Combine a classic Okavango safari with a visit to the wild, remote and game rich northern frontier of Botswana -the Linyanti-Kwando region. Offering pristine wilderness and phenomenal game viewing in some of the largest private reserves in southern African this is a truly exclusive safari. Safari purists will appreciate the focus on the safari experience rather than the luxurious trappings. Game drives feature trackers as well as guides, increasing the chances of those rare sightings. Visiting three camps over the week each set in beautiful and game rich environments and a great range of land and water activities- this is a classic Botswana itinerary. Predators abound in these areas- including the rare African Wild Dog.
This itinerary is begins with 4 nights in the Kwando-Linyanti reserve, staying two nights on the riverfront and 2 nights deeper in land, followed by 3 nights in prime Okavango territory. With the flexibility of private reserves and permanent waters a full range of activities are on offer- day and night game drives, walking, mokoro and boating. With off-roading permitted in these reserves you are able to track animals more successfully and get closer for those extra special sightings and excellent photographic opportunities.
This itinerary begins on the northern frontier of Botswana, on the banks of the Kwando River – which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. This is one of Botswana’s largest private reserves, the Kwando reserve is an astonishing 2,300km² and shared between just two camps- Lagoon and Lebala. Vehicles are scarce, animals are not. This lesser known area is a pristine wilderness, home to immense elephant and buffalo herds and impressive predators numbers. This area really comes alive in the dry season when staggering numbers of elephants flock to the river. The area has good resident game too and predators are regularly seen here. Notably, this is one of the best places to see African wild dog.
Your four nights will be split between Lagoon Camp on the riverfront and Lebala Camp which is set deeper inland – these camps complement each other very well, with such different habitats the game viewing is varied.
Lagoon camp is a traditional camp with a simple style and a stunning setting on the banks of the river. Rooms are incredibly spacious if a little sparse but perfectly comfortable. It really is all about the views here, which all rooms enjoy. The Swimming pool also has a fantastic setting overlooking the river. Day and night drives are offered as well as walking and boating.
Lebala Camp lies in the lush open grasslands about 2-3 hours game drive south of Lagoon Camp. The spacious tented rooms overlook the fringes of the linyanti marshes and are extremely light and airy. Activities here focus on game drives only – with big game in this drier area offering the opportunity for fantastic sightings.
After 4 nights you fly south to the Okavango, to the Kwara private concession in the east of the Delta. Kwara is a vast concession of 232,000 hectares, continuing the exclusive safari experience. The Kwando Reserve is one of the most famous in Botswana, with a fantastic range of habitats permanent water and prime game viewing- This area has great sightings of lion, leopard, wild dog and even cheetah which is rare in the Okavango.
With permanent waters and the flexibility of a private concession a full range of land and water activities are offered from this beautiful and diverse reserve, keeping the safari experience interesting, fresh and exciting every day.
Splash Camp is a relatively new camp, built in 2018 and has a smarter, more contemporary design while remaining true to the essence of the safari experience. Rooms are spacious and furnishings more complete and plush, this ensures a more luxurious end to your safari.
Splash has a great track record for offering water activities year round so you can be confident of enjoying that quintessential Botswana safari experience, a mokoro trip, gliding silently through the waterways and seeing the game at eye level is a very special experience. Boating is also offered on a double decker boat which offers great views across the waters and floodplains.
All camps are operated by Kwando Safaris, one of the oldest Botswana operators who stand out for their focus on delivering superb game viewing experiences. To this end, and uniquely in Botswana, they have both a guide and a tracker on board, doubling the expert eyes on your drives and chances of finding those rare sightings.