Reviews of Kwara Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
238 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kwara Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
97% success
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"Wonderful staff at Kwara Camp"
Game drives were always interesting with lots of lions, as well as healthy showings of general game and birdlife. The visit to the heronry late afternoon was a highlight, as well as the exciting boat ride back ( tip - wear sunglasses and a necktie that you can put across your mouth as the flies in the fast return wind can be a nuisance). Whilst Kwara had mokoros for guests the mokoro trip at Kanana camp was a lot more interesting and rewarding.
From a constructive point of view
a) the Toyota safari vehicles seemed to be under-powered compared to other camps.
b) more proactive vehicle and boat maintenance is required. The equipment gets a lot of heavy usage on sandy and water clogged tracks. One of the vehicles broke down on a morning drive; 2 of the 3 boats were out of action. The first boat trip to the heronry was cancelled because of engine problems, ok for us as we went the next night but disappointing for one couple who left the camp the next morning.
c) the camp was looking a bit 'tired' compared to other camps. Again proactive rather than reactive maintenance would help.
d) the family of baboons were a bit too intrusive at times. A swimming pool should be a swimming pool - not a drinking pool for baboons. Close the pool or keep the animals out. ( I appreciate its the bush but seeing young children swim in a pool where animals have drank isnt my idea of great hygiene)
All in all a very pleasant 3 days. No hesitation in going back again to Kwara." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
"Kwara Camp review"
However our guide Bali did try very hard but we were slightly disappointed as we had heard/read a lot about the quality of the Kwando guides. He did not seem to be able to position the car very effectively for photos and mis-identified a few birds but to be fair he did try but just was not to the standard we had hoped. Bali did take us at a very long night drive & we saw a lovely Serval which was very nice & we appreciated this.
The Tracker BJ was terrible. He spent most of his time chatting & lost his concentration for frequent & extended periods. We thought it was just us being very demanding but found out later the other couple felt the same & joked they were going to give their tip to my husband as he had spotted 99% of our sightings.
We were meant to stay here for 4 nights but we were getting increasing frustrated so asked if we could go to Lagoon earlier which was not a problem." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"Kwara Camp review"
The range of activities was excellent, game drives, boat trips, walking, we did them all and this added to the experience.
Wildlife score: * * * * *" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Kwara Camp review"
Here we were given a driver and a tracker. However we did share the vehicle for most of the time which means that you have to go along with the interests of the other occupants.
We did see an unusual family of 6 cheetah containing 2 adults. We also saw a magnificent male lion rumoured to be one of 7 brothers! Our driver and tracker were good at following signs so we also saw 3 male cheetah and 2 groups of female lions. Amongst other creatures we also saw a Secretary bird, Ground hornbill and Ostrich.
We were unlucky to suffer 4 punctures and also becoming stuck which understandably meant quite a bit of hanging around.
There was a lot of water here and much of the driving was through water. The scenery was a contrast to the first camp but still lovely." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 4n in Mozambique; 1n in South Africa
"Fantastic stay at Kwara camp"
We were in the middle of the bush yet we were extremely comfortable! Their attention to detail gave our stay a touch of luxury. To see lions on our very first game drive was a real treat, as was the elephant right outside our tent! The endearing sound of hippos "chuckling" in the adjacent lagoon will stay with us forever.
All the activities and the food were excellent." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Kwara Camp review"
The camp's location on the lagoon was scenic and entertaining with all the wildlife which could be seen from it--hippos, warthogs, monkeys and some good birds." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"Friendly Kwara"
Going off road to follow a leopard staking out her prey (abandoned when the impala sensed her presence) was quite an experience, as was seeing a large pack of wild dogs. We caught glimpses of a lion but again they were elusive and we never saw any predators on a chase or feeding.
The camp staff were welcoming and friendly as were the guides although they sometimes needed prompting to share all their knowledge.
When 3 other jeeps arrived within 15 - 20 minutes of the call out to other guides following the wild dogs sighting we realised the concession was not quite as big as we thought.
The boat trip was disappointing, the hippos disappeared as soon as we arrived and we saw no other wildlife except one tiny crocodile. However the ride back in the dark, twisting and turning through the narrow waterways at speed was quite something!
The mokoro ride was uneventful but short and peaceful. The safari walk was a slow informative stroll around the camp." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Idyllic setting at Kwara"
The staff again were so friendly and interesting Janet was a delight.
Jacob was an excellent guide and worked hard to find the animals
We did feel that some drives were cut short to enable other guests to catch a transfer
The mokoro ride was disappointing because it was so short
We thought the early morning porridge was brilliant
We preferred this arrangement with the cooked breakfast after the safari, to having lunch as we did at Stanleys" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"We love Kwara camp!"
Kwara camp's rooms and communal area look out onto water that is both beautiful in itself, and is frequented by hippos, elephants, crocodiles, impala, baboons, storks, pelicans and who knows what else.
The camp is gorgeous. The tents are built around the trees so it really feels like part of the scenery. The rooms are comfortable, spacious, and well maintained. Something about the camp made us feel instantly at home - maybe it was the friendly and very hospitable and accomdating staff, maybe the manager (who is a lovely man we had met previously at Lebala), or maybe just the general atmosphere of the place. We couldn't recommend it highly enough.
The terrain is very varied and interesting - open plains where the cheetahs and lions roam; mopani woodland where we were fortunate to see the rare sable antelope; and areas of acacias and scrub land.
The game viewing was brilliant. We were lucky enough to come across wild dogs resting and then off for the hunt, as well as general game, lions, cheetahs, elephants and some unusual sightings such as a leopard tortoise, an aardwolf, an african wildcat, and a small spotted genet. There is lots of interesting bird life as well, including the endangered Ground Hornbill. The elephants are a bit shy here, so you don't see large herds that are happy to hang around once a vehicle has arrived as you might in Chobe or Lagoon / Lebala, but we did see several bull elephants bathing and wandering about.
The drivers and spotters here are really passionate and committed both to finding and tracking the game and to imparting their impressive knowledge and fascination with the animals. We learned an enormous amount from our driver and guide, General and BJ, and we certainly had the impression that all the drivers and spotters took a simlar approach. They work as a very effective team, planning their routes to maximise the possibility of all the guests getting a chance to see something interesting. We had some great experiences tracking animals off road into the thickets and looking for nocturnal animals in the dark. The emphasis here is very much on the game, and everything else fits in around that.
The food was fabulous - as a vegetarian I was catered for very well, and the staff were very flexible in working around the timings of our extended evening drives.
The camp manager, drivers, spotters and staff work enthusiastically and tirelessly from dawn until the guests go to bed to ensure everyone has a lovely time. Whilst we were there, a honeymooning couple had a few surprise treats unexpectedly organised by the camp manager and staff and they clearly had a great time. They are very good here at working out how to satisfy a range of guests including repeat visitors and safari first-timers, without making it look at all difficult.
We had a very special and wonderful time at this camp and we hope to return soon!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
"Unbelievable KWARA"
This was a very happy, established and well run camp, we just loved it and Tuso and Janet made us feel so welcome.
We shall return!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
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Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
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.
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 simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
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.
Gomoti Plains
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.
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.
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.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
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.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
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 yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
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.
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.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
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.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a large concession, the romantic Duke's Camp and smaller Duke’s East are nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains and waterways of the Okavango.
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.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
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, the simple Mokolwane focuses on wildlife viewing in a large, untouched area.
Singita Elela
Singita Elela is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb wildlife and water based opportunities depending on the seasonality.
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 Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
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.
