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Khwai Guesthouse

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Modern, elegant chalets
- Excellent staff and guides
- Abundant wildlife
- Bushways Safaris portfolio

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Overview

Khwai Guesthouse is located within the rural village of Khwai on the Okovango Mopane Tongue area, northern Botswana. Situated within the pristine wilderness region of the Khwai Concession, and bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, guests will experience no shortage of spectacular wildlife viewing. Opportunities to see the big five abound, along with sightings of giraffe, hippo, ostriches, honey-badgers, and a plethora of birds. The guesthouse will charm any traveller seeking a cosy, good-value base from which to explore Botswana’s spectacular wilderness. The property can be accessed by road or via light aircraft transfer from Maun or Kasane.

Khwai has an exceedingly open and friendly atmosphere, with excellent, attentive staff. The thatch-roofed main area is open-plan and houses a lounge area, bar, and restaurant. Self-catering guests can use the communal cooking area, or delicious bush meals are prepared each evening. Pre-dinner drinks are served in a lovely setting around the open fire.

There are six individual bungalows arranged in either double or twin formation. Inspired by Botswana’s traditional rural homes, the chalets have stone walls, thatched roofs and a clean, modern feel. Recently refurbished, the rooms have simple but elegant décor and each room houses a writing desk, wooden storage chests, a fan, a safe, and an ensuite bathroom with open-air shower, separate toilet, toiletries, and bath linen.

The guesthouse offers a variety of interesting activities. Half or full day game drives in the Moremi Game Reserve promise stunning wildlife encounters in one of Botswana's most beautiful parks. The property’s location within the private Kwhai Concession means that guests can enjoy unique experiences such as visits to the Khwai Development Trust sustainable tourism project, water safaris with expert guides in traditional Mokoro canoes, and superb night-time game drives not offered in the Moremi Reserve. Cultural visits to the Khwai’s resident Babukahwe, or 'river bushmen', are also possible.

There are no age restrictions at Khwai Guesthouse, but the grown-up feel of the lodge combined with age restrictions on some activities mean that a stay might better suit families with older children with an interest in wildlife and nature. Note that children under 16 are not permitted to join walking activities, and those under 12 are unable to participate in Mokoro safaris. Although there are no family suites, children under the age of 18 will be provided with a bedroll mat on request, and those under 12 must share a room with a parent. Rooms can accommodate a maximum of 3 people, with space at a premium. Note that parental supervision is essential at all times, as the guesthouse is unfenced, with wild animals free to roam.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 540 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

  • We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
    Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.

    Will be a trip we remember forever

    MissingMaritta B reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value on 11 November 2024

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