Khwai Private Reserve

Within the riverine haven of the Okavango Delta, there’s a pristine wilderness where ear-wiggling hippos lounge in the sprinkler-spray of bathing elephants; where lions sleep off their lunch in the tawny grass; where one wakes each day to the sonorous yips of painted dogs at play. This is Khwai Private Reserve, a private 450,000-acre concession that connects Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park—serving as an essential corridor between the two.

As always, we’re grateful for the unique and exclusive charms offered by private concessions, where strictly limited admissions foster a jaw-droppingly intimate bush experience. A rich variety of ecosystems (from mopane woodlands and riverine forests to open floodplains) attract the aforementioned cast of wild characters as well as tree-climbing leopards, bird-bedecked buffaloes, and surprisingly spry rhinos…plus zebra, sable and impala in positively thunderous numbers.

Khwai’s coveted concession status also enables us to enjoy its wonders precisely as we please—whether on a classic game drive (day or night), an off-road jaunt, a thrilling bush walk, in a traditional mokoro canoe, or aboard a variety of other watercraft. There are no wrong choices here, as each offers its own delightful perspective—one which is often quite literally “eye to eye.” Better still: The reserve is operated in collaboration with the Khwai Development Trust, ensuring that your visit directly benefits the local community as well as area wildlife conservation efforts.