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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 530 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again

    MissingGodfrey R reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana on 25 September 2023

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

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