Khwai River Lodge in the Okavango Delta

Nestled on the edge of a leadwood and fig tree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, sits the luxurious Khwai River Lodge by Orient-Express.

Khwai River Lodge is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife from the comfort of your own private deck. As a year round destination for wildlife, predators can regularly be seen in the area, rated as one of the most prolific in Botswana for viewing wildlife. The exceptional location of Khwai makes it a regular host to Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dogs. Birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors near the lodge.

At Khwai, you are close to Africa’s heartbeat and at the centre of a world that has not altered since life began. You can sense this from the moment you arrive.

Accommodation

Khwai River Lodge is perfectly designed to blend into the surrounding environment.

All luxury tents are housed on raised wooden platforms, offering great views, and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof.

The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy.

The tent interiors are luxuriously appointed with such comforts as an en suite bathroom, private fully stocked mini bar, four poster bed complete with mosquito netting, as well as a discreet air conditioning.

For your convenience, in-rooms safes are provided for the safekeeping of all cash, travel documents and other such articles.

The Tents

All luxury tents are housed on raised wooden platforms, offering great views of the African landscape. The tents are shaded by a traditional African thatch roof.

Wildlife is all around you as you relax on your large private deck furnished with easy chairs and a hammock. The deck also provides a spectacular environment for enjoying a private dinner in complete harmony with your surroundings, ideal for a special occassion or just as a treat.

The tent interiors are luxuriously appointed with en suite bathrooms, a private fully stocked mini bar, four poster bed complete with mosquito netting as well as a discreet air conditioning.

For your convenience, in-rooms safes at Khwai River Lodge are provided for the safekeeping of all cash, travel documents and other such articles.

Facilities include:

Air conditioning and heating Mini bar Outside lounge, with hammock and ceiling fan Private viewing deck Individual gas geysers ‘His and hers’ vanity unit in en-suite bathroom Electric heaters 110v/220v plugs for electric razors Facilities for charging video batteries 24 hour DC battery lighting in guest rooms Hair dryers In-room safes Overhead fans Intercom system to reception

Private Suite

Khwai River Lodge has an exclusive private suite, perfect for a more intimate safari experience. The naturally stunning private suite with a spacious secluded deck area is set away from the other tents in the camp.

The extended viewing deck has two relaxing sun loungers, perfect for basking in the warm African sun. To the side, a generous heated splash pool which is set amongst the trees for shade and privacy, yet with full views of the Delta allows one to wallow in communion with the hippos whilst spotting elephant and crocodiles on the island banks.

The open air double showers and beautiful deep copper-framed Victorian bath, with only the tree canopy as a roof, offers further opportunities to commune with nature. Guests enjoying the luxurious new suite will have the opportunity to enjoy game-viewing on their own exclusive vehicle with their own personal guide, and they will be able to set out on a safari expedition as and when they wish.

Choose an elegant candle-lit dinner on the private outdoor deck (additional rates apply). Among the many other suite indulgences available in the suite include temperature controlled rooms, a well-stocked mini bar, oversized fluffy bathrobes, big soft bath sheets, cosy slippers and luxurious bathroom toiletries.

Khwai River Lodge Game Viewing

Camp Activities

Activities at Khwai River Lodge include morning and afternoon game drives in open Land Cruisers. Night spotlight game drives and star gazing presentations are also conducted after dinner.

A cultural visit to a local village can also be arranged, as well as guided safari walks along the Khwai River by one of our experienced team of guides. For the more adventurous, full-day private game excursions are also available to the nearby Okavango Delta where guests also have the opportunity to experience a boat cruise. For those wishing to stay at the camp and relax, The Lodge is equipped with a hide overlooking the Khwai floodplains, a swimming pool as well as a gym and spa facility. Guests can enjoy indulgent treatments in the facility or in the privacy of their own tent.

Bird watching

Khwai River Lodge is set on the banks of the Khwai river which during the dry months of the year is the only source of permanent water in the whole area. This area is most famous for its raptor populations – Martiale Agles, Secretary Birds, Bateleurs and a whole host of little Raptors comprise the main feature of this area. There are wonderful water birds to be found along the Khwai river and this river is fairly open and makes for easy birding, birds to look out for are Purple Gallinule, Saddle Billed Stork, Black Stork, Kingfishers, Slatey Egret and a whole host of little Waders.

Surrounding woodland comprises mainly of Mopane and there are a number of birds to look out for here; a big special for the area is the Arnot’s Chat and Hartlub’s Babblers. A trip up to Xaxanka (“kakanika”) is also a worthwhile trip as this takes you up onto part of the permanent swamp. Khwai boasts over 300 species and is wellw orth the trip, recommended stay at this camp is two nights. Khwai is also our flagship camp in so far as game is concerned; you are guaranteed to see almost all of your large mammal species and it is a first class destination to try and find that elusive leopard.