I came to the Kwando Concessions because I wanted to avoid the safari crowds. The truth is, they deliver exactly that. These private areas in northern Botswana are wild, remote, and among the most exclusive safari experiences you can book.
They give you space, and that space makes all the difference.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Book Kwando Concessions if you want privacy and limited vehicles around sightings.
- Expect high costs, but top-tier guiding and remote access justify it.
- Plan your gear carefully since logistics here make comfort and preparedness crucial.
Why Kwando Concessions Stand Apart
The Kwando Concessions cover two large private areas on the northern edge of Botswana, bordering Namibia and the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Unlike national parks such as Chobe or Moremi Game Reserve, these lands are privately managed. Access is restricted to guests staying at the camps inside, which creates a very different experience from busier public reserves.
This setup directly affects what you see and how you see it. When you drive up to a pride of lions, you will usually find only one or two other vehicles present rather than a queue of cars.
I once spent nearly an hour with a pack of wild dogs without interruption, something that would be rare in public parks. For travelers weighing costs, that level of exclusivity and time with wildlife is the strategic reason people choose Kwando despite higher prices.
Wildlife You Can Expect
The area is known for big predators. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs are frequent sightings, and packs of wild dogs here have earned a reputation for consistent hunting activity.
Elephants are also common, especially during the dry season when they converge on the river systems. Beyond the headline animals, I noticed stronger birdlife than expected, with fish eagles patrolling the water and bee-eaters nesting in sandy banks. That variety adds depth to the game-viewing and makes the region strategic for photographers looking for both large and small subjects.
If you have already done safaris in busier areas, this is where you notice the difference. In the Kwando Concessions, guides are free to off-road when tracking predators, something not allowed in many public parks.
Off-roading allows you to follow hunts more closely and get better angles for photography, though it comes with trade-offs. The rides are bumpier, and sensitive travelers should plan ahead with motion-sickness medication. From a strategic perspective, knowing these conditions in advance helps you manage comfort while still maximizing the viewing opportunities.
Cost and What’s Included
There is no way around it. Kwando Concessions are expensive. Budget travelers should know upfront that this is not the place for low-cost lodges or camping.
What you are paying for is exclusivity, small guest numbers, and high staff-to-guest ratios. Strategically, it makes sense only if you value these things and are willing to prioritize them over saving money.
- Budget: Not available here. You’ll need to look at areas like Central Kalahari Game Reserve or Makgadikgadi Pans for more affordable options.
- Mid-range: Also scarce. Expect to spend at least $900–$1,200 per person per night, often in simpler tented camps with fewer amenities.
- Luxury: This is the standard. Prices range from $1,500–$2,500 per person per night, usually all-inclusive. That typically covers game drives, meals, drinks, laundry, and sometimes charter flights between concessions. Travelers should always confirm what is and isn’t included before booking, as extras like park fees, premium alcohol, or scenic flights can add up.
I found the guiding quality extremely high. Kwando employs local trackers alongside guides, which gives you a two-person team in the vehicle. That setup increases your chances of spotting animals and makes the drives feel sharper and more focused.
From a planning perspective, this dual-guide system means your money directly impacts the quality of your sightings, which is important to weigh when comparing with other concessions or national parks.
Where to Stay
Kwando runs a few key camps, each with its own appeal and strengths. Lebala Camp sits in open floodplains, where I saw elephants crossing the grasslands at sunrise. These plains are ideal for cheetah and wild dog sightings because the visibility is high.
Lagoon Camp, by contrast, is closer to the Kwando River. From my tent deck, I watched hippos in the water and also saw herds of buffalo coming down to drink. Strategically, picking between the two depends on whether you prefer floodplain game drives or water-based activities.
The camps are small, usually eight tents or fewer. That means a maximum of sixteen guests at a time. This limited capacity adds to the exclusivity but also requires advance planning.
If you want September or October, book at least 9–12 months ahead. Shoulder-season bookings are a bit easier, but flexibility in timing gives you a better chance of securing space.
When to Go
Timing affects what you see. Dry season from June to October is best for predator action because animals gather around water sources. I came in September, and the game was concentrated along the river.
The wet season from November to April makes the landscape greener and birding excellent, but animals spread out.
If you are planning, I suggest reading my detailed guide on the best time to safari in Botswana before booking. It helps to know how the timing will affect what you pay and what you see.
What to Pack and Prepare
Because Kwando Concessions are remote, you need to pack carefully. Plan for small charter flights where baggage weight limits are strict, usually 20kg per person in soft bags. That means leaving heavy suitcases behind.
Think about clothing first. Neutral colors like khaki, beige, and olive work best. I’ve written a full guide on what to wear on safari in Botswana if you want a step-by-step packing breakdown.
Good shoes matter too since you may do walking safaris. I recommend checking my guide to the best shoes for safari in Botswana.
Binoculars are essential. Guides often spot animals before you do, and having your own pair makes the experience more rewarding.
Bring layers for chilly mornings and evenings, even if you’re visiting in the hot months.
Activities Beyond Game Drives
Most people come for the game drives, but Kwando also offers walking safaris. I tried one early one morning, and it gave me a new sense of the environment. We tracked fresh elephant prints and learned about smaller animals I’d have missed from the vehicle.
Walking safaris are not about big-game encounters as much as they are about context – plants, tracks, insects, and animal behavior. From a strategic perspective, they diversify your experience and give you skills to notice details once you are back in the vehicle. If you are curious about how walking safaris work in Botswana, I’ve explained them in detail here.
Boat safaris are also possible at Lagoon Camp, depending on water levels. Watching hippos from a boat felt different from seeing them from a vehicle.
It gave me a better sense of how they move and interact, and for photographers it allowed lower angles and unobstructed shots. The trade-off is that water levels are seasonal, so you should confirm with your camp before building boat activities into your expectations.
How It Compares to Other Concessions
If you’re deciding between private concessions, know that each has its character and trade-offs. Duba Plains Reserve is famous for lion-buffalo battles but can feel more choreographed as many visitors want to see that spectacle.
Selinda Reserve emphasizes predator action and conservation programs, making it appealing if you want a balance of wildlife viewing and community impact.
Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is more untamed and draws large elephant herds, though road conditions and remoteness can make travel trickier.
Kwando Concessions stand out for predator density and a strong focus on tracking skills. They are less manicured than some luxury reserves, which I found refreshing but also a bit rougher in terms of roads and camp polish.
From a strategic point of view, they are ideal if you value raw wilderness and uninterrupted sightings more than spa-like comforts.
Logistics and Travel Time
Reaching Kwando Concessions requires charter flights from Maun or Kasane. Flights usually take 45–90 minutes depending on which camp you’re heading to.
These flights are often included in your safari package, but always confirm the details and check whether park fees or luggage transfers are extra. In rainy season months, delays are common, so it pays to keep your onward schedule flexible and avoid tight international connections.
The remoteness adds cost and time, but it also ensures the exclusivity that defines Kwando.
From a strategic point of view, that means building at least one buffer night in Maun or Kasane before and after your concession stay, especially if you are combining it with other regions like the Okavango Delta private concessions.
Final Thoughts Before Booking
If you want seclusion, strong predator viewing, and top-quality guiding, Kwando Concessions are worth considering.
They are not for budget travelers, and they demand careful planning of both timing and logistics. From an objective standpoint, the experience suits travelers who prioritize privacy and raw wilderness over spa-like amenities.
For those ready to pay the price, the reward is one of the most private and strategically valuable safari options in Botswana.
For more planning details on Botswana safaris overall, see my Botswana safari guide and check the official Botswana Tourism Organization site for travel updates.
