Khwai Concession

Khwai Concession (200,000 hectares) is a private reserve adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve, offering more exclusive and intimate wildlife experiences with fewer visitors. Unlike the public Moremi, Khwai provides private game viewing, night drives, and walking safaris with greater flexibility. The concession is managed by the Khwai Community Trust, emphasizing sustainable eco-tourism and community benefit. While Moremi can be busier, Khwai offers a more personalized safari experience with opportunities for traditional mokoro excursions and cultural interactions with the local Khwai Village community.

While a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is recommended, it depends on the season and your accommodation choice. During the dry season (May-October), standard vehicles may navigate main roads, but a 4x4 is essential during the rainy season (November-April) when roads become muddy and challenging. Most lodge guests benefit from organized game drives with experienced drivers in equipped vehicles. Self-drive visitors should have a 4x4 and be comfortable with remote travel. The Khwai Development Trust can advise on current road conditions and recommend appropriate vehicle types for your travel dates.

Khwai is renowned for prolific and diverse wildlife viewing. Large elephant herds, buffalo concentrations, and abundant antelope (particularly sable and roan) are regularly encountered. Predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog are healthy populations in the concession. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Khwai River. The concession serves as a vital wildlife corridor between the Okavango Delta and Moremi, creating dynamic seasonal migrations. A single game drive can reveal more than 50 different animal sightings. Wildlife viewing intensity varies seasonally, with the dry season offering the most concentrated and frequent encounters.

Yes, Khwai Concession is ideally positioned for multi-destination safaris. Its location between Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and other Okavango Delta concessions makes it an excellent circuit destination. Many operators offer combined itineraries visiting multiple reserves over 7-10 days. The concession can be accessed from Maun, making it compatible with other northern Botswana destinations. Typical combinations include Khwai with Moremi, Chobe, or private concessions like Kwara. Most visitors spend 2-4 nights in Khwai as part of a broader Botswana safari experience.

Khwai Concession is a leading example of sustainable community-based eco-tourism. Managed by the Khwai Community Trust on behalf of Khwai Village, the concession was established to benefit local residents after it transitioned from a hunting concession. The community directly participates in conservation and tourism management, with local guides leading mokoro excursions, walking tours, and cultural visits. Revenue from tourism supports community development initiatives. Visitors can engage with local culture through organized visits, learning about traditional practices and ecological knowledge. This model demonstrates how wildlife conservation can generate economic benefits for indigenous communities while maintaining ecological integrity.