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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 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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