Kwando Lebala Camp is a quintessential, secluded safari camp nestled in the expansive Kwando Concession of Botswana’s Linyanti Marshes. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife experiences, Lebala Camp offers visitors an exhilarating journey into the wild, combining opulent lodgings with the genuine essence of classic safari escapades. Nestled at the brink of vast floodplains and lush riverine woodlands, Lebala Camp is located in a region renowned for its abundant predators and majestic big game, especially during the dry season.
Environment and Locale
Nestled along the Kwando River, Lebala Camp is located in a region celebrated for its untamed beauty, covering more than 232,000 hectares. The area boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, featuring floodplains, grasslands, and mopane woodlands, all teeming with a vibrant array of wildlife. The camp’s secluded setting and small guest numbers create a unique experience, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the pristine wilds of Botswana.
Lebala, which translates to “wide open spaces” in Setswana, embodies the breathtaking, expansive terrain that extends endlessly into the horizon. The seasonal rains breathe new life into the Linyanti region, drawing in a variety of wildlife that turns Lebala into an exceptional spot for game viewing and birdwatching.
Stay at Kwando Lebala Camp
Lebala Camp features eight expansive tented suites, thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with the surrounding landscape while ensuring guests enjoy remarkable comfort. Each suite is perched on a raised deck, offering expansive views of the floodplain and the chance to spot wildlife just steps away from your door.
Canvas Retreats
The canvas suites at Lebala Camp are spacious and airy, featuring elevated decks that invite guests to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of the landscape around them. Inside, the décor blends warm hues and organic textures, crafting a welcoming and rugged atmosphere. Each tent features a cozy bed, ceiling fans, and a private bathroom complete with a bathtub, along with an outdoor shower for those who enjoy a more open-air experience.
The tents are arranged for seclusion, linked by sandy trails that meander through the wilderness. The expansive design invites guests to fully engage with their surroundings, featuring generous windows and a covered veranda that amplify the scenery.
Exciting Encounters with Nature and Safari Adventures
Lebala Camp offers exceptional game drives and a rich variety of wildlife that inhabit the region. The Kwando Concession, alongside its sister camp, Lagoon, boasts remarkable populations of lions, leopards, wild dogs, and elephants. The expansive landscape of the floodplains offers thrilling opportunities for spotting predators and exhilarating game drives.
Exciting Expeditions and Thrilling Encounters
At Lebala, game drives take place twice a day, guided by expert trackers and guides who excel at uncovering the region’s most elusive wildlife. Morning and evening drives take you through the varied landscapes of the concession, perfect for encountering majestic big cats, elusive wild dogs, and enormous herds of elephants, especially in the dry season.
At Lebala Camp, the guides possess extensive local knowledge and expertise in tracking, significantly increasing the likelihood of witnessing thrilling predator-prey interactions. The camp is renowned for its encounters with wild dog packs, offering an exhilarating experience as you witness their dynamic and energetic hunting techniques.
Night drives await, presenting a chance to encounter the thrilling sights of nocturnal wildlife, such as genets, civets, and hyenas. The region’s predators come alive in the cooler evening hours, turning night drives into an exhilarating highlight of the safari experience.
Exploring on foot
For guests seeking an exhilarating experience, Lebala Camp provides guided walking safaris. With skilled guides by their side, these walks invite guests to traverse the bush on foot, delving into the intricate details of the ecosystem, including animal tracks, insects, and plant life. Walking safaris offer an extraordinary view of the landscape, allowing guests to discover the complexities of the ecosystem while relishing the thrill of traversing through predator territory.
Dining and Lodge Offerings
The central lodge area at Lebala Camp invites you to unwind and connect, featuring an open-air dining space, a snug lounge, and a bar filled with delightful options. The camp’s main deck offers stunning views of the floodplains, allowing guests to frequently catch glimpses of wildlife while enjoying their meals. Dining at Lebala offers an exciting array of local and international dishes, highlighting the vibrant freshness of ingredients and flavors.
The meals are presented in a cozy atmosphere, frequently featuring bush breakfasts and sundowner pauses amidst thrilling game drives. Evening dinners become a gathering of spirits, where guests exchange tales of the day’s escapades beneath the twinkling stars, occasionally accompanied by the distant roars of lions.
Seasonal Highlights and Wildlife Exploration
Lebala Camp provides exceptional game viewing throughout the year, with each season presenting unique benefits. In the dry season from June to October, the excitement of wildlife viewing reaches its height as animals gather around the scarce water sources, such as the Kwando River. This time is particularly exciting for observing massive herds of elephants, zebras, and antelope, which attract predators to the region.
During the wet season (November to March), the landscape bursts into life with vibrant greenery, drawing in migratory birds and offering a picturesque setting for photography. Although the lush greenery can obscure wildlife sightings, this season offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and spotting young animals that emerge following the rains.
Conservation and Eco-Conscious Approaches
Lebala Camp is run by Kwando Safaris, a company dedicated to eco-friendly tourism and uplifting local communities. The camp harnesses the power of the sun and embraces mindful practices for water and waste management, all while striving to leave a lighter mark on the environment. Kwando Safaris engages in a variety of conservation initiatives, actively supporting anti-poaching efforts and local community projects.
What Makes Kwando Lebala Camp a Great Choice?
Lebala Camp is perfect for those who crave an authentic and immersive experience in one of Botswana’s most exclusive wilderness areas. Its secluded setting, limited visitor capacity, and renowned opportunities for exhilarating wildlife interactions create an unforgettable experience for those eager to explore the untamed essence of the Okavango Delta region. The expert guides and cozy atmosphere promise a unique and thrilling safari experience in an untouched landscape, allowing guests to observe the captivating stories of the African wilderness as they come to life around them.
For those in search of an exhilarating safari that highlights thrilling predator encounters, comfortable yet authentic lodgings, and an immersive experience in the wild, Kwando Lebala Camp offers an unforgettable expedition into one of Africa’s most pristine environments.