The Complete Guide to Khwai Concession in Botswana

Overview & Location

The Khwai Concession stands as one of Botswana's premier wildlife destinations, strategically positioned at the intersection of three major ecosystems. The Khwai Private Reserve encompasses a staggering 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, while the adjacent Khwai Community Concession covers an additional 180,000 hectares, making it three times larger than South Africa's renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Located on the northeastern fringe of the Okavango Delta, Khwai is wedged between Moremi Game Reserve to the south and Chobe National Park to the east, with the private Kwara concession to the west. This exceptional positioning makes Khwai a vital ecological corridor, guiding animal migrations between the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

The concession was formerly a hunting reserve but has been successfully transformed into a world-class safari destination. The Khwai Community Concession is managed by the Khwai Development Trust on behalf of the local Khwai Village community, representing a leading example of sustainable community-driven ecotourism in Botswana.

Wildlife & Natural Features

Exceptional Wildlife Populations

Khwai is renowned for offering some of Botswana's largest concentrations of wildlife. The concession is home to prolific and diverse animal populations, including large herds of elephants, sable antelope, and roan antelope. Buffalo are permanent residents, with seasonal movement patterns—heading north to the mopane woodland during rainy seasons to graze on rich grass, then moving south to the river in June.

The predator population is particularly healthy, featuring leopards, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Wildlife viewing has improved dramatically since the cessation of hunting activities, with sightings turning around significantly within two to three years, allowing visitors to potentially observe more than 50 different species on a single game drive.

Diverse Landscapes

The landscape is remarkably varied, featuring mopane and acacia woodlands interspersed with leadwood and fig tree forests. Expansive floodplains, seasonal waterholes, open grasslands, and winding waterways characterize the terrain. The Khwai River flows through the concession, providing year-round water and creating ideal game viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Visit

Khwai offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year, with each season presenting unique advantages. The dry season (May to September) concentrates animals around water sources, providing excellent game viewing opportunities. During the rainy season (November to March), the landscape transforms with lush vegetation, though wildlife disperses across the wider area.

June marks a significant period when buffalo migrate south to the river, creating dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities. The dry season generally offers the most intensive wildlife experiences, making it the peak tourist season, though this also means increased visitor numbers in the concession.

Activities & Experiences

Game Drives

Extraordinary daily game drives form the cornerstone of a Khwai safari experience. Private reserve visitors enjoy exclusive game viewing in total privacy, while unique night drives allow observation of nocturnal wildlife activity. The diverse landscape and abundant game populations ensure consistently rewarding drives.

Water-Based Activities

Traditional mokoro excursions on the Khwai River offer a unique perspective on the landscape. These wooden dugout canoes are expertly guided by local polers, providing intimate wildlife encounters and opportunities to explore the waterways that wind across the concession. Boat excursions on the river also provide alternative viewing opportunities.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris allow visitors to track animals on foot, providing a more immersive connection with the landscape and wildlife. This activity offers a different perspective from vehicle-based game viewing and appeals to those seeking a more intimate safari experience.

Cultural Experiences

Cultural tours provide insight into the local Khwai community's traditions and way of life. These experiences highlight the vital role the community plays in conservation and management of the concession, offering visitors an authentic understanding of sustainable tourism in action.

Getting There

Access to Khwai Concession typically involves flying into Botswana through major international airports, then taking a charter flight to airstrips serving the concession. The exact route depends on your lodge or camp location within the concession. Most visitors arrange transfers through their accommodation providers.

Self-drive visitors can access the Khwai Community Concession, where the Khwai Development Trust operates campsites and arranges activities. However, the private Khwai Reserve sections are accessible only through lodge accommodations. The concession's location between major national parks makes it conveniently positioned within Botswana's premier safari circuit.

Practical Information

Accommodation Options

The Khwai Concession offers various accommodation options, from luxury lodges to camping facilities. Notable properties include Sediba Sa Rona, a newly developed luxury lodge opening in March 2026, and Sable Alley, which operates as a premier safari camp. The Khwai Community Concession also operates campsites for self-drive visitors and mobile safari operators.

What to Pack

Essential items include lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for game drives, binoculars for wildlife viewing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and a good camera with telephoto lens. Bring insect repellent and any personal medications. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary for walking safaris.

Visitor Experience Notes

While the Khwai area is renowned for its game-rich environment and offers an intense wildlife experience, the Community Concession can be popular and relatively busy, particularly during peak season. The private reserve sections offer more exclusive experiences with significantly fewer vehicles and greater privacy.

Visitors should book well in advance, particularly for luxury lodges. The concession is suitable for visitors of varying fitness levels, with options ranging from vehicle-based game viewing to more active walking safaris. Professional guides ensure safety and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Conservation Commitment

Khwai represents a successful transition from hunting concession to conservation-focused tourism destination. The Khwai Community Trust's management ensures that tourism revenue directly benefits the local community while supporting wildlife conservation efforts. Visitors contribute to these conservation initiatives through their accommodation and activity fees.

The Khwai Concession remains one of Botswana's most rewarding safari destinations, offering exceptional wildlife viewing, diverse activities, and authentic community engagement within a pristine wilderness setting.