Khwai Leadwood

OVERVIEW:

Khwai Leadwood is a small camp occupying an extremely pretty location under a shady canopy of trees overlooking the Khwai river. As it borders Moremi Game Reserve, one of Botswana’s wildlife treasures, guests are guaranteed excellent game viewing, including tranquil mokoro excursions and some thoroughly engaging walking safaris. Khwai Leadwood is run by African Bush Camps, a highly respected operator with a portfolio of camps in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Rates are full board and include accommodation, meals, all drinks except premium imported spirits and champagne, two shared game-viewing activities per day, conservation and community levies, transfers between the camp and the local airstrip, and a laundry service.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Khwai Leadwood is a permanent camp beautifully located amongst leadwood and sycamore trees on the banks of the River Khwai within the Okavango Delta’s Khwai Community Concession. Access is by light aircraft, either a 40-minute flight from Maun International Airport or a 1-hour flight from Kasane International Airport, followed by a 45-minute game drive transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT KHWAI LEADWOOD UNDER THATCH:

The accommodation at Khwai Leadwood consists of five luxury tented suites, a dedicated honeymoon suite with a romantic, free-standing bath outside on the deck, and a two-bedroom family suite. Light-filled and airy, the style incorporates wood, natural stone, woven basketry, and canvas, and sliding doors open onto a shaded veranda overlooking the picturesque Khwai Community Concession. Inside each standard unit, you’ll find a double or twin beds with mosquito nets, bedside tables and brass reading lights, a writing desk, a lounge area, a fully stocked minibar, and ample storage space. Additional amenities include a standing fan and a tea-and-coffee station. Each en-suite bathroom includes a flush toilet, a single or twin washbasin/s with mirror over, and indoor/outdoor showers. Those travelling with children should request the family suite, which has a second, interconnecting bedroom.

Khwai Leadwood’s semi-open main areas are a short stroll from all guest suites and feature a spacious wooden deck accessed from the lounge and dining spaces. Meals are taken communally around a long dining table, with overhead ceiling fans to keep you cool during balmy evenings. Adjacent, the cosy lounge and bar area has plenty of comfortable seating, and the canvas is fully rolled up on one side to maximise the sensational Khwai views from every angle. Weather permitting, dining also takes place outside on the deck, while the fire-pit offers the perfect place to gather and warm up during the cool early mornings or share safari tales at night by firelight. The shaded pool area occupies its own deck with a selection of sunloungers and parasols under a canopy of trees. The camp also has a gift shop where guests can purchase safari clothing, kikoi wraps, jewellery, and craft items.

ACTIVITIES AT KHWAI LEADWOOD:

Khwai Leadwood offers diverse safari activities within the Khwai River area bordering Moremi Game Reserve.

• Game drives

  – The scenic lagoons, pans, plains, and woods within this region of Botswana are home to a spectacular range of wildlife. You can expect to see four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – in addition to smaller predators such as hyenas, jackals, and wild dog, plus myriad herbivores including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, eland, impala, kudu, bushbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck, and the striking red lechwe. Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicles offer close wildlife encounters and a remarkable overview of the animals, their tracks, and their natural habitat.

• Night drives

  – Head out into the bush after dark for a thrilling night game drive. Led by an expert guide, seek out some of the more elusive night-time species, such as genet cat, honey badger, bat-eared fox, jackal, and perhaps even a porcupine if you’re lucky!

• Mokoro expeditions

  – Water levels permitting, board a mokoro, led by an experienced poler who steers from the front of the boat, and explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta. You might encounter crocs and hippos as their beady eyes skim the water’s surface, tiny little reed frogs, vibrantly coloured butterflies, and plenty of aquatic birds. Please note that guests must be at least 16 years old to participate in this activity.

• Walking safaris

  – Step away from the vehicle and immerse yourself in nature with a walking safari led by an expert wildlife guide. Each day is different in the bush, and animal tracks, insects, native plants, and rock formations are some of the phenomena you’ll likely explore here. Please note that guests must be at least 16 to participate in this activity too.

• Birding

  – There are more than 400 species of birds to spot in the area, among them ostrich, fish eagle, sacred ibis, crested crane, lilac-breasted roller, and a YZ favourite – Pel’s fishing owl!

• Cultural experiences

  – Visit one of the neighbouring villages for an encounter with the local community, where you’ll gain fascinating insight into age-old traditions and ways of life.

• Ngwana Club

  – The Setswana word for ‘explorer’, Ngwana is the name of Khwai Leadwood’s kids club, where children are encouraged to delight in the natural environment, enjoying activities such as nature walks, cooking classes, traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.