Lebala Camp lies on the vast, remote and game rich Kwando concession, north of the Okavango Delta. The 230,000 hectare Kwando concession is a top safari destination, especially big game sightings. This huge wilderness attracts large numbers of elephant and buffalo flocking to the river in the dry season (May-October). Predator sightings are frequent and include the rare wild dog. Lebala is a traditional tented camp offering a classic big game safari experience.

Lebala Camp is situated in the far north of Botswana in the huge 230,000 hectare Kwando private reserve and is set in the open savannahs and palm trees of the southern side of the reserve. Lebala in fact translates from the Setswana as “wide, open spaces”. It is one of two camps in this reserve and contrasts with the riverine forest of the northern reserve where the other Kwando reserve camp, called Lagoon Camp, is found. The Kwando River (from which the reserve takes its name) follows a trajectory south to the easterly marshes beyond the reserve, and Lebala Camp is surrounded by the river’s floodplains and is a predominantly dry area.

Game viewing is aided by the open space which contrasts also with the mopane wooded landscape to the east of the Kwando reserve where the density of mopane can be more difficult to navigate. This is therefore a perfect habitat for plains game including many antelope species such as tsessebe and also zebra, buffalo, giraffe and their predators: lion and cheetah. In fact the area is renowned especially for predator sightings. Hippo and large numbers of elephant are also part of the wildlife experience.

The camp consists of eight tents including one family room. The family room has a twin room which is separate but within the unit and therefore gives everyone their own space whilst providing parents with peace of mind that their children are nearby. Each tent has a claw-foot bath and double outside showers and a viewing deck. The walls of the tents are constructed from a uniquely designed mosquito netting which allows you to feel part of the landscape and immersed in the fabulous views whilst letting the cool night time air breeze gently through the room.

The camp’s communal areas are constructed in Zambezi teak with thatched roofs. The camp is situated on the Linyanti marshes and Lebala is approached via a wooden bridge over a lily-filled seasonal waterway. The lounge with its comfortable sofas and chairs and help-yourself bar flow into the dining area and on to the plunge pool and firepit which is a focal point of camp and where guests gather by the fire before early morning activities for their coffee and biscuits and for a pre-dinner drink. There is also a raised viewing deck for a bird’s eye view of the wildlife.

Activities are focussed on game drives. Kwando operates game drives with a guide and tracker, doubling the chance of successfully tracking predators and also freeing up the guide to interact fully with guests. The Kwando concession is a private concession, allowing night time driving and use of spotlights which greatly increases the chance of seeing incredible nocturnal species. Off road driving is also possible meaning that if you are lucky enough to find wild dog on a hunt, you can follow the action. Guided walks are possible year-round but are subject to guides’ discretion. If there are large numbers of elephant in the area or if grasses are too high for good visibility, then walks may not be possible.