Kwando Lagoon Camp in the Kwando Reserve
Kwando Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of the Kwando River among tall and ancient African Ebony and Marula trees, under the watchful gaze of the resident hippos.
Kwando Lagoon Camp accommodates only 16 guests in 8 twin bedded luxury safari-style tents. Each tent looks out over the water and has private en-suite facilities, including 24 hour hot and cold running water, open-air showers, flush toilets and modern amenities.
Over the years, many of our guests have commented that Kwando Lagoon Camp stands out as one of the most beautiful settings of any safari camp.
Morning and night game drives are conducted by our specialist guides and trackers in open safari vehicles. This area is home to huge herds of elephants and buffalo. There are few places in Africa where such concentrated numbers of these animals exist, especially in the dry season.
The shady, treed environment of the camp hosts a great variety of birds and squirrels that visit daily. A family of hippo and an elephant or three are regularly sighted from the tents. This contributes to the relaxed calm that prevails at Lagoon.
The predators are also well represented by lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
Kwando Lagoon Camp is famous as the best venue in Africa for wild dog viewing as the dogs have denned near the camp every year of the camps existence.
These animals are generally very relaxed in the presence of vehicles, meaning the sightings are usually at close range and many guests have seen amazing action as these pics attest.
Among the great variety of antelope species found at Kwando Lagoon Camp, the endangered Sable and Roan are often seen. Seasonally, large herds of elephant drink almost daily at the river bank in front of the camp, in full view of the guests. The big herds attract big predators. The lions of Kwando are famous for their elephant, hippo and buffalo kills. Playful spotted necked otters are commonly seen performing in the Lagoon right in front of the tents.
Boat cruises along the Kwando River provide excellent opportunities for birding. We also offer specialist fly fishing and spinner fishing for Tiger fish and Bream. Some excellent catches have been made by Kwando guests. Lagoon’s complement of staff are there to look after you quietly and efficiently, so as to ensure a relaxing, peaceful stay.
There is a guest pool in which to cool off during the hot months.
Freshly prepared delicious meals are served in the thatched dining room overlooking the tranquil waters of the lagoon.
Kwando Lagoon Camp Game Viewing
Whether you’re starting the day before sunrise to view the animal kingdom’s early risers or tracking the great nocturnal beasts with spotlights at night, the game viewing experience with Kwando Safaris is a holiday highlight for most people. Because of the unspoiled wilderness, the absence of fences and other man made infrastructures, we’re able to deliver the Africa you dreamed about. Wide open plains alive with game and palm trees or winding waterways teeming with birdlife. The great herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals are a Kwando trademark. Your game drives centre on the movement of animals, which are in turn dependent on the season and the rainfall. You might be hunting way off road with a pack of wild dogs one day or sitting silently watching elephant drink and bathe the next. Game drives themselves are an incredible adventure.
Every day at Kwando Lagoon Camp is different. Our guides and trackers have a wealth of knowledge and will give you a complete picture of life in these abundant eco systems. How everything from termites and dung beetles, even grasses and soils, right up to lion, cheetah and elephant, contribute to the balance of life. Not all safari operations have trackers on vehicles, but it’s our belief that another set of trained eyes are an essential part of your drive, increasing the odds of seeing something special. Also this allows the guide to concentrate his or her attention on the guests, answering questions and looking after their needs. A big advantage of our set up is that we permit just six guests per vehicle in two rows of seats. We believe this makes for a far more intimate safari experience and ensures more leg room and overall comfort. You’ll stop for sundowners on the evening drive, winter and summer, where you can absorb the wonderful silence of the bush and the sunset, with a cooling or warming drink.
Once again, the Kwando camps are all on private land, so we’re not restricted by roads, nor the time of day. In some of the camps in the National Parks areas, there are limitations on your game drive movements. At Kwando Lagoon Camp, if you wish to hunt with the lions deep into the African night, its entirely your prerogative! As we’ve mentioned elsewhere, just remember, the drives are in open vehicles, so a hat and sunscreen all through the year is a must … and very warm clothing, sweaters, jackets, gloves and scarves are highly recommended for winter (May through August). We also provide each guest with animal and bird checklists, which you can tick off along the way.
