On the banks of the Khwai River, under a canopy of leadwood and fig trees, this brand-new lodge sits in Botswana's Khwai Concession, on the border of Moremi Game Reserve. That position gives you two kinds of safari: day trips into Moremi on request, plus everything the concession allows, from night drives to mokoro trips in season. The thatched main area stands on raised timber decks, and every tent looks over the river. It replaces Khwai River Lodge, one of Botswana's first photographic safari lodges, on the very same footprint. For a first trip to Botswana, we'd struggle to find a better base.
Lifted on dark timber stilts beneath the thatch, the main lodge opens onto decks that look across the river from the bar, the lounges and the dining tables. Meals are usually shared around one table, though you can ask to dine privately. The pool has a deck of its own, with the spa close by for massages and facials. Out in front of the camp, a long curved sofa of cream and grey cushions wraps around the fire pit, and the curio shop sells jewellery and décor made by local artisans.
Which tent to book? Here it hardly matters, because each one has its own deck facing the Khwai River and you can watch for wildlife from any of them. That leaves the choice to who's coming with you. Families can ask for the two tents that connect (children need to be six or over), and every tent, family or not, has its own en-suite bathroom.
When the Khwai is high enough, slip through its shallow channels by mokoro, looking out for reed frogs, water lilies and sitatunga antelope. Game drives head out every morning and afternoon in search of elephants, wild dogs, lions, leopards and cheetahs. When conditions are right, your guide may stop for a walk from the vehicle. Birders should ask after the Pel's fishing owl, one of more than 400 species here. For the big picture, book a doors-off helicopter flight (extra cost).
Follow the raised boardwalk out to the fire deck once the sun has gone down. With the water running past below, it's the best seat in camp for stargazing.
Moremi bans night drives but the Khwai Concession doesn't, so swap at least one afternoon drive for one after dark, which leaves after dinner.
Wi-Fi only just reaches the tents and runs on a satellite link, so it comes and goes. If you need to stay in touch, deal with the essentials before you fly in.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Sediba Sa Rona can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Botswana trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Botswana trips featuring Sediba Sa Rona or get advice and suggestions from one of our Botswana specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Sediba Sa Rona start from around $750, or US$750, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
An affordable Delta option with wildlife as diverse as the landscape and a smattering of unique lodges
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