Kwando Lagoon Camp

OVERVIEW:

Within northern Botswana’s vast Kwando Reserve, Lagoon is one of only two camps sharing 232,000 hectares of private wilderness, known for its substantial wild dog population. Game drives explore the seemingly endless riverine forest, while the camp’s riverfront location allows for delightful afternoon cruises on their double-decker boat. Lagoon is run by Kwando Safaris, a well-established safari operator with an extensive camp and lodge portfolio throughout Botswana, including Lebala, the other camp a little farther south in the reserve. Accommodation is full board and includes all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, twice-daily game-viewing activities, and a laundry service. The camp is open all year round.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Lagoon Camp occupies a stunning location on the banks of the Kwando river within Botswana’s 232,000-hectare Kwando Private Concession. Access to the camp is by light aircraft (approx. 50 minutes’ flight time from Maun or Kasane), followed by a 15-minute game drive.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT LAGOON:

Guest accommodation at Lagoon consists of eight thatch-and-canvas standard tents and a two-bedroom family unit close to the camp’s swimming pool. Overlooking the Kwando river and surrounded by dense riverine forest, all are raised on wooden decking with private verandas that take full advantage of the picturesque water setting and its resident wildlife. Entering through mesh-framed sliding doors, you’ll find a spacious open-plan bedroom and living area with polished wood floors, leather armchairs, a writing desk, and a double bed one step up from the lounge. All rooms can be configured as doubles with super-king extra-length beds or twins with two three-quarter beds. The style is unembellished, but all the necessities are present, including bedside stands, reading lights, overhead fans, and open hanging spaces with digital safes and essential items, such as umbrellas, emergency horns, and mosquito repellent. Windows are covered in mesh with roll-up canvas, alleviating the need for mosquito nets and letting the welcome breeze circulate. Each en-suite bathroom features a separate flush toilet, twin washbasins, a freestanding ball-and-claw bathtub, and indoor and outdoor showers. The family accommodation is a standard en-suite tent connected to a smaller room sharing one bathroom. An extra bed is available on request, allowing for three children.

Sandy paths link the guest tents with Lagoon’s timber-and-thatch communal spaces, comprising understated, open-sided dining, lounge, and bar areas, a curio shop, an orientation centre, a homely library, a viewing platform with a swing, and a plunge pool deck overlooking the river. On a clear day, you can see as far as Namibia! Early morning breakfasts are often enjoyed around the atmospheric campfire out on the sand, where guests also gather at night for sundowners and storytelling. Dining at Lagoon is usually communal, with some wonderful bush dinners set up under the stars. Please be aware that Lagoon is Wi-Fi and network-free, like all Kwando Safaris camps.

ACTIVITIES AT LAGOON:

Lagoon Camp offers day and night game drives and seasonal water activities in the spectacular and vast Kwando Reserve.

• Game drives

  – Kwando Reserve features an impressive 232,000 hectares of plains, woodlands, wetlands, and water sources. During the dry season, game viewing is particularly good, as species collect around scarce water supplies. That said, vehicle safaris are first rate throughout the year, thanks to the sheer volumes of wildlife. Look out for predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and wild dog; herds of elephant, buffalo, and hippo; and ample plains game, not least giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, and tsessebe. Groups travelling with children below 12 years must book a private vehicle. 

• Night drives

  – A whole other world emerges after dark, and Lagoon Camp’s location within a private concession allows it to facilitate night drives and off-roading.  Accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced guide, you’ll set off after sundown searching for Kwando’s nocturnal creatures, including civet, genet, honey badger, and spring hare.

• Walking safaris

  – Many smaller species are easily missed from the confines of a vehicle, so nature walks allow guests a close encounter with Kwando’s plants, insects, and birdlife. Notable bird species in the area include ostrich, African skimmer, sacred ibis, slaty egret, and the colourful little bee-eater, but your knowledgeable guide will be on hand to point out all the special sightings. Please note that 12 is the minimum age for walking safaris.

•  Boat cruises

  – For a change from land activities, Lagoon Camp offers some wonderful afternoon cruises aboard the camp’s very own double-deck boat. As you glide along the river, keep an eye open for grunting hippo and elephant herds as they gather on the banks to drink.

•  Fishing

  – The camp offers fishing year-round, apart from January and February, when there is a moratorium due to breeding season. Lagoon Camp supplies basic equipment, but bring your own gear for fly fishing. It’s even possible to fish from the main deck, and targets include several types of tilapia, sharp-tooth catfish, African pike, and the mighty tigerfish.

*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.