Luxury Lodges · Okavango Delta, Botswana
Kwetsani Camp
Overview
Highlights
- Located within the private 63,000-hectare Jao Reserve, Kwetsani offers access to a diverse mix of floodplains, seasonal waterways and the game-rich Hunda Island, resulting in exceptional year-round wildlife viewing.
- Lechwe, reedbuck and tsessebe are commonly seen on the surrounding floodplains, while hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Delta's channels and lagoons.
- Neighbouring Hunda Island, the largest landmass within the Jao Reserve, is home to zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and elephant, together with predators including lion, leopard and spotted hyena.
Destination
Set on a palm-fringed island in the heart of the Jao Reserve, Kwetsani Camp overlooks a vast expanse of seasonally flooded grasslands and waterways. The camp's elevated position provides sweeping views across one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Okavango Delta, while its location allows guests to experience both land and water-based safari activities throughout the year.
Experience
Game drives are offered year-round at Kwetsani, with day and night drives exploring the surrounding floodplains and neighbouring Hunda Island, renowned for its concentrations of plains game and predators. During the flood season, Hunda Island is typically reached by a short 15-minute boat transfer from camp, adding a beautiful water-based element to the safari experience.
Boating and mokoro excursions are seasonal and depend on water levels. When conditions allow, these activities offer a classic Okavango Delta perspective, exploring the channels and lagoons while enjoying the region’s wildlife, birdlife and aquatic ecosystems.
Time spent in camp is equally rewarding, whether relaxing beside the swimming pool, enjoying the views from the elevated deck, or watching wildlife move across the floodplains directly in front of camp.
Wildlife
The surrounding wetlands support healthy populations of red lechwe and sitatunga, while Hunda Island attracts large herds of zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe and elephant, naturally drawing predators such as lion, leopard and spotted hyena.
Night drives reveal a fascinating array of nocturnal species including porcupine, civit, large-spotted genet and bushbabies.
Birdlife is exceptional throughout the year, with regular sightings of wattled cranes, slaty egrets and numerous other Okavango Delta specials.
Kwetsani Camp
Rebuilt and reopened in June 2026, Kwetsani features five spacious suites and one family suite connected by elevated walkways through the surrounding palms. The contemporary interiors blend natural materials with modern comfort, while expansive decks overlook the surrounding floodplains.
The elevated main area includes a lounge, dining room, bar, swimming pool and viewing deck, all positioned to maximise the spectacular outlook and frequent wildlife activity in front of camp.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Family Accommodation
Families are easily accommodated in two units which each sleep four comfortably. Both suites have two bedrooms with two three-quarter beds, and private en-suite bathrooms.
Family Suite
The Kwetsani Family Suite is ideal for families or close friends who want to enjoy the safari experience together while still having plenty of personal space. Essentially designed as two standard suites connected by...
Standard Twin/Double Suite(s)
The Kwetsani Standard Suite combines the romance of an elevated safari suite with the comfort and refinement of the rebuilt camp. Beautifully crafted in canvas, wood and glass, each suite is positioned to maximise...
Standard Twin/Double Tent(s)
Inspired by the spirit of authentic safari, Kwetsani combines modern comforts with the beauty of the surrounding untamed wilderness. Beautifully crafted in canvas, wood, and glass, each accommodation provides an elegant home away from...
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Property facilities
Bar, Pool
Accommodation & amenities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Nearby activities
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Kwetsani Camp – Elevated Above the Okavango Floodplains
Set on a palm-dotted island in the heart of the Jao Reserve, Kwetsani Camp offers one of the most scenic vantage points in the Okavango Delta. Elevated above sweeping floodplains and seasonal waterways, the camp overlooks a landscape that changes beautifully with the rhythm of the Delta. Kwetsani blends understated elegance with its remarkable natural setting. Spacious suites sit raised among the palms, offering uninterrupted views across the surrounding plains where wildlife moves between islands and open grasslands. The camp’s location allows guests to experience the Delta in many different ways. Game drives explore the surrounding woodland and floodplain areas in search of elephants, predators, and plains game, while seasonal water levels bring opportunities for boating and mokoro excursions through the quiet channels of the Delta. Kwetsani Camp is currently undergoing a complete rebuild and refurbishment, with the reimagined camp scheduled to reopen on 01 June 2026. The new design will retain its spectacular elevated setting while introducing beautifully redesigned suites and guest spaces that further enhance the Kwetsani experience. With its intimate atmosphere, panoramic views, and access to a diverse range of safari experiences, Kwetsani offers a tranquil yet richly rewarding Okavango Delta safari.
Discover the Jao Reserve – Okavango Delta
Welcome to the Jao Reserve, one of the most iconic private reserves in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Here, a remarkable mosaic of floodplains, palm islands, winding channels, and rich woodland habitats creates one of the most diverse safari landscapes in Africa. Within the reserve, six distinctive camps, Jao, Kwetsani, Tubu Tree, Little Tubu, Jacana, and Pelo, offer different perspectives of this extraordinary Delta environment. Each camp is positioned in a unique setting, allowing guests to experience the changing character of the Okavango across its varied habitats. The Jao Reserve is renowned for the variety of safari experiences it offers. Venture out on open-vehicle game drives through woodland and grassland, glide quietly through waterlily-filled channels by mokoro, or explore the Delta by boat as seasonal floodwaters transform the landscape. Wildlife encounters are equally diverse, from large herds of lechwe and buffalo moving across the floodplains to the excitement of tracking predators such as lion and leopard. Bird enthusiasts are also rewarded with exceptional birdlife throughout the reserve. This is the Okavango Delta in its full richness, dynamic, diverse, and unforgettable.
The Journey In – New Safari Vehicles at Jao Reserve
This video highlights the delivery of the new Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicles travelling from Maun into the Jao Reserve. These vehicles replace our long-serving heritage fleet of Land Rovers and form part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a modern, reliable fleet in one of Africa’s most remote safari environments. Operating in the Okavango Delta presents unique logistical challenges, and ensuring that our vehicles and equipment remain in top operating condition is essential to delivering a safe and comfortable safari experience. Purpose-built for comfort, safety, and exceptional visibility, these custom game viewer vehicles allow guests to explore the Delta from an elevated perspective. Spacious seating, open sides, and uninterrupted window views ensure that every guest enjoys a prime vantage point for wildlife viewing and photography. The vehicles are used for daily safari activities across the reserve and are designed to carry up to six guests, with each seat offering excellent visibility of the surrounding wilderness. For many guests, the journey from the airstrip to camp, and every drive that follows, is where the safari truly begins.
Activities
What you can do
Wilderness Kwetsani – Birding
The Jao Reserve has outstanding birding opportunities. With water and land activities, opportunities to grow your list are excellent. Wattled cranes, slaty egrets, rosy-throated longclaws, Pel’s fishing-owls and African skimmers are some of the "specials" while more common coppery-tailed coucals and pygmy goose are also seen.
Wilderness Kwetsani – Boating *
Boating is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing along the waterways. often yielding fabulous sightings of hippo and crocodile and maybe even the elusive sitatunga.* Water levels permitting.
Wilderness Kwetsani – Fishing *
Try your hand at seasonal fishing on a catch and release basis. The camp has a limited supply of basic equipment for your use.* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
Wilderness Kwetsani – Game Drives
Guided morning and afternoon game drives. offered in open 4x4 vehicles, explore the mosaic of Delta habitats, and let you come closer to some of the resident wildlife.
Wilderness Kwetsani – Guided Nature Walks *
Get your feet on the ground and enjoy a walk through the pristine Jao Reserve. On Hunda Island, the dry season brings in large numbers of mixed species, which makes for supremely rewarding walking safaris. Our expert guides welcome the opportunity to share their bushlore adventures ...* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential.
Wilderness Kwetsani – Hunda Island
During times of high water, Wilderness Kwetsani guests boat to Hunda Island for game drives, complete with a picnic on a full-day excursion.Hunda Island is famous for adrenaline pumping sightings!
Wilderness Kwetsani – Mokoro Excursions *
There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by floating silently in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Often revealing the smaller critters of the Okavango Delta, keep an eye out for tiny reed frogs, and the fascinating avian life. In summer, guests are driven to the waters edge for this activity.* Water levels permitting.
Wilderness Kwetsani – Night Drives
A whole new safari experience awaits after dark. Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during normal daytime drives. Go in search of the fascinating creatures of the night ... porcupine, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and lesser bushbaby are just some of these.
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