Wilderness Kwetsani

Highlights

• Exclusive access to the Delta’s waters and floodplains means exceptional and diverse game viewing, both on land and water.
• Lechwe, reedbuck and tsessebe are seen in particularly large numbers on the floodplains, with hippos and crocodiles in the channels and lagoons.
• Nearby Hunda Island (the largest landmass on the Jao Reserve) is home to iconic African game – giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and impala, and their predators, chiefly lion, leopard, and spotted hyena.

Destination: In the heart of the stunning Jao reserve, on a palm-fringed island, covered with mangosteen and fig trees lies picturesque Wilderness Kwetsani. The camp is perfectly positioned for guests to explore the surrounding floodplains, which are home to a number of ‘Delta specials’ – species that are found in few other places on Earth. 

Experience: In tune with the Delta waters’ ebb and flow, activities here vary depending on the water levels. 

During winter, the season of high water, guests can embark on boat trips to explore the channels. A must-do at this time of year are boating safaris and mokoro rides (traditional dugout canoe) along the channels, spotting tiny reed frogs, dazzling birds and elephants feeding and drinking.

In summer, when the waters recede, head to game-rich Hunda Island for an epic bush safari, complete with a delightful picnic stop in the company of countless antelopes.

In camp, a leisure-day relaxing by the pool, soaking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful Okavango, is highly rewarding.

Traditional dining is equally inspired. Freshly sourced, health conscious cuisine is served with warmth and exuberant hospitality, completing the perfect guest experience.  

Purpose: Wilderness Kwetsani is dedicated to community upliftment and assists Jao village with various contributions, including food, clothing and support of the elderly.

Wildlife: Set in the most densely populated wetland area for sitatunga and red lechwe, guests will delight in spotting these rare antelope in – or leaping across – the channels. The deeper waters are home to hippos, and crocodiles regularly seen sunning themselves.

On Hunda Island, the dry season brings in large numbers of tsessebe, elephants, wildebeest and zebras, naturally followed by adrenaline-pumping predator-prey action, with lion, cheetah, and leopard often sighted.

Night game drives deliver a slew of fascinating species. Look out for porcupine, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet, and lesser bushbaby (water levels permitting).

Exceptional bird sightings include large concentrations of wattled cranes, as well as slaty egrets, rosy-throated longclaws, and African skimmers between April and January.

Wilderness Kwetsani: Famous for its treehouse-styled tents, Kwetsani’s five distinctive suites, tucked into the mangosteen and fig trees, invite you into an authentic African safari experience.

The main area includes a dining room and lounge area situated under a cool thatched roof, and leads onto an expansive wooden deck that looks out over an enormous floodplain often dotted with plains game. A plunge pool is the perfect spot to relax or watch the animals below.