Khwai Leadwood: Our full report

Opened in spring 2021, Khwai Leadwood joins a select group of camps spread out along the Khwai River.

Combining a contemporary style with African artefacts, it’s an attractive camp that makes the most of the setting within the Khwai Community Concession.

Although we have not yet visited the camp, we have worked with the owners for many years and we look forward to experiencing this new property.

A sister camp to the neighbouring Khwai Lediba, Khwai Leadwood takes a more upmarket yet still relaxed approach without aiming for luxury. Both camps lie about 30 minutes’ drive west of Khwai Village, so close enough to visit without compromising on the peace of the setting.

Rather than the linear set up of many riverside camps, the seven tents at Khwai Leadwood – one designed for a family – form a near semi-circle around the main area. If this makes them relatively close together, they are conversely easily accessible and each has river views from a private veranda topped with daybeds.

All the tents feature a double or twin beds beneath a canopy of mosquito netting, along with an en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers.

In the main area itself, wooden decking leads out from the lounge and dining areas, incorporating a low-level firepit under the trees with views along the river. Sharing those views is a lovely infinity pool, again surrounded by wooden decking.

Safari activities in the beautiful Khwai surrounds focus on 4WD game drives, both during the day and after sunset. Enjoy the thrill of walking in this wildlife-rich area with an armed guide, or – depending on water levels – experience the peace of a mokoro excursion.

This area of the Khwai River, bordering Moremi Game Reserve, is without doubt a mecca for wildlife, but it’s as well to be aware that as you are in a community concession, sightings will not have the exclusivity that you can expect in the Delta’s private concessions.

Our view

We have long appreciated the attractions of the Khwai River, and are looking forward to seeing Khwai Leadwood for ourselves.

Should you be seeking exclusivity, however, do note that the camp lies in a community concession and as such there are likely to be other vehicles attracted by specific sightings.

Amanda Bond

Botswana expert

Geographics

Location: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Directions: Most visitors arrive by light aircraft into Khwai Airstrip, a 30-minute flight from Maun, or an hour from Kasane. From here it’s a half-hour game drive to the camp.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Dining style: Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: All soft and alcoholic drinks are included, with the exception of premium spirits and champagne.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome
Property’s age restrictions: None
Special activities & services: The Ngwana Club offers activities for children of all ages.
Equipment: One tent has been designated for a family.
Generally recommended for children: With a family tent, a pool and an activity “club” for children, there should be plenty for children to do. This is, however, an open camp in a riverside setting, so is unlikely to be suitable for younger children.
Notes: With wild animals roaming through camp, and the river and pool presenting additional hazards, children will need to be supervised by an adult at all times.