Reviews of Kwara Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
232 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kwara Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Kwara Camp review"
Driver George and spotter Josiah were a joy to get to know and incredibly knowledgeable, also great fun. Would go back anytime." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Great location and safari"
Our guide Master was truly delightful and he endeavoured to meet our wishes
To see everything possible. Fantastic location." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 6n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Kwara Camp review"
Besides again seeing abundant elephant, antelope, hippo and co we were fortunate enough to have good sightings of wild dogs, jackel, mongooses, cheetah and even a distant sighting of a honey badger. The guide and tracker went to great lengths to meet our request for cheetah and lion hich they succeeded in meeting.
We've deceided that we should get up earlier because we missed wild dogs hunting an impala in sight of the camp. The impala escaped into the lake only to be killed by one of the resident crocodiles, all within view of some of the guests. We also go to bed too early as one evening whilsts guests were sitting round the camp fire one of the elephants joined them forcing them to stay up even longer drinking their delicious Amarula!" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Keara Camp-great Memories, Great Sightings"
The staff was excellent. Our Guide Bate and Tracker KP were quite a team. Our Safari drives covered various areas. We had a lagoon boat ride to the Godikwe herony and got great pictures. We traveled in a mokoro to an Island walk. We even saw the seldom seen Sitatunga.
On our last day we were treated to a brunch by a Hippo pond. Unbelievable. Such memories!" See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Kwara"
Our tracker KP and our guide TJ did a great job finding the animals we most wanted to see, big cats and wild dogs. The highlight was the wild dog hunt which was excellent! We missed the moment of the kill but it was still exciting and amazing. The mokoro ride and nature walk were also very interesting with TJ teaching us about the termites and also the animals in the area.
Our favorite spot in camp was the sofa overlooking the lagoon where we sat and watched the birds and animals that passed by. It was a perfect place to complete our African adventure." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Great wildlife"
Our guide, TJ, was very knowledgeable and a good communicator, but he either did not like me or didn't like the clients in general. He reprimanded me 3 times during our first drive not in a tactful or caring way at all. I was angry and offended. Our last night drive was miserable. He wanted to find the wilddogs, which we had already seen, for a new couple that had joined us in the jeep. So we spent two hours tearing around at a very uncomfortable speed, getting thrown around. I was exhausted when we got back to camp. I think he showed poor judgement in his decision to favor the new couple over the two others who were leaving the next day. You also did not question his decisions on what we were doing. The simple thing to have done was to give us a choice.
On the other hand, our tracker, KP, was a delight." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana
"Kwara Camp review"
The staff were extremely friendly and not put out by elephants constantly damaging the camp in the night.
Guide and tracker probably also the best, but that may be because we spent most time with them and forged the strongest relationship. All the guides asked what we wanted to get out of the game drives." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Excellent adventures in Kwara"
The tents were smaller but warm and clean and comfortable, and this also went for the main buildings. None of really mattered though because it was the staff who worked there that made it an experience not to be forgotten. As I mentioned with Lagoon, it was my boyfriend's birthday on the day we switched camps, so our first night at dinner he was treated to a birthday cake and both the English birthday song and a very enthusiastic traditional song of celebration. This really set the tone for the rest of our stay.
I can't say enough about the knowledge of our guide! While Spencer in lagoon camp satisfied our thirst for action, T.J. satisfied our thirst for knowledge. Although still very willing to follow the excitement, T.J. was able to point out smaller things that we might not have otherwise have noticed. Examples include: a missing tail on a giraffe due to lion attack, and one with an injured eye from a dispute with another giraffe, as well as a baby elephant with a missing trunk. He was also able to spot and identify many birds, and if he didn't know something, he'd find out. Since we were a crowd just as interested in the small things as the big game, T.J. made for an excellent guide! Not to mention (H)Orace, our tracker who was also fantastic. I jokingly asked him to find a leopard for us while he was waiting for us to return from our evening boat ride, and when we had returned, he lead us to a baby leopard up in a tree. It was a really memorable moment on our last night at Kwara. We were quite late for dinner that night from enjoying the leopard, which seemed to be quite alright with the staff as well. They are really very accommodating when it comes to meal times!
Overall we had such an excellent stay, I don't have enough words. As someone who had never been to Africa before, both Kwara and Lagoon camps absolutely exceeded my expectations in every way!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Not the optimal"
Secondly, both my husband and I found that quantity of food was a little scarce, particularly at lunch time. A few times we would have to limit our portions seeing that if we took the food in quantities we wanted, there would be very little left for others (i.e. taking the last sausage on the grill without knowing if they have extra). As a side note, my appetite is not gargantuan but rather moderate. Breakfast options were rather limited too.
The most disappointing experience were the activities. We were hoping that we could have at least a couple boat rides (the reason we went to Okavango was that we wanted to see the area being on the water). Well, as it turned out, we could not choose the activities: we were told what we would be doing each day. We only had one boat ride & by the time we go back all five of us (including three fellow tourists from UK) were rather glad it was over. The guide (Hobbs) was assigned to take us for a boat tour but we understand he normally works at Little Kwara so I guess he didn't really care. He showed up late. There was another guide (Wilson) who was driving the boat and he was obviously on a learning curve which is totally ok as long as you don't practice with tourists on board. We crashed into a dead tree one our way back. Luckily, nobody was injured but I had to assume "brace position" as airlines call it which saved me from scratches and bruises. We laugh at it now in hindsight but strictly speaking, it shows lack of operational skills on management's side, it's not just the guide's fault.
We had one short mokoro trip on the morning before we departed - better than nothing... The morning safaris were good. There was one guide, Master, whom we only had for one day, and he did great job tracking cheetahs on our first morning at Kwara. Then he had a death in the family and we were reassigned to another guide, George. He was good too but something tells us our experience with Master would've been better.
The night drives were totally useless. As soon as the sun would go down and it would get dark, both the guide and the spotter would head back to camp without any serious attempts to make it a memorable experience for their guests. I understand that wild life is called wild for a reason & not one guide will guarantee anything... However, it seemed our guides were slacking off during night drives but again, we picked up on it only because we had good night drives in Zambia before (good not only in terms of what we saw at night but mostly in terms of effort which went into finding the creatures of the night). Other guests at Kwara would probably be ok with night drives there thinking that it's normal not to see any nocturnal creatures except the usual game which you see during the daylight (i.e. Impalas, zebras, hippos, elephants etc)." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana
The general managers of Kwando Safaris visited their camps, including Kwara Camp, soon afterward receiving this feedback to work through things with the teams and to do any training/updating where it would be useful. One of the things they planned to work on is their communication, both amongst the team and with the guests. For example, the camp managers at Kwara explained that for meals they cook two of each dish, but only bring out one to the table at a time. Therefore there would be enough food for all guests to have their fill, but currently the guests are not being made aware of that and so they may be holding back on their servings.
Another point raised that both the camp and Expert Africa have learnt from is that if the camp is fully booked, flexibility over the daily choice of activities may not be possible as there might not be enough guides/vehicles available. However, Kwando Safaris assures us that if the management team are aware of the guests interests either before they travel, or once they arrive into camp, then they will be able to ensure that the guests are able to do each activity that interests them at least once during their stay.
The camp agreed that on one occasion they unfortunately had to put 7 passengers on a vehicle this was due to them being a guide short because Master had to return to Maun unexpectedly. This is not their usual practice, and they do try to keep to a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle wherever possible. The Kwando Safaris team will also be working on their night drive and boating experiences.
"Manager"
"Kwara Camp review"
With the ability to off road the guides are able to track game and offer the best photo opportunities. The highlight of the camp was our chance to see three cheetah brothers beginning there sunset hunt." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana; 5n in South Africa
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
