Reviews of Kwara Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
235 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
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in May-2018, 63 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Kwara Camp.
Lion
97% success
Leopard
67% success
Cheetah
76% success
Wild dog
75% success
Elephant
100% success
Mr & Mrs S
Stockport
"Kwara Camp review"
5 nights Arrived 16 Oct 2021
"Activities ranged from not good to brilliant. We stayed here the longest time so saw a lot more animals.
Radio contact was quite intrusive in our opinion. Encouraging cars to race from one end of the area to another.
We made it clear we are interested in everything big and small our previous camp drivers took this on board. Shared a car a few times with a couple on their first safari. Driver didn’t stop or slow down enough or talk about animals or surroundings for long periods. We feel that if this had been out first safari camp we certainly wouldn’t be determined to return." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
Radio contact was quite intrusive in our opinion. Encouraging cars to race from one end of the area to another.
We made it clear we are interested in everything big and small our previous camp drivers took this on board. Shared a car a few times with a couple on their first safari. Driver didn’t stop or slow down enough or talk about animals or surroundings for long periods. We feel that if this had been out first safari camp we certainly wouldn’t be determined to return." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
6 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
7 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Mr & Ms B
Florida, US
"Kwara Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 15 Oct 2021
"This was our third visit to the Kwara Concession, and we don’t regret it for one second.
A special touch of this camp is that they actually assigned the two guys to us that we had the pleasure of having as our guides twice before: Big Tom and ATee. And this time they even gave us a “private” safari, even though we hadn’t booked one. Anyway, these two are outstanding, they always went the “extra mile” in providing us the best angles and perspectives without even having to ask.
I realize that I gave the other two camps mostly 5 stars, and if I had the chance I would rank this camp’s rooms and activities with 5+ or 6 stars. The degree of luxury provided was more than we need. For example, the rooms were at least 1.5 if not 2 times larger than anything we had encountered before. And it continues to amaze us how, in the middle of the bush, they can cook such delicious lunches and 4-course dinners.
Anyhow, on to the more important aspects. Our first afternoon activity was hard to beat in terms of highlights. First there was a lioness with her one cub, and they put on quite a show for us. This was followed by a pack of wild dogs who were busy feeding on a reedbuck they stole from a leopard. We watched them for about an hour or so, until not much was left of the animal. To conclude the first day, after sunset we met a leopard “Splashgirl” at a waterhole, and it was particularly nice as we had seen her before in 2018.
In the same context I’d like to mention that we saw a male cheetah we also encountered in 2018 and a lion coalition called the “Zulu boys” that we saw for the first time in 2016!!! Back then they were like 3 or 4 years old, and now, according to our guides, they were having issues with a bunch of challengers.
On our last morning drive, shortly before we had to leave for the airstrip, we encountered a female cheetah with her two cubs who were posing for us on a termite mound.
Another memorable sighting was a tsessebe antelope with her young and another calf that she was babysitting.
I can’t praise this camp enough for the sheer variety and quality of sightings, so much so that we are planning to come back here next year." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
A special touch of this camp is that they actually assigned the two guys to us that we had the pleasure of having as our guides twice before: Big Tom and ATee. And this time they even gave us a “private” safari, even though we hadn’t booked one. Anyway, these two are outstanding, they always went the “extra mile” in providing us the best angles and perspectives without even having to ask.
I realize that I gave the other two camps mostly 5 stars, and if I had the chance I would rank this camp’s rooms and activities with 5+ or 6 stars. The degree of luxury provided was more than we need. For example, the rooms were at least 1.5 if not 2 times larger than anything we had encountered before. And it continues to amaze us how, in the middle of the bush, they can cook such delicious lunches and 4-course dinners.
Anyhow, on to the more important aspects. Our first afternoon activity was hard to beat in terms of highlights. First there was a lioness with her one cub, and they put on quite a show for us. This was followed by a pack of wild dogs who were busy feeding on a reedbuck they stole from a leopard. We watched them for about an hour or so, until not much was left of the animal. To conclude the first day, after sunset we met a leopard “Splashgirl” at a waterhole, and it was particularly nice as we had seen her before in 2018.
In the same context I’d like to mention that we saw a male cheetah we also encountered in 2018 and a lion coalition called the “Zulu boys” that we saw for the first time in 2016!!! Back then they were like 3 or 4 years old, and now, according to our guides, they were having issues with a bunch of challengers.
On our last morning drive, shortly before we had to leave for the airstrip, we encountered a female cheetah with her two cubs who were posing for us on a termite mound.
Another memorable sighting was a tsessebe antelope with her young and another calf that she was babysitting.
I can’t praise this camp enough for the sheer variety and quality of sightings, so much so that we are planning to come back here next year." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
2 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
4 sightings
Mr & Mrs E
Montana
"Kwara Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 13 Aug 2021
"Beautifully refurbished camp. We had a great guide and tracker, everyone was warm and welcoming, and did everything to make our stay memorable. Covid 19 protocols well in place."
See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Ms C
Montana
"Kwara Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 13 Aug 2021
"We spent 3 nights at Kwara Camp, and that was just about right. Two nights wouldn't have been long enough. The rooms were fabulous, as was the food.
The game drives were wonderful, but I would highly recommend taking the boat ride to the heron/stork rookeries as well. One of my traveling companions fished with the guide and tracker, while my birder companion and I enjoyed the rookery from the roof of the boat. The bream caught by the fisherman was served at dinner that evening.
Our guide and tracker at Kwara were wonderful. I was especially pleased at their knowledge of birds as well as animals." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
The game drives were wonderful, but I would highly recommend taking the boat ride to the heron/stork rookeries as well. One of my traveling companions fished with the guide and tracker, while my birder companion and I enjoyed the rookery from the roof of the boat. The bream caught by the fisherman was served at dinner that evening.
Our guide and tracker at Kwara were wonderful. I was especially pleased at their knowledge of birds as well as animals." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Mr J.
victoria
"Fantastic stay at Kwara"
5 nights Arrived 8 Jan 2020
"This was by far the best camp experience I have had.
The staff, facilities and food were all excellent.
The animal viewing was incredible and the skill and knowledge of Johnson and Eric (our guide and tracker) were outstanding." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana
The staff, facilities and food were all excellent.
The animal viewing was incredible and the skill and knowledge of Johnson and Eric (our guide and tracker) were outstanding." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Sable antelope
3 sightings
Sitatunga
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wild dog
4 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Ms A
Calgary
"Beautiful, smart remodel"
3 nights Arrived 29 Nov 2019
"What a beautiful, newly finished camp. The rooms were heavenly. The mosquito netting over the ceiling fan gave us our first complete sleep. Having 2 separate pool areas, along with big common areas with views gave you the feeling you were the only ones in camp. Looking out across the grassy field to see elephants every day was magical, even though I was to find out that this area is normally completely under water. The last 2 years of drought have taken their toll.
I have to confess to being disappointed at the amount of game. Perhaps it is that our expectations were so high after chatting with guests that had just come from Kwara at the previous camp, or perhaps it was just a misalignment with our guide. But we found he would just drive around......only stopping at animals if we asked. And even then, he would "come in hot", meaning, he would 90 percent of the time scare them away, unless it was something he considered worthy. (leaving us to photograph the backsides of animals). He did not show the same consideration for angle, and position, and lighting as the other 2 guides as well.
At the time, I figured I would just "go with the flow", and was more forward with requests to stop as the days went. But now home, and after reflection, I wished I had approached the camp manager to request someone else more aligned with our expectations. He was great fun, and we had many laughs. I would actually enjoy spending time with him......but I wouldn't have him for a guide again.
Don't miss the river boat cruise. It was so picturesque, peaceful, and informative. (our guide actually shined here) Management was excellent. Charlie was present, attentive, and professional, and Cecilia was bubbly and helpful. I found the food good and plentiful, and you never had to ask for a top up on your wine glass.
While we were there, the CEO of Kwando was there with many travel agency representatives in advance of a convention on Botswana tourism in Kasane. We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Sally-Anne from Expert Africa, with whom we had exchanged a couple of emails prior to the trip. It 100% confirmed in my mind that we made the right decision in choosing Expert Africa to coordinate the trip, even though we are from Canada. Their knowledge, and experience is unmatched, and everything flowed very smoothly." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
I have to confess to being disappointed at the amount of game. Perhaps it is that our expectations were so high after chatting with guests that had just come from Kwara at the previous camp, or perhaps it was just a misalignment with our guide. But we found he would just drive around......only stopping at animals if we asked. And even then, he would "come in hot", meaning, he would 90 percent of the time scare them away, unless it was something he considered worthy. (leaving us to photograph the backsides of animals). He did not show the same consideration for angle, and position, and lighting as the other 2 guides as well.
At the time, I figured I would just "go with the flow", and was more forward with requests to stop as the days went. But now home, and after reflection, I wished I had approached the camp manager to request someone else more aligned with our expectations. He was great fun, and we had many laughs. I would actually enjoy spending time with him......but I wouldn't have him for a guide again.
Don't miss the river boat cruise. It was so picturesque, peaceful, and informative. (our guide actually shined here) Management was excellent. Charlie was present, attentive, and professional, and Cecilia was bubbly and helpful. I found the food good and plentiful, and you never had to ask for a top up on your wine glass.
While we were there, the CEO of Kwando was there with many travel agency representatives in advance of a convention on Botswana tourism in Kasane. We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Sally-Anne from Expert Africa, with whom we had exchanged a couple of emails prior to the trip. It 100% confirmed in my mind that we made the right decision in choosing Expert Africa to coordinate the trip, even though we are from Canada. Their knowledge, and experience is unmatched, and everything flowed very smoothly." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
2 sightings
Cheetah
3 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
Mr W
Essex
"A Palace in the Bush"
6 nights Arrived 5 Nov 2019
"Our return visit after 6 years and boy hasn't she transformed into something else from the dark stilted tents of Little Kwara to the palatial bright cabins of the new Kwara Camp. The camp now covers the area that both of the original camps used to, the lounge, bar and dining areas are huge. The camp has an excellent policy of restricting vehicles to 4 people per game drives. As we were staying for 6 nights we shared with a mix of other guests or had the vehicle to ourselves, our first drive was with an incredibly toxic couple but fortunately they were gone the next day.
We loved the pairing of both tracker and guide at both Kwando Lagoon and Little Kwara when we travelled to Botswana in 2013 which was one of the many reasons why we chose to return to Kwara again. We were with head guide Dave and tracker J.D. (Justice) whose knowledge, patience and dedication rustled up some magnificent and unique sightings for us. We had magnificent cheetah sightings both with the Kwara regular male 'Special' and an interloper. We were also patient enough to wait for Special to take down a reedbuck on our last day. The camp was flexible enough to hold lunch for us until we returned to camp .
A 24 strong pack of wild dogs came through camp and killed a young kudu on the edge of camp, it was all over in 20 minutes. There was plenty of lion activity, we went out on a late drive one evening and witnessed two outside males make a bid for a large pride of females and cubs. The pride fled, we followed and the concession was filled with roars for hours to come. We also had regular encounters with a large male leopard that was cool as a cucumber with vehicles." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
We loved the pairing of both tracker and guide at both Kwando Lagoon and Little Kwara when we travelled to Botswana in 2013 which was one of the many reasons why we chose to return to Kwara again. We were with head guide Dave and tracker J.D. (Justice) whose knowledge, patience and dedication rustled up some magnificent and unique sightings for us. We had magnificent cheetah sightings both with the Kwara regular male 'Special' and an interloper. We were also patient enough to wait for Special to take down a reedbuck on our last day. The camp was flexible enough to hold lunch for us until we returned to camp .
A 24 strong pack of wild dogs came through camp and killed a young kudu on the edge of camp, it was all over in 20 minutes. There was plenty of lion activity, we went out on a late drive one evening and witnessed two outside males make a bid for a large pride of females and cubs. The pride fled, we followed and the concession was filled with roars for hours to come. We also had regular encounters with a large male leopard that was cool as a cucumber with vehicles." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
7 sightings
Cheetah
5 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
8 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
JJ & AJ
Hinckley
"Great Kwara Safar"
3 nights Arrived 3 Nov 2019
"An absolutely lovely camp, only recently reopened after refurbishment, what a superb job they have done.
The tents were spacious, gorgeous and well equipped including charging points for all electronics. The safaris were great, driving and guiding by Tuelo and spotting by Cee, just them and us in the vehicle. Saw plenty of Elephants and Leopards. On one mazing morning we went to one of the wetter area's, amazing to see so many Maribou Storks and Fish Eagles. On previous safari's we have been lucky to see one or two Fish Eagles, now we were seeing six or seven in a single tree.
The staff at the camp were attentive and excellent in every respect. Private dinner on our balcony, celebrating our anniversary." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 6n in South Africa
The tents were spacious, gorgeous and well equipped including charging points for all electronics. The safaris were great, driving and guiding by Tuelo and spotting by Cee, just them and us in the vehicle. Saw plenty of Elephants and Leopards. On one mazing morning we went to one of the wetter area's, amazing to see so many Maribou Storks and Fish Eagles. On previous safari's we have been lucky to see one or two Fish Eagles, now we were seeing six or seven in a single tree.
The staff at the camp were attentive and excellent in every respect. Private dinner on our balcony, celebrating our anniversary." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 6n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Hippo
7 sightings
Leopard
5 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
Party of 4
Islington
"Great location but not much wildlife"
3 nights Arrived 3 Nov 2019
"Luxurious en-suite tent with plunge pool nearby.
Friendly staff at the camp.
Expert guide and spotter.
During our stay here we saw the lowest concentrations and least variety of wildlife on our trip.
Morning and afternoon game drives were long, which made brunch a relaxed affair but left very little time before dinner.
The highlights were a boat trip along the waterways of the Okavango Delta and a walking safari." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Friendly staff at the camp.
Expert guide and spotter.
During our stay here we saw the lowest concentrations and least variety of wildlife on our trip.
Morning and afternoon game drives were long, which made brunch a relaxed affair but left very little time before dinner.
The highlights were a boat trip along the waterways of the Okavango Delta and a walking safari." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Dr&Mrs B
Wensleydale
"New Kwara camp an excellent start to Botswana"
2 nights Arrived 24 Sep 2019
"Kwara was our first lodge in the Okavango Delta. It had only opened at the beginning go the month and everything was immaculate and well designed. The camp was very quiet, only 2 other guests the first night and 6 the following night.
We landed at the airstrip after the afternoon game drive had started, but, after ascertaining we wanted to join the drive, the driver, drove about 10 mins to locate Pax, our guide and Mike the tracker. We saw a cheetah within another 10 minutes, a male lion, herds of elephants, zebras, giraffe and various antelope. The subsequent game drives were productive with wildlife viewings, although the wild dogs were elusive. Bird life was plentiful and we enjoyed sitting by the water watching birds. Pax was very knowledgeable, but less forthcoming with information than some guides. We were very fortunate that we were the only guests in the vehicle for 2 of the drives.
The staff were all very pleasant and food excellent." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
We landed at the airstrip after the afternoon game drive had started, but, after ascertaining we wanted to join the drive, the driver, drove about 10 mins to locate Pax, our guide and Mike the tracker. We saw a cheetah within another 10 minutes, a male lion, herds of elephants, zebras, giraffe and various antelope. The subsequent game drives were productive with wildlife viewings, although the wild dogs were elusive. Bird life was plentiful and we enjoyed sitting by the water watching birds. Pax was very knowledgeable, but less forthcoming with information than some guides. We were very fortunate that we were the only guests in the vehicle for 2 of the drives.
The staff were all very pleasant and food excellent." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
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.
