Khwai River Lodge
Moremi Reserve | Okavango Delta | Botswana
Khwai River Lodge is situated in the Moremi Game Reserve and nestles on the edge of a leadwood and fig tree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains. The construction and design of the lodge, blend it perfectly into the surrounding environment.
Moremi Game Reserve is predominately surrounded by the Okavango Delta, which helps protect and safeguard the region. It is also tightly controlled in terms of wildlife management and as it is unfenced, allows complete movement of animals within the Delta, in line with seasonal migration patterns. As this spectacular reserve extends east into the Delta and northwards bordering Chobe National Park, a continuous area of protected land has been created all the way to Kasane.
Khwai River Lodge is accessed by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane, to its own private airstrip followed by a short transfer by road. Khwai can also be accessed by 4x4 vehicles, but drivers should be prepared to combat changing road conditions due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Khwai River Lodge has an impressive array of facilities including:
- A spectacular observation deck - overlooking the Khwai River and into the Moremi Game Reserve.
- A high powered telescope - perfect for long-range floodplain game observation.
- An elevated game-viewing deck or ‘hide’ - the ideal venue for a private and secluded dinner.
- A fully-equipped spa treatment room – pamper yourself with a healthy massage.
- The Suite – for the more intimate and romantic safari experience.
- A crystal-clear 20m swimming pool – enjoy a splash, dip or a length after your game drive.
- Outside 'Boma' – enjoy a candle-lit dinner whilst enjoying local singing and dancing.
- Curio shop – stock up on toiletries, branded safari clothing and local artefacts.
- Same day laundry service.
- A small reference library – books and DVD's of the local flora and fauna.
- Internet access and DSTV channels – positioned discreetly away from the main areas.
- Satellite phones - on request.
- VHF radio communications.
- 24hr emergency facilities.
- Environmental flora and fauna check lists.
- Environment talks and lectures available by request.
- Tent internal telephone service – contact your neighbour at 4 in the morning with the latest wildlife sightings!
The bar and lounge areas are the places to relax and unwind after a sumptuous dinner. The camp fire is also a popular venue to exchange wildlife stories and travel adventures. Wildlife movement can be observed from both.
Khwai River Lodge specialize in a number of refreshing and revitalizing spa treatments in their Wellness Centre, guaranteed to sooth and relax after an exciting day's activities. Spa body treatments available include: African hot stone, foot massage, neck and back, salt glow and renew (skin stimulation), safari quick fix (foot, facial, scalp or hand and arm massage), refresher facial pamper and safari anti-stress facial. If none of these do the trick, then head to the bar for some alternative medicine!
Wining and dining in the open-air or covered restaurant areas is an experience to remember. Their skilled chefs delight in adding to your safari experience with delicious, mouth-watering cuisine. They 'offer something for everyone all day' and are only too willing to prepare game-drive picnics.
Meals tend to revolve around early morning and late afternoon game drives. A light, but early breakfast will be brought to your tent and light snacks, tea and coffee accompany the trip. After the morning activities, the restaurant opens for a light brunch, served around 11h00. Tea is served around 16h00, and drinks and snacks are taken along the afternoon game drive. A 3-course dinner is served around 20h00.
Accommodation is in 14 luxury tents, elevated on wooden platforms and shaded by traditional thatched roofs. Luxuriously appointed tent interiors with 4-poster bed and mosquito netting, en-suite bathrooms with dual vanity basins,110v/220v electric shaver plugs, air-conditioning/heating, mini-bar, in-room safes, hair-dryers, overhead fans and intercom system are standard.
An outside lounge, with hammock and ceiling fan and private viewing deck, add to the comfort.
There are facilities for charging camera batteries and 24hr DC battery lighting in the rooms.
Khwai River Lodge has an exclusive private suite, ideal for honeymooners. It is set in a naturally stunning area, with a spacious secluded deck, and sited away from the remainder of the tents. The temperature-controlled rooms sport a well-stocked mini-bar, oversized fluffy bathrobes, big soft bath sheets, cosy slippers and luxurious bathroom toiletries. The extended viewing deck has 2 relaxing sun loungers and the heated splash pool is positioned off to one side, amongst the trees for shade and privacy, yet within full view of the goings on of the Delta. The luxury is emphasized with open-air double showers, and a sensational deep copper-framed Victorian bath, with only the tree canopy as a roof!
The luxury doesn't stop there; the Suite's guests enjoy private, guided game-viewing on their own exclusive open-sided safari vehicle, setting off on an adventure as and when they desire. At the end of a perfect day, a romantic candle-lit dinner on the private outdoor deck can be organized.
Khwai is renown for its large concentrations of mammals. Predators are regular visitors in what is one of the most prolific wildlife viewing destinations in Botswana. This exceptional location plays host to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, hippo, crocs, buffalo, the African wild dog, red lechwe, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, sable, black and white rhino, zebra, warthog and chacma baboon.
An abundance of bird species can be spotted including African fish eagle, crested crane, lilac-breasted roller, hamerkop, ostrich, sacred ibis, and many instances of wildfowl and raptor sightings are common in and around the lodge.
All activities are led by professional and knowledgeable guides and most of them are conducted within Moremi National Park where standard operating procedures forbid night drives, off-road driving and walking. Some trips are directed north of the river, in a private area around the lodge and it's possible to run short, spotlit game drives on the way back to camp at night. The walking safaris take place in a concession north of the river, again outside the park.
- Game drives
- Traditional morning and late afternoon game drives are conducted in open-sided 4x4 Land Cruisers.
- Night drives
- Scintillating night drives offer the opportunity to view some of the more unusual nocturnal creatures of the area, starting right after dinner. (Yours not theirs!)
- Guided safari walks
- Follow one of the lodge's experienced guides along the river banks. This trek is great for photographic opportunities, as well as getting really close to some big animals, without disturbing them.
- Night observations
- Star-gazing presentations are offered after dinner.
- Cultural visit
- A visit to a local village is an interesting optional extra. Learning and experiencing first-hand the customs and traditions of the local people, is a worthwhile exercise and contributes to their welfare and your knowledge.
One of the most established camps in Botswana, still offers the excellent facilities, location & service which made it popular in the first place
A very well established luxury lodge with lots of facilities & activities designed to make for an exciting and pleasant stay
Offers accommodation at the Main & Bush Camps which are linked by a lantern lit causeway
One of the cheapest establisments in the area, offers basic accommodation in permanently errected dome tents
Set on Chief's Island, within the Moremi Game Reserve of the Okavango Delta - the camp offers brilliant game-viewing opportunities
- Children of 8 years and older are welcome.
- Every child here requires constant supervision from parents/guardians.
- Children aged between 8-12 years old, share accommodation with an adult, and the family must have private game activities organized for them.
