Khwai River View

Game Drives Khwai ConcessionThe Khwai Concession offers some of the most rewarding game viewing in northern Botswana. Situated just north of the Moremi Game Reserve, this area is a true wildlife sanctuary, defined by the Khwai River, which acts as a permanent water source, drawing in a vast array of animals.The ExperienceA game drive in Khwai is an intimate and exhilarating journey into the African bush. Traveling in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles, you will traverse diverse habitats—from lush riverine forests and open floodplains to dry Mopane woodlands. Our experienced local guides, many of whom are Bayei people with generations of knowledge about the area, are experts at tracking and interpreting animal behavior, ensuring a rich and informative experience.Expected SightingsKhwai is renowned for its predators. It is an excellent place to spot lion, leopard, cheetah, and the highly endangered African Wild Dog. Elephant herds are frequently seen traversing the area, often drinking from or crossing the Khwai River. You can also expect to encounter large numbers of buffalo, various antelope species (such as Red Lechwe, Tsessebe, Kudu, and Impala), giraffe, zebra, and smaller mammals. The area is also a spectacular destination for birdwatching.

A Journey into Community and ConservationWelcome to Khwai Village, a unique community nestled on the banks of the Khwai River, where the commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of rich cultural heritage go hand in hand. This cultural walk offers an intimate look into the daily life, traditions, and pioneering conservation efforts of the local people, primarily the Batswana and the Basarwa (San) communities.Overview of the ExperienceYour walk will be guided by local community members, offering unparalleled insight into the history, economy, and social structure of Khwai. This is not just a tour; it is an opportunity for authentic cultural exchange and a chance to understand the crucial role community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) plays in this part of Botswana.Highlights of the Walk● Traditional settlement & daily life: Visit a traditional homestead (motse) and learn about local architecture, cooking methods, and the structure of family life. See how local crafts are made.● Local Knowledge & Flora/Fauna: Your guide will point out medicinal plants, traditional food sources, and explain the tracking techniques used by the Basarwa people.● Education & Future: Visit the local primary school or clinic (time permitting) to understand the community’s investment in its future.

An Authentic Water Safari ExperienceA mokoro excursion in Khwai offers one of the most serene and intimate ways to explore the waterways bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The mokoro is a traditional dug-out canoe, historically used by the local people for fishing and transport, and is perfectly suited for gliding silently through the shallow channels of the Okavango Delta.The excursion typically begins in the early morning or late afternoon, as these are the best times for wildlife viewing and offer cooler temperatures. You will be greeted by your poler, usually a local resident from the Khwai community, who expertly guides the mokoro using a long pole (ngashi) to push off the riverbed.Silence and SerenityUnlike a motorized boat, the mokoro moves almost silently, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sounds of the African wilderness—the chirping of reed frogs, the call of a fish eagle, or the gentle rustling of the reeds. The low perspective from the water brings you close to the smaller details often missed on a vehicle safari.While mokoros operate in safe, shallow areas, the Khwai river system is teeming with life.

Moremi Game Reserve, nestled in the eastern corner of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, offers an unparalleled safari experience. A day trip with a private, expert guide transforms this journey from a simple game drive into an intimate, educational, and highly personalized exploration of one of Africa's most biodiverse wildernesses.Your day begins with an early morning departure. As you approach the Moremi gates at Khwai, your guide handles all necessary park entry formalities while explaining the conservation efforts underway. Once inside, the guide immediately begins "reading the book of the bush"—looking for fresh tracks, listening for alarm calls, and utilizing their deep knowledge of animal behavior to predict movement.The early morning hours, bathed in the soft, golden light, are the most magical and productive for viewing.