Pangolin Safari: Day-by-day

Mention wild dogs and it’s not long before Lagoon Camp, in the vast private Kwando Reserve, comes into the frame. On the banks of the Kwando River – and at the heart of the action – the camp takes safaris seriously, with many a vantage point for the wildlife enthusiast.

To maximise sightings, game drives through the riverine forest onto the open plains are led by both a guide and a tracker, while river trips on a double-decker boat give elevated views over the reeds.

Wildlife watching from camp is pretty good, too, with numerous vantage points. Start in the early hours from your bed, raised above the lounge area in front, or from a deck chair on your private veranda, before moving to the campfire for breakfast.

At lunchtime, keep watch from the dining table; in the afternoon from the free-form pool, the swing seat, or the cosy tree-level lounge.

Both chalets and central area are spacious and airy, their stretched canvas walls and open sides – or huge mesh windows – accentuating the openness of the environment.

"Super location on the banks of the Kwando River."

Mr & Mrs HfromUK

Arrived 10 Mar 2025, 5 nights

Décor is generally muted and uncluttered; thatched roofs blend into the surroundings; and linking it all are expanses of wooden decking, gleaming in the sun. No wonder an air of comfort and relaxed efficiency prevails. See our full report on Lagoon Camp

Wild dogs are one of the most sought-after safari sightings, with Lebala one of the best places to spot them. In the south of the vast private Kwando Reserve, Lebala lies on the edge of the Linyanti Marshes, looking out as far as the eye can see over wetland and grassy floodplains. Lion, leopard and cheetah roam the plains, and wild dogs have denned here for more than two decades.

Scaling back, a small footbridge crosses a lily-filled channel to camp, where all is calm and orderly. Sandy pathways lead to huge tented chalets, with views over the plains. Watch out for wildlife from the wooden balcony or inside – from the bed or comfy chairs – through floor-to-ceiling mesh windows and sliding doors.

In the heat of the day, help yourself to a cooling drink from the fridge in the lounge, then retreat to the shady viewing deck and check out the birdlife. Or make your way to the plunge pool – where you can still keep an eye on the plains, of course.

"...the staff were charming and attentive."

ManamanfromThailand

Arrived 24 Oct 2024, 4 nights

As night falls, a decadent bath may appeal, or a shower under the stars, before mulling over the day’s adventures around the firepit. With dinner around a big communal table, the day is complete. See our full report on Lebala Camp

With activities led by a guide and tracker team, predator sightings from Kwara are a regular occurrence in this productive Okavango reserve. Set within a private reserve of savannah, woodland, floodplains, and waterways, Kwara Camp offers a remarkable density and variety of wildlife. To maximise your chances of encountering predators, every safari activity is expertly led by a guide and tracker team.

For a more serene exploration, both mokoros (traditional canoes) and a double-decker boat are available to navigate the lily-filled waterways. You can also stretch your legs on an informative nature walk, where you’ll learn about smaller creatures, bird calls and animal tracks – aspects often missed when traveling by vehicle.

With a permanent lagoon right in front of this camp, shaded by mature trees that provide a haven for birds, it’s tempting to let the wildlife come to you. Elephants, warthogs, impalas, and monkeys frequently wander through. Each spacious tented room is equipped with a selection of reference books, perfect for identifying your visitors as you relax between activities.

Designed to maximise views of the lagoon, each tent is fronted by large mesh windows. Whether you’re sitting on your veranda, enjoying a coffee in your lounge, lying on your comfortable bed, taking an open-air shower, or luxuriating in the freestanding bath, you can soak in the picturesque wilderness surrounding you.

To come together with other travellers, a short stroll will take you to the heart of the camp - a thatched, open-sided structure that houses the lounge, dining room, library, bar, and curio shop. Vintage furniture in muted, natural tones combines effortlessly with simple stretched-canvas walls, creating a contemporary-chic safari ambiance.

"loved hearing... hippos belch and rumble as they strolled past our elevated tent"

E & DfromNew Mexico

Arrived 6 Mar 2025, 3 nights

At either end of the camp, a swimming pool invites you to take a refreshing swim. After your dip, choose a cool drink from the self-service bar and relax on a lounger on the partially shaded deck. End each day sharing stories around the campfire with a drink in hand, before enjoying a delicious meal. See our full report on Kwara Camp