Pangolin Safari: Day-by-day

Mention wild dogs and it’s not long before Lagoon Camp, in the vast private Kwando Reserve, comes into the frame. On the banks of the Kwando River – and at the heart of the action – the camp takes safaris seriously, with many a vantage point for the wildlife enthusiast.

To maximise sightings, game drives through the riverine forest onto the open plains are led by both a guide and a tracker, while river trips on a double-decker boat give elevated views over the reeds.

Wildlife watching from camp is pretty good, too, with numerous vantage points. Start in the early hours from your bed, raised above the lounge area in front, or from a deck chair on your private veranda, before moving to the campfire for breakfast.

At lunchtime, keep watch from the dining table; in the afternoon from the free-form pool, the swing seat, or the cosy tree-level lounge.

Both chalets and central area are spacious and airy, their stretched canvas walls and open sides – or huge mesh windows – accentuating the openness of the environment.

"A lovely camp overlooking the Kwando river - we enjoyed the food and hospitality"

J&BfromWirral

Arrived 14 Oct 2024, 3 nights

Décor is generally muted and uncluttered; thatched roofs blend into the surroundings; and linking it all are expanses of wooden decking, gleaming in the sun. No wonder an air of comfort and relaxed efficiency prevails. See our full report on Lagoon Camp

Wild dogs are one of the most sought-after safari sightings, with Lebala one of the best places to spot them. In the south of the vast private Kwando Reserve, Lebala lies on the edge of the Linyanti Marshes, looking out as far as the eye can see over wetland and grassy floodplains. Lion, leopard and cheetah roam the plains, and wild dogs have denned here for more than two decades.

Scaling back, a small footbridge crosses a lily-filled channel to camp, where all is calm and orderly. Sandy pathways lead to huge tented chalets, with views over the plains. Watch out for wildlife from the wooden balcony or inside – from the bed or comfy chairs – through floor-to-ceiling mesh windows and sliding doors.

In the heat of the day, help yourself to a cooling drink from the fridge in the lounge, then retreat to the shady viewing deck and check out the birdlife. Or make your way to the plunge pool – where you can still keep an eye on the plains, of course.

As night falls, a decadent bath may appeal, or a shower under the stars, before mulling over the day’s adventures around the firepit. With dinner around a big communal table, the day is complete.

"lions making an impala kill in camp during the day"

Mr D.fromLondon

Arrived 20 Oct 2024, 2 nights

NOTE: Lebala is closed for renovations January-March 2025. See our full report on Lebala Camp

With guides whose focus is firmly on the big predators, Kwara is in a perfect area of the Okavango. In this private reserve, wildlife – both predators and prey – can be prolific. To maximise the chances of big-cat sightings, every 4WD excursion is led by a guide and tracker, and the guides are in constant contact by radio. It's all about the wildlife here – the camp even has a "digital detox" policy to ensure that your experience won't be marred by pesky emails or other digital disturbances during your stay.

Rather more serene, both mokoros and a double-decker boat are on hand for effortless exploration of the lily-strewn waterways, perhaps combined with a guided walk.

Equally, with seasonal floodplains and a permanent lagoon in front of the island-based camp, and mature trees affording superb bird cover, it’s tempting to let the wildlife come to you.

In the huge “tented rooms”, beds, sofas, verandas, even baths are carefully sited to make the most of the views.

If you fancy company, a short stroll brings you to a thatched, open-sided structure complete with lounge, dining table, library, bar and curio shop. Colonial-style furniture combines effortlessly with simple stretched-canvas walls to give a contemporary-chic feel – designed for adults only.

"Overall a great experience."

Dr CB & Dr MBfromTring

Arrived 17 Sep 2024, 3 nights

There are proper pools – complete with bars and sunloungers – at each end of camp, and a firepit down by the lagoon. And arguably of greatest importance, all share that captivating outlook. See our full report on Kwara Camp