Lagoon Camp

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Kwando concession is a remote region of northern Botswana, following the western side of the Kwando River as it heads southwards to join the Linyanti River. The habitat is a mix of mopane and savanna woodland, scrub bush, open grassland and riverine bush, and the area is known as a big game area. 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.

In particular, wild dogs are regularly seen, especially when they den on the property, which they did consistently until 2017. Since then, the dogs have become less predictable, but even if den sites are not close by, the area around Lagoon Camp is still a favourite hunting ground for them. The dogs tend to den in mid-winter (June/ July) and sightings can be most predictable during this time and in the few months afterwards when the young pups are too young to travel.

The birdlife is prolific and the many varieties of kingfishers, bee-eaters, eagles, ducks, egrets, plovers, herons, cranes, storks, geese, woodpeckers, shrikes, thrushes, buntings, chats, owls and parrots are just some of the many different species found.

Activities
Activities focus around game drives by day and night, though walking is also possible. Night drives can be productive. Gentle boat cruises on the Kwando River are offered (subject to water levels – very late in the season from November onwards cruising may be limited), as is fishing, both from a boat and from the deck at the front of camp.

The camp does have a fairly adventurous format for game drives and there is often a focus on the wild dogs when they are in the area. It is not uncommon for game drives to involve off-roading to keep up with the dogs, or fast paced driving to reach sightings. If you have specific interests such as birding or are experienced on safari, then we would recommend taking sole-use of a vehicle with a private guide (this is an additional cost but allows you complete flexibility). If you are seeking a very relaxed, tranquil and sophisticated game viewing experience then there may be other properties in the region that are more suitable. Lagoon is one of the few camps that still uses trackers in addition to guides on game drives.

Seasons
Lagoon Camp 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.

Families

Lagoon Camp accepts children from six years and upwards but families with children under 12 years old must pay extra for a private vehicle (unless they are a family of five or six when it is provided automatically). The family unit (main bedroom, lounge, second bedroom and shared bathroom) is also super for families who wish to all be under one roof. However the remote location and big game focus of the camp will tend to appeal to more adventurous families with older children.