Kwando Concession Reserve

There are two fully inclusive, upmarket lodges run by Kwando Safaris in Kwando Concession (also Kwando Game Reserve), which is a vast and wild area. Lagoon Camp is located near the Kwando River, and Lebala Camp is near the Linyanti Marshes. Emphasis is on quality service and superb guiding. Activities include game drives, night drives, walking and boat safaris.

Pros & Cons

Excellent wildlife viewing with four of the Big Five easily spotted
A good variety of habitats are seen, through access to the Kwando River and Linyanti marshes
Off-road driving is permitted, which facilitates quality sightings
Game drives, night drives, boat trips, walking safaris and fishing trips are available
Very exclusive private reserve with great food and stunning lodges
Excellent guiding
Only expensive, all-inclusive packages available

Big herds of elephant are attracted to the permanent water of the Kwando River in the Dry season. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are easily seen, and the endangered wild dog is sometimes spotted as well. The water-loving red lechwe is abundant, and less common antelope species include the elusive roan and sable antelope

The Kwando River teems with hippo and crocodile, and spotted-necked otter are often observed as well. Night drives are part of the daily program in Kwando, and some of the species that might be seen are springhare, bushbaby, Selous' mongoose, genet, porcupine and aardwolf.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Kwando has seasonal wildlife viewing. Big herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest arrive when it gets really dry in June, and they usually stay until December. Predators tend to follow these migrations.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors should always be extremely cautious when on safari, as wild animals are unpredictable. Your guide on an organized safari will give a briefing on the safety precautions to be taken on activities, such as game drives and walks. Most importantly, use common sense and follow any instructions carefully.

For more information, please read the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions' below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

• Safety & Security – Botswana

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

Birding in Kwando is outstanding. The concession is great for Okavango specials, such as slaty egret, and the drier mopane woodland species, such as white-headed black chat. Night drives offer an opportunity to spot nocturnal species, including owls, coursers and nightjars. Although the quality of guiding is excellent, there isn’t much emphasis here on bird watching. Serious birders should consider enquiring about private activities.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

The best time for bird watching in Kwando Concession is in the Wet season, from November to April, when summer migrants arrive. Bird watching is very good, though, at any time of the year. Many of the raptors are resident and can be spotted throughout the year. Wildlife viewing is better during the dry months, from July to October.

Kwando Concession can be visited throughout the year. The reserve is located within a migration route for elephant, zebra and other herbivores. These animals arrive in the area around June when water has dried up further away from the river and marshes, and they usually only move on around December.

Best Time June to October (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season July to October (High-season rates apply, small exclusive lodges never get busy)

Low Season November to June (Low season rates apply)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)

Worst Weather October (It gets extremely hot)

April to October –Dry Season

Wildlife viewing is at its best as the Dry season advances
July to October are high season months, and lodges charge higher rates
September and October are very hot

November to March –Wet Season

There is still a lot of wildlife around until December
The best season for birders with migrants around and birds in breeding plumage
Low season rates apply
The scenery is lush and green, and there are many flowers
There is less wildlife from January to April
It is very hot
Activities may be interrupted by afternoon showers
Roads might deteriorate

Visitors to Kwando Concession will experience warm to hot weather, as well as a distinct Dry and Wet season. Don’t forget to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives and boat trips, especially in June and July, the coolest months of the year.

Dry season–April to October

The last showers of the Wet season typically fall in April. June and July are the coolest months. Temperatures start climbing in August, peaking in October.

April & May – At the beginning of the Dry season, the vegetation is still green. The middle of the day can still be hot – temperatures up to 29°C/84°F are not uncommon.
June, July & August – It hardly ever rains in the heart of the Dry season. Afternoon temperatures reach a very pleasant 26°C/79°F on average. Early mornings are nippy, however, with temperatures struggling to get above 7°C/45°F.
September & October – The end of the Dry season sees temperatures on the rise before the rains break. October is scorching with average, afternoon temperatures of 35°C/95°F. Nights and mornings are much better.

Wet season–November to March

It immediately cools down a bit after the first rains, and the dust settles. Afternoon thunderstorms and short showers are typical, although normally it won’t rain all day. Afternoon temperatures average 32°C/90°F throughout the Wet season.

November & December – Temperatures tend to build before the rain and drop afterward, but rainfall is sporadic. It is hot and mostly sunny. At around 19°C/65°F, the early mornings are the most comfortable time of the day.
January & February – Not many afternoons miss out on the rain. These are the wettest months – but it is normally over in a few hours. Heavy storms are common.
March – The rains are diminishing. Expect rainfall every couple of days – usually in the form of a storm. Mornings are a bit cooler at 18°C/64°F.

The only way to visit Kwando Concession is by charter plane. You can fly from Maun, Kasane or another camp in Botswana.

Entry into the country is usually through Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK), depending on your itinerary

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner, or for multiple-destination flights check Expedia, to see which airlines can take you Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK), and what tickets would cost.

Domestic Flights

Flights between parks will typically be organized and booked by your tour operator. There are no scheduled domestic flights to Kwando.

Safety

In our opinion, Botswana is a very safe country to visit. Kwando Concession is particularly safe, as there are virtually no crime issues within parks, reserves or concessions.

Kwando Concession is usually visited on a fly-in safari. Flying around from lodge to lodge is a safe way to travel. Theft from a room can occur; however, simple precautions such as locking your valuables away in a safe or suitcase should suffice.

Seek advice from your local doctor or travel clinic regarding appropriate vaccinations necessary for visiting Botswana. There are no big health concerns in the country, especially for people on safari. It is advisable to take antimalarials as Kwando Concession lies in a high-risk malaria zone. Extra safety precautions recommended are using insect repellent with at least 30% DEET and covering up arms and legs in the evening. The malaria risk is worse in the rainy season.

Botswana is in our opinion a very safe and politically stable country. If you are traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps, safety problems are very rare. As is the case all over the world, most crime occurs in the cities, and basic safety precautions (such as locking away your valuables at your accommodation) is advisable.

Below are tips on staying safe in Botswana.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

To stay safe on safari, just follow your safari guide’s instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your car outside designated safe areas. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Although crime is rare in Botswana, there are incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing in the cities. You are mostly sheltered from any risk on guided activities. When going out in the city unguided, you can easily avoid problems by following simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before heading out; only take the money you need with you and never wear any valuables; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Other Tips on Staying Safe

Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Botswana and general travel safety precautions.

• Botswana: Malaria & Vaccinations

• General Travel Safety Precautions

Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

The information on this page is just a brief guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor.

Malaria Risk

High risk in central and northern Botswana and low risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season, from November to June.

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible