Vintage Botswana Safari

Drives take place just after dawn and at sunset. Open Land Rovers with a seating capacity for 10 passengers are used for the drives. Only 6 to 8 guests are accommodated in each vehicle at any time, allowing plenty of space and excellent viewing.

Additional boating safaris across the Xakanaxa Lagoon and into the Okavango Delta are also offered from Camp Xakanaxa in search of the Okavango Delta's diverse wildlife and abundant birdlife.

Game drives are undertaken in custom designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating up to four guests at a time in 3 rows of 3 seats. Guests 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.

The evening/night drives are a Kwando Safaris speciality. The drive starts in the late afternoon as the sun’s rays are dipping to the west and the day’s heat is declining. After a leisurely pause for the traditional sundowner, and as the African day is transformed into a soft colourful evening canvas, the night drive begins. The mystery unfolds as the creatures of the night, especially the predators, are revealed by spotlight, often unexpectedly.

The traditional dug out canoe is surely the definitive Okavango Delta experience. The complete stillness of an early morning, disturbed only by the sound of the water dripping from the ‘ngashe’ (wooden pole used to move the canoe), and the eerie call of the fish eagle echoing across the water, is a sublime experience. The mokoro was designed to move across areas with low water levels by the indigenous peoples who inhabited the Delta and who explored the waterways and floodplains in search of food. Today, these same mokoro provide an opportunity to glide through this varied and unique habitat using the traditional skills handed down through the generations

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 a multitude of spectacular birds and bathing elephant and enjoy the vistas of the river systems. However, don’t be surprised should the peace be shattered by the snort of a territorial hippo warning the boat of his presence! Double-decker boats are used to provide a better vantage point and offer a wonderful position to enjoy the waterways and their varied inhabitants.

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 the mighty Tiger fish.

The Okavango is recognised as an excellent fishing destination for both fly fishing and traditional spin fishing. It is a seasonal activity as government regulations do not allow fishing during January and February.

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 awe inspiring and humbling 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.

Helicopter Horizons Scenic Flights are a totally personalised experience that is the quintessential
African safari, showcasing the very best of Kwando Safaris’ untamed wilderness in vibrant detail from a unique perspective that should be number one on every guest’s bucket list.

We use the helicopter to get guests deep into the Delta exposing permanent waterways, palm islands and lagoons, with sweeping views of floodplains and incredible game sightings. Doors are removed for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities & guests are provided with headsets for constant communications with our very knowledgeable pilots, making sure that they have a guided and informed experience.

• All flights are private and guests are guaranteed a window seat
• Helicopter pads are moments away from camp
• Doors off for unrestricted views, perfect for photography
• Guests provided with headsets for a truly guided experience
• Safety and respect for wildlife is a priority – this will be highlighted in each briefing
• Any experience can be scheduled around camp activities or to suit guest preference

The Godikwe heronry begins to flourish from October / November months and becomes home to Yellow-billed storks, Marabou storks, Sacred ibises, Black-crowned night herons, African darters, Reed cormorants and egrets of all sizes who start their frantic phase of nest-building.

The sights, sounds and colours are remarkable! Water birds are a vital indicator of the health of a riverine ecosystem, and this heronry is a critical base for the laying, hatching and raising of thousands of birds in the Okavango Delta over the next few months.

Dining in the bush is the quintessential safari experience, an authentic and irresistible aspect of African bush culture. Enjoy the unique splendour of bush dining while staying at any of the Kwando camps.

Game drives are undertaken in custom designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating no more than six guests at a time in 3 rows of 3 seats. Guests 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.

The evening/ night drives are a Kwando Safaris speciality. The drive starts in the late afternoon as the day’s heat is declining. After a leisurely pause for the traditional sundowner, and as the African day is transformed into a soft colourful evening canvas, the night drive begins. The mystery unfolds as the creatures of the night, especially the predators, are revealed by spotlight, often unexpectedly.

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

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 awe inspiring and humbling 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.

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 a multitude of spectacular birds and bathing elephant and enjoy the vistas of the river systems. However, don not be surprised should the peace be shattered by the snort of a territorial hippo warning the boat of his presence! 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 also 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. One may actually fish from the main deck. Species that are targeted by sports fisherman are several tilapia (bream) species (including the olive bream or nembwe, red breasted tilapia, purple faced large mouth and three spot tilapia), sharp tooth catfish, African pike and the mighty Tiger fish.

Experience gourmet dining in Victoria Falls at the top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes from the Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge Hotel, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.

The Cassia Restaurant delivers an unmatched menu, paired with an extensive wine list comprised of carefully selected wines from South Africa’s top vineyards. The calming and tranquil ambience is further complemented by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background. A truly unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.

You know what they say about the early bird? If you are a passionate birdwatcher, don’t miss out on this river cruise! Keen bird lovers will delight in marking off their sightings in the birding booklet provided on board while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast including fruit platters, fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and biscuits. Rare birds such as the African Pitta and the Narina Trogon have been sighted here, as well as hundreds of other bird species. The knowledgeable and experienced guides conduct these early morning river cruises.

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast as you cruise up the Zambezi River towards Kandahar Island while enjoying the sounds of the diverse birdlife and the African bush come to life in the early morning. Breakfast includes freshly baked pieces of bread and pastries, fresh fruit platters, jams, yoghurts and cheeses as well as an assortment of teas and coffee.

Sit back and relax while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a few quiet hours along the banks of the Zambezi River. Our lunch buffet includes cold meats, fresh salads and a wide selection of biscuits and cheeses, all catered by the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. The fully stocked bar is available throughout the cruise and the attentive crew is at your service.

There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.