A safari can be had in several African countries and in other locations in Botswana, but these are the key reasons why Kwando Safaris has been consistently recognized in the industry as one of the best photographic safari companies.
Pristine Wilderness
Each of our spectacular camps are set in unique and diverse wildlife destinations. The Kwara Reserve in the Okavango Delta is 175,000 hectares while the Kwando Reserve in the greater Kwando-Linyanti region spans 232,000 hectares (that’s 30 times the size of Manhattan!) and only has only two camps as well. Our Tau Pan camp is just one of two camps within the vast expanse of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, while we are the only camp within Nxai Pan National Park, with the best access to the magnificent Baines’ Baobabs.
Trackers
The guide and tracker combination on every game drive is Kwando Safaris’ forte, providing the benefit of two sets of roving eyes and keen ears that miss nothing as you traverse the wilderness of northern Botswana. Your experienced guide is also able to fully focus on imparting interesting information and bush folklore to you, while the skilled tracker guides you through the undergrowth and across the open plains.
Flexible Timings
We believe the bush dictates the time of your meals, and your safari as a whole, and not the other way around. This is why you’re here, in the wild. Should your vehicle be out following an amazing sighting, your meals will be kept toasty and warm, awaiting your return. Similarly, families with younger children may opt to return earlier in line with their children’s preferences.
Private Concessions
We operate in exclusive concession areas offering some of the most consistently high-quality game viewing in the country. Don’t fret about missing a photographic opportunity in the Kwara or Kwando Reserve, as these private concessions mean that you can go off-road and closer to sightings for that money shot. Night drives are also available in which shyer nocturnal animals can also be spotted.
The Personal Touch
We pride ourselves on the personal attention from committed staff. With no more than 18 guests per camp, your safari is in the hands of experienced and talented managers with whom you will definitely create a personal connection with. Each safari vehicle with three rows of three seats, only takes a maximum of 6 guests, in which you are assured the attention of your guide and also the comfort to have sufficient space to spread out your gear.
Digital Detox
There were never any phones or laptops back in the early days of safaris. Kwando subscribes to this mindset and your safari is dominated by the sounds of nature (more often than not, right outside your tent!) and not the pinging of your mobile phone. Disconnect: your phone is now just a camera. Relax, recharge and revitalize yourself… The bush is a healing place.
For international flights, (via Airlink or Air Botswana) most guests access the camps from Maun, Kasane or Victoria Falls. Reaching your safari camp of choice often involves travelling long distances over regions with little or no transport infrastructure.
While some safari camps are accessible by vehicle, the only practical way to reach many is by light aircraft.
Kwando Safaris' sister company, Moremi Air, is responsible for flying our guests in and out of Kwando Safaris camps. These charter flights are also offered to guests during their stay or as part of their transfers.
All flights have a strict baggage weight restriction of 20 kgs (including limited hand luggage) per guest in soft bags. Excess luggage may result in an additional charge or may not accompany guest on the same flight. Guests with heavy camera equipment should ensure that arrangements are made for transfers prior to arrival.
Helicopters are available for charter when staying in camp for scenic 'hops' which offers spectacular aerial photographs and adds a new dimension to your safari experience.
Early booking for helicopter transfers is essential to avoid dissapointment.
Offroad game drives
† Seasonal or on request
Heli-mokoro excursion
† Seasonal or on request
Kwando Safaris supports the Lady Khama Charitable Trust (LKCT). Lady Ruth Khama was the wife of the first President, Sir Seretse Khama and mother of present President Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama. She was considered the mother of the nation and was well-known for her support of many charitable causes. The LKCT supports several charitable initiatives throughout the country and Kwando Safaris operates a 'matching' scheme for the benefit of the Trust and its associated charitable beneficiaries. Guests are offered a chance to contribute to a very worthy cause and Kwando Safaris pledges to match each guest’s contribution.
In line with Botswana's 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2016, which called for great celebration around the country, Kwando Safaris decided to give back to the community in which we live in. Rather than spending the money on a party, we wanted to be sure everyone had something to celebrate as well. Rather than lose monies in admin and organising, the Kwando staff solicited donations of much needed household supplies and also purchased some in addition, allowing more fund to be utilised to benefit those who need help. The staff also came together for a weekend to go around giving out the buckets (a more useful household item than a basket for example) to the more rural outskirts of Maun. They were received with great appreciation and joy from the community.
Kwando Safaris intends to continue this practice and will do it once at the beginning of the year and again around the anniversary period.
Kwando Safaris is the lead sponsor of the grassroots initiative Mummy's Angels, a Maun-based project to support and empower mothers and their newborns in Maun who do not have financial or family support. Mummy's Angels was started in April 2018 voluntarily by three ladies who have lived in Maun for some years and are familiar with the plight that some less fortunate women face here. Mummy's Angels started out donating their children's pre-loved clothes and baby essentials to these ladies in need. Kwando Safaris invites our guests to bring some of the requested items with them as they come on safari. For every item donated, Kwando Safaris will match with a similar item, doubling the impact of each donation.
Please visit their Facebook Page for regular updates.
We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the Mummy's Angels project we support, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.
Please click here to see what supplies are needed for our project/projects.
