KWANDO LAGOON CAMP – KWANDO CONCESSION

Lagoon camp lies on the shady banks of the Kwando River nestled beneath towering ebony and marula trees.

For those interested in seeing wild dog the Kwando Concession is one of the best areas to be with a chance of finding these elusive predators. The Lagoon wild dog pack regularly den close to the camp and excellent viewing opportunities have led to Lagoon’s reputation as one of the best places to see wild dog in Botswana.

Seasonally large herds of elephant drink at the river bank near to the camp in full view of the main deck, while pods of hippos are commonly seen languidly sunbathing in the water.

Due to its location in a private concession game drives can go off road to allow vehicles to be positioned closer to special predator sighting which enhances the photographic and game viewing experience.

LOCATION

Lagoon Camp is located on the Kwando River in the private Kwando Concession in northern Botswana.

CAMP

Lagoon has just eight expansive tents, each with a private deck, spacious living area and bathroom all offering picturesque views over the river. With special gauze walls you can enjoy the view from within your tent and these can be perfect to wake up to in a morning or enjoy during an afternoon soak in the bath. The bathroom also has both indoor and outdoor showers and double washbasins. One of the tents also comprises a second bedroom with twin beds, ideal for families. All tents have cooling thatched roofs and ceiling fans.

The main thatched areas of the camp include a bar and lounge, dining area, curio shop and second-level library overlooking the river. The camp also has a plunge pool and outdoor deck with a swing.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The densely forested site is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals and the area has a well-earned reputation for big game with seasonal large herds of elephant and buffalo. In the winter herds of up to a thousand are not uncommon and large numbers of elephant drink at the river bank in full view of the main camp deck. This vast concentration of game attracts the attention of large predators, including the Lagoon wild dog pack who regularly den close to the camp. A highlight is also the afternoon boat cruise and seasonal fishing is also available

Game Drives – using custom designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating no more than six guests at a time in 3 rows of 3 seats. Safaris are guided by a two person team of professional guide and tracker – a special feature of the Kwando Safaris wildlife experience. The two person team enables the guide to communicate points of interest and the complex interrelations that exist throughout the natural world, while the tracker ensures no sightings or tracks are missed.

Night Drives – the drive starts in the late afternoon as the day’s heat is declining. After a leisurely pause for a sundowner and as the African day is transformed into a soft colourful evening canvas the night drive begins. Nocturnal wildlife is revealed by spotlight, often unexpectedly, picking out the reflection of eyes in the dark.

Walking Safaris – walking in Africa’s wild areas is the only way to truly appreciate the natural environment. While game viewing from a vehicle allows one to see more animals as you traverse much greater distances and get much closer to animals safely there is nothing as exciting as observing wild animals on foot. Many smaller species of plants and insects, tracks and signs are all easily missed when in a vehicle. The slow pace of the walk and interpretative skills of your guide will open your eyes to a new and fascinating world. Game walks are not hikes; they are slow comfortable strolls meant to provide you with a chance to experience the wilderness at a natural pace. Any walk can be combined with a game drive or mokoro and the length of walk can be adjusted to suit your personal desires or level of fitness.

Boat Cruise – the boat experience is a soothing tonic, a contrast to the vigorous efforts of searching for mammals from a vehicle or on foot. Sit back and while away the hours stopping to gaze at spectacular birds and bathing elephant and enjoy the vistas of the river systems. Double-decker boats are used to provide a better vantage point and offer a wonderful position to enjoy the waterways and their varied inhabitants.

Fishing – is offered at Lagoon for 10 months of the year but is prohibited in January and February as this is peak breeding season. Basic equipment is supplied but avid fly-fishers are advised to bring their own equipment. Species that are targeted by sports fisherman are several tilapia (bream) species including the olive bream or nembwe, red breasted tilapia, purple faced largemouth and three spot tilapia, sharp tooth catfish, African pike and Tiger fish.

LAGOON IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP WELCOMES CHILDREN AGED 6+ AND FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 – 11 WILL HAVE TO BOOK A PRIVATE VEHICLE IN ADVANCE