

Children

Attitude towards children
Kwara does not accept any guests under 18.
Property’s age restrictions
Strictly no under 18s. Families with children under the age of 18 may opt for Kwara’s sister camp, Splash Camp.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kwara Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kwara Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

98% success

Hippo

98% success

Lion

96% success

Spotted Hyena

84% success

Cheetah

80% success

Wild dog

79% success

Buffalo

78% success

Leopard

65% success

Sable antelope

23% success

Sitatunga

18% success

Roan antelope

13% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

White Rhino

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Charging facilities suitable for most country’s plug points are available in the rooms 24 hours a day.
Communications
There is no cellphone reception, no direct phone or fax and no email. Communication is maintained with the other camps in the reserve via CB radio. In an emergency, radio contact can be made with the main office in Maun.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
All the tents have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers as well as flush loos.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
All camp managers and guides are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. Each guide also has a basic field first-aid kit to take on activities. In an emergency, the camp can arrange for clients to be flown out. 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
Because of the Okavango Delta's large population of potentially dangerous animals and the fact that Kwara Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. A safety talk is given on arrival. Air-horns are provided in the rooms to attract attention in case of an emergency.

Baboons and vervet monkeys do come through camp so it is important to keep tents closed whilst unoccupied, and not to have any food visible (or preferably none in the tents at all).
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the communal areas of the camp and on the veranda of each tent.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Mokoro

    Mokoro

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is included, but as laundry is washed by hand, the service excludes underwear. Washing powder is provided so that guests can wash personal items.
Money
No currency-exchange facilities are offered. There are digital safes in each tent.
Accepted payment on location
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners and American Express are not. For curio shop purchases there is a 3% credit-card commission. South African rand, British pounds, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula are accepted for cash payments.

Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Little Vumbura

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.


96% (138 reviews)
Shinde Camp

Shinde Camp

With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.


94% (100 reviews)
Chitabe Lediba

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.


97% (86 reviews)
Splash Camp

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.


96% (77 reviews)
Sandibe Safari Lodge

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.


94% (76 reviews)
Kanana

Kanana

In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.


95% (75 reviews)
Chitabe Camp

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.


96% (69 reviews)
Shinde Footsteps

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.


98% (45 reviews)
Gomoti Plains Camp

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.


93% (38 reviews)
Tubu Tree Camp

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.


98% (37 reviews)
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

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.


95% (36 reviews)
Vumbura Plains

Vumbura Plains

Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.


96% (37 reviews)
Jacana Camp

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.


99% (27 reviews)
Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.


96% (23 reviews)
Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge

For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.


94% (20 reviews)
Duba Plains Camp

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.


94% (18 reviews)
Baines' Camp

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.


92% (17 reviews)
Stanley's Camp

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.


93% (16 reviews)
Duba Explorers Camp

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.


95% (15 reviews)
Little Tubu

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.


100% (14 reviews)
Pom Pom Camp

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.


94% (14 reviews)
Pelo Camp

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.


96% (10 reviews)
Mma Dinare

Mma Dinare

Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.


98% (9 reviews)
Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge

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.


90% (8 reviews)
Jao Camp

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.


87% (6 reviews)
Seba Camp

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.


90% (6 reviews)
Abu Camp

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.


70% (2 reviews)
Rra Dinare

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.


90% (2 reviews)
Setari Camp

Setari Camp

Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"


100% (2 reviews)
4 Rivers

4 Rivers

4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.


100% (2 reviews)
Duke’s Camp

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.


100% (1 review)
Kiri Camp

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.


100% (1 review)
Okavango Delta Walking Safari

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.


100% (1 review)
Atzaro Okavango

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.


No reviews yet
Mokolwane

Mokolwane

Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.


No reviews yet
Sitatunga Private Island Camp

Sitatunga Island Camp

Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.


No reviews yet
North Island Okavango

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.


No reviews yet
Karangoma

Karangoma

New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.


No reviews yet
Qorokwe Camp

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.


No reviews yet
Eagle Island Lodge

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.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa