Kwetsani Camp

Accommodation

Kwetsani was completely rebuilt in 2026, reopening in June after an eight-month closure. The five spacious tented suites are raised amongst the palms and mature trees, connected to the main camp by wooden walkways. There is also a two-bedroom Family Suite with its own shared lounge.

The suites combine canvas, timber and glass, with large windows bringing the surrounding landscape into the rooms. Each has a bedroom with twin or double beds, a separate sunken lounge, writing desk and minibar, as well as an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower and bath. Large private decks extend the living space and have wonderful views across the floodplains.

The elevated design puts you amongst the treetops, surrounded by palms and mature trees, while the open views beyond take in the changing Delta landscape. The rebuilt interiors are sophisticated without losing the distinctive treehouse feel that has always been part of Kwetsani’s appeal.

Camp Facilities & Dining

The main camp is set beneath a large thatched roof and opens onto a broad wooden deck overlooking the floodplains. The open-sided lounge and dining area has comfortable sofas and armchairs, creating a relaxed space for reading, enjoying a drink or simply taking in the view. The bar is built around a large jackalberry tree, an unusual feature retained from the character of the original camp.

Below the main area, the swimming pool overlooks the water and is particularly attractive at different times of day, when the light catches the sparkling pool and the Okavango beyond. There are both shaded and sunny areas around the pool, making it a lovely place to spend time whether swimming or simply relaxing with a book or a drink. An elevated wooden walkway connects it to the main camp.

The overall feel is sophisticated but friendly rather than formal. Meals are served in the main dining area, while the lounge, deck and pool provide plenty of space to relax between activities, all with the Delta constantly in view.

Location & Access

Kwetsani Camp is set on a palm-fringed island in the 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve in the north-western Okavango Delta. The camp is surrounded by waterways and seasonal floodplains, with its elevated position giving wide views across the surrounding landscape.

Guests fly by light aircraft to Jao airstrip, from where it is a short transfer to camp. During the higher-water months, the final approach to the island is by boat.

Hunda Island, the main area of drier ground in the Jao Reserve, is also reached by boat from Kwetsani when water levels are high.

Activities & Seasonality

Kwetsani offers both land and water activities, with the balance changing according to the annual flood. During the higher-water months, typically from around May to September, mokoro excursions and boating become an important part of the experience, allowing guests to explore the waterways and floodplains from the water.

Game drives during the flood season are conducted on Hunda Island, reached by boat from camp. As the main area of drier ground in the Jao Reserve, Hunda provides good opportunities for game viewing when much of the surrounding landscape is under water. As water levels recede, game drives can increasingly take place closer to camp.

Guided walks can also be arranged with advance notice, subject to conditions and guide availability. The precise mix of activities varies from year to year according to the extent and timing of the annual inundation.

Wildlife

Wildlife at Kwetsani changes with the seasonal flood. During the higher-water months, the surrounding waterways and floodplains attract herds of red lechwe, hippos and a wealth of birdlife. As the water recedes, the drier plains open up for game drives, with good opportunities to see elephant, lion and leopard.

Hunda Island, reached by boat from camp during the flood season, provides particularly good game viewing, while the waterways around Kwetsani add the opportunity to see wildlife from a very different perspective. Outstanding birding conditions exist on the Jao Concession; with species including wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl and African skimmer.

The combination of land and water, and the way the wildlife changes with the seasons, is a defining part of the Kwetsani experience.