Kwara
Kwara is located in the private Kwara concession area bordering the north-eastern edge of the Moremi Game Reserve and the permanent waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Kwara is spread along the edge of a forested island, overlooking a seasonal lagoon. The accommodation is really lovely, with spacious landscape tents which have a stylish and classy feel. The tents are also spread out through the woodland which ensures high levels of privacy, and given that the camp does not accept children under 18 years, it naturally works well for couples seeking a relaxed, quiet camp experience. The central areas are cosy and evenings meals are often taken communally so it is easy to socialise too. The camp has access to permanent water channels, seasonal flood plains and large areas of drier bush wilderness and so offers the full range of activities. The Kwara concession is particularly good for those wanting to focus on big game and predator viewing, and game drives are definitely orientated towards the big game experience.
Rooms
Accommodation is provided for a maximum of 18 guests in nine spacious landscape canvas tents raised off the ground on wooden decks and overlooking the lagoon. Each tent is luxuriously furnished comprising an indoor lounge area, leading to an open plan bedroom which is raised above the lounge with a couple of steps. The en suite bathroom includes flush toilet, double vanity, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub. Each tent has private verandah.
Central Areas
The centrally located main area comprises a lounge, a ‘help yourself’ bar and a dining area, all with views across the floodplain. The camp has two small swimming pools, each with sun loungers and a little bar area including fully stocked fridges, and these are located at either end of the camp, providing a very quiet relaxation space during the heat of the day.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – No
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Kwara Concession is a large wilderness area in the northern-eastern Okavango Delta, sharing it’s southern boundary with the game-rich Moremi Game Reserve. The habitat is a mix of permanent deep water channels, seasonal flood plains, mopane woodland and open savannah, and the area is known for its big game concentrations. Animals likely to be seen include elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, hippo, eland, kudu, impala, zebra, tsessebe, giraffe and a variety of other smaller game. Nocturnal species such as serval, genet, African wild cat and porcupine are also seen often on night drives. The birdlife is as good as you would imagine, with woodland, grassland and riverine species all present.
Activities
Activities include game drives by day and night, guided walks (the distance and area for walks will vary seasonally) and mokoro activities year round. Sunset boat cruises are also offered, as is fishing (catch and release from a boat) and at certain times of the year it is possible to visit heronries on Godikwe and Gcobega Lagoons.
Seasons
Kwara is open all year round, though game viewing is best from June through to early November. Fishing is not permitted in Botswana during January and February.
Kwara does not accept guests below the age of 18 years and there is no family-specific accommodation. Families with older, active children, who could occupy their own tent, could enjoy an exciting big game safari experience at Kwara.
Guests at Kwara have the option to contribute to the Lady Khama Charitable Trust (LKCT) which supports several initiatives throughout Botswana with Kwando Safaris (owners of Kwara) pledging to match each guest’s contribution.
Kwando’s Bucket Project was created for Botswana’s 50th anniversary of independence in 2016 when Kwando staff sourced donations of household supplies and gave the items out in buckets to rural villages. This practice now takes place twice each year.
Kwando are also sponsors of Mummy’s Angels, a project which supports and empowers mothers and their new-born babies in Maun who do not have financial or family support. Guests are invited to bring items in need with them on holiday and for each item donated, Kwando pledges to match with something similar. Along similar lines, Kwando is also a member of Pack for a Purpose where guests may use spare space in their suitcases for donations of much needed supplies for Mummy’s Angels.
