Reviews of Kwara Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
233 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
97% success
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"Kwara Camp review"
Jacob was an excellent guide whose efforts were badly let down by this bad organisation.
During the 3 days we saw impala, tsetsebe, reedbuck, red lechwe, sable antelope, warthog, jackal, hyena, a lion, hippo, a large 70 strong herd of elephant, buffalo and numerous birds. The highlight was tracking a cheetah searching for and calling for his brothers to his reunion with one.
On our third evening our trip to the heronry was marred by a violent and overhead thunderstorm with heavy hail causing hippos and elephant to be very nervous. We question whether we should have been on the water in those conditions, though Jacob handled the situation very well, reading and responding to the intentions of the animals accurately" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana
"Manager"
"Kwara"
"Kwara - Wide ranging Activities"
First, Kwando's vehicles - both jeeps and boats - were, during our eight days staying at their lodges, subject to what we regard (based on several years of experience on safari) as an unusually large number of mechanical breakdowns. At Kwara, our jeep broke down terminally on two out of our six game drives (despite being a replacement for one which had broken down just before we arrived); other guests suffered similarly during our stay there. And the boat engine (which we understood to have been out of action just before we arrived there) broke down the day after we had taken the trip to the heronry. Sadly, such a record of mechanical failings can detract somewhat from the overall experience; and yet our impression was that the camp staff who were having to deal with this on a day-to-day basis may not have been getting as much support from HQ to come up with lasting solutions as one might reasonably have expected.
Second, we were surprised in this day and age of greater awareness of the risks of skin cancer that, as a matter of company policy, Kwando's land vehicles do not have shade from the sun . Our concern over this was compounded at Lebala by the camp's airstrip having been out of commission since the start of the year necessitating a 90-minute-plus journey between the camp and a neighbouring camp's airstrip, often in the middle of the day. While we understand that there are arguments in favour of open vehicles (eg for bird watching), we at least have certainly found significant advantages in canvas tops in terms of guest comfort and no compelling disadvantages (underlined by our experience at Mapula where the vehicles are covered).
That being said, we would underline that our overall experience at Kwara camp was excellent (as indicated above). The camp has new top managers in Diner and Dit and they seem to us to have gotten off to a terrific start, creating a very positive and friendly ambiance in a relaxed atmosphere. The semi-spontaneous singing and dancing which the staff organised on the Sunday evening is indicative of a happy camp in which staff and guests are at ease individually and with one another. Based on our experience, we commend highly the way in which Kwara is being run.
We also had the benefit of a first class guide (David) and tracker (Justice) team who are extremely knowledgeable of the range of micro-environments - deep water, shallow water, bush - which Kwara offers. Highlights here included elephants, sable antelope, lions, cheetahs, serval and genet cats, and side-striped jackal. We very much enjoyed the boat trip to the heronry which was the centre-piece of a strong four days for birders.
We again had a most enjoyable makoro experience followed by a very interesting bush walk. As with the other two camps in which we stayed we very much liked the approach of rolling the afternoon game drive into a pre-dinner night drive.
Overall, therefore, despite our reservations about transport we really enjoyed our stay at Kwara and have no hesitation recommending the camp to others." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Kwara Camp review"
"Kwara Camp review"
There were problems with some aspects of the accommodation and service: the loo was broken and the first attempt to fix it was not successful, not aided by a communication mix up between the managers; the water in our room should have been replenished daily but was not.
Got off to a bad start because the boat to collect us from Xakanaka was 2 hours late: Grant contacted the Kwara Maun office and, after they had radioed the camp, was told that the boat had left when it hadn't. Another plus for Grant for staying until the boat did come.
The managers who are leaving at the end of June had perhaps lost their drive: we had a sense of the managing of the camp needing tightening up and that the incoming manager, who we met, would make a difference. We make these remarks with a full appreciation that we were in Africa and acknowledge the difficulties that can arise. But, apart from the guiding, which is, of course, most important, Kwara did not stand up to comparison with other camps/lodges we've been to in Botswana and Tanzania.
For us, having been on a mokoro with Grant, the very limited mokoro trip was too inactive and stretched out. The motor boat trip was worth while. The saving grace was that the guiding was excellent: it certainly helps having a tracker/spotter as well as the driver, especially at night. A highlight was the night sighting of serval." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Kwara Camp review"
We had good game sightings from our terrace and also had five elephants outside the tent one evening eating the trees. This was a little scary but very exciting and we watched them for some time before they moved on to the next copse and tent. There were also hyenas who regularly raided the kitchen and on our last evening, a lioness waiting outside camp as if expecting tit bits!!
Guiding was slightly disappointing. I think we were unlucky in that we were assigned a new guide who seemed to have a fixation on lion kills! There was interaction with the other guides though and we did see lots of game although this involved some very tiring long drives over really awful tracks. The vehicles used were South African Uris which were not suitable for the sandy terrain and these made the drives arduous rather than enjoyable. We enjoyed the mokoro trip...quite an experience...and the double decker boat trip at sundown.
In general, the staff were lovely and there was a very relaxed atmosphere but little attention to detail and service. However, the food was good and several guests had been time and time again.
We did get to see Little Kwara (which had been our preferred choice) and yes, it was more luxurious but game drives were the same as Kwara so I don't think we missed out that much as our main aim was to see game!!
Overall, Kwara was OK." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Mozambique; 3n in Zambia
"My favorite camp thus far"
We were lucky to see wild dogs, leopard, pride of lions and the female lions too. The game drives were chilly in the mornings and evenings but very productive and exciting. Dinner and desserts were so good especially after a tiring evening of tracking animals.
Our tent (I believe it's #3) did get a bit too hot during the afternoon to be able to fall asleep. There were also a lot of bees that joined us during afternoon tea which were a bit scary as i learned that they can get aggressive. At night, it gets really cold. Even the extra blankets did not keep us warm enough. More insulation for the tent will be super helpful as it makes getting up at 6am a bit easier.
The water was also a bit yellowish-brown and some times way too hot. The water pressure in the shower was a bit low and the hot water knob gets so hot that you can easily get burned. Also, the insect killer spray "Doom" used at all the camps doesn't work. The bugs only get wet but don't die. I suggest they buy a different brand like Raid that does work." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
"Lions at Kwara Camp"
There were too many sorries due to housekeeping errors, unfilled water, promise of water bottles but not put in, room being prepared for new visitors when we were not leaving therefore the room not being available whilst it was being put back to original state, laundry then being returned wet due to error of room being vacated, being told that room would be put back to original state and that laundry would be dried but when told room okay to go back to, bed had not been returned to original state and laundry still there wet.
This did not retract from our stay we still loved the camp, it just reduced our opinion from excellent to good." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 4n in Zambia
"Good for hippos"
During the first evening drive we witnessed two cheetah kills and one lion kill. Dinner for us was a little late that evening! We were impressed by the skill of the guides in following the hunting animals, but in a non-intrusive way. The animals were not bothered by our presence - confirmed by a vet in our party - and all the guides were careful not to interfere with the hunts - switching lights off at critical times so that we did not influence the outcome - by blinding the prey, for example. Our guide, David, was also aware that not all guests would want to witness the kill or the aftermath, and we were given the choice.
The other drives were also very enjoyable.. We had very good viewings of many animals, including lions and cheetahs again. The boat trip was delightful, and it was great to enjoy our sundowner in the middle of a large African lake, watched by a few hippos. The mokoro trip was great, so peaceful, and having heard the calls of the painted reed frog, it was great to see them, and marvel at how such a small creature could make so much noise." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Very good range of gaming activities"
Food was good if somewhat unimaginative (and the meat was usually over-cooked)" See all these reviews: 3n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana
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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.
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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
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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.
Duba Explorers Camp
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Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Mma Dinare
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jao Camp
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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.
Setari Camp
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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.
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.
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.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
