Khwai

Khwai Safari Trips & Tours

Khwai

Incredible, documentary-worthy wildlife scenes take place in this safari powerhouse.

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Khwai Safari Trips & Tours

An affordable Delta option with wildlife as diverse as the landscape and a smattering of unique lodges
Just to the north of Moremi, in a palm-filled corner of the north-eastern Delta, lies the Khwai Private Reserve. On the ground, the elite (and excellent) selection safari lodges work in partnership with the local Khwai community and the Khwai Development Trust, and all three promote conservation and eco-tourism. Landscape-wise, swathes of mopane trees characterise the north whilst the south morphs into an iconic Delta scene of open grasslands, waterholes, shiny floodplains and winding waterways that weave across the greenery. Whilst the channels and lagoons are usually full enough for a mokoro safari in the peak season (June to October), it’s the Khwai River – and accompanying game drives – that really steal the show. The lifeblood of the reserve, the river flows along the southern boundary drawing hooves and paws from far and wide, and displaying some serious David Attenborough-worthy action on its banks. And by that we mean, African painted dog chasing impala, lion and leopard skulking in the shade, buffalo, zebra, elephant, sable and roan antelope. Need we say more?
Things to do

What to do in Khwai

The Okavango sets the standard for wildlife and activities, and the Khwai area promises an intimate, affordable slice of the Delta. Experiences are largely water (along seasonal channels or the brimming Khwai River) or land-based and the lodges tailor offerings according to their geography. On the water, iconic mokoro safaris lead the way and are in their prime from April to October. Boat safaris are also possible but exploring at eye-level in the small, dugout mokoros is magical, taking you closer to the wildlife congregating on the banks, and floating past wallowing hippos and elephants in the shallows. Wildlife-wise, the herbivore variety includes herds of buffalo, sable and roan, while leopards hide in the treetops. On land, day and night game drives will have you flexing your binos. Four out of the Big Five are common (not rhino), as well as African painted dogs and a menagerie of birds. For big cats, early morning game drives are a must to spot them still mobile before they rest up for the day. Head out at night to catch some of the smaller nocturnal action - keep your eyes peeled for hyenas, porcupines and genets. Make time for a walking safari to get into the nitty gritty of the animal kingdom and admire the juicy scenery.

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