Highlights
- Superb game viewing
- Excellent predator action
- Vehicle and walking safaris
- Spectacular birdlife
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Kwando Lebala Camp is an elegant, tented camp set in the vast flood plains of the Linyanti Marshes of northern Botswana. Lebala means ‘wide open spaces’ in Setswana and the camp’s setting affords superb 360 degree views of the stunning surrounding wetlands. Kwando Lebala is one of a small number of high quality camps in the Linyanti area offering a high-quality safari experience. During the May-October dry season, superb concentrations of wildlife are found here, with large herds of elephant and buffalo congregating on the Kwando-Linyanti riverfront. Predator action is phenomenal, with lion, leopard, cheetah and wild hunting dogs in action. The camp is accessible via light aircraft and is frequently combined with a stay in the Okavango Delta to contrast water-based safari with the spectacular game drives in this area.
The camp is accessed via a small wooden bridge leading over a permanent channel of water. The attractive main area or ‘boma’ is raised up on stilts and has a large lounge and bar area with and a light and airy dining space. There is a plunge pool and a game-viewing hide on site, plus a fire pit in the mornings and evenings. There is no internet access so a stay here offers a real chance to ‘switch off’. There are around twenty attentive staff to cater to guests’ needs, although the camp does have a relaxed, ‘help yourself’ feel. The food, although more ‘home cooked’ than ‘gourmet’, is generally very good.
Activities are naturally centred on the abundant wildlife and the private nature of the Kwando Concession means that game-drives are possible both day and night. The Linyanti region is known for its serious approach to safari guiding, with a clear focus on major predator action – this can make for a somewhat demanding visitor experience, although any tiredness is far outweighed by the thrill of spectacular wildlife viewing. After dark, nocturnal sightings of elusive species such as leopard, mongoose and aardwolf are possible; the birdlife is spectacular at night, with a large variety of owls and nightjars in residence. Game drives are undertaken in custom-designed, open-topped vehicles which seat no more than 6 guests at a time so everyone gets a ‘window seat’ with second-to-none viewing and photography opportunities. Kwando Lebala Camp provides a professional guide and a tracker for every vehicle meaning that guests are very well informed and no sightings are missed. More leisurely walking safaris offer visitors the chance to get even closer to nature and can be tailored to individual preferences, although note that these are day-time only and may be limited during the dry season due to the large elephant population in the region at this time.
The pristine accommodation is attractive and simple in style and comprises 8 spacious tents raised on teak sundecks, each with a viewing deck, an entrance foyer, and a large bedroom and living area. All tents have bathroom areas with hot and cold running water, bath, flush toilet and outdoor double shower. Note that it can be very cold towards the beginning of the dry season but hot water bottles are provided for extra warmth. For hotter months there is a ceiling fan above the bed. There is also a family chalet with two smaller twin-bedded rooms accessed from a shared bathroom.
Children aged 6 and over are welcome although families with children aged 6-12 years are required to book a private vehicle for game drives for which there may be an additional charge. Note that the camp is unfenced and whilst it’s true that animals tend to stay away from tents and humans, children need to remain under the constant supervision of their parents.
Kwando Lebala Camp combines a laid-back accommodation style with a single-minded focus on game-viewing. Although this property is perhaps less refined than some of the other camps in the area, it does offer a high level of comfort, with attentive staff creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The exclusive nature of the Linyanti region, with its small number of high-end accommodations and relatively low visitor numbers, mean that the camp’s price tag is necessarily high so this is not an option for those with a limited budget. However, for an uncompromising safari experience with abundant wildlife on tap, a stay at this property is worth every penny.
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B
reviewing Best of South Africa for Families
on 01 March 2024
We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.
Claudia L
reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday
on 11 January 2024
We had a brilliant trip!
An amazing experience for parents, children and grandparents alike.
We are already planning a trip to Vietnam next year
Kate B
reviewing Morocco Family Holiday: Kasbahs, Mountains & Souks
on 10 January 2024
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023
