Follow us:
NG/18 (Khwai Development Trust)
Located in
Botswana :: Okavango/Moremi
:: Moremi
Category:
Protected Areas :: Protected Area
When the Moremi Game Reserve was proclaimed in 1962, the resident Babukahwe people (River Bushmen) were relocated to an area known today as Khwai Village, just outside Moremi's North Gate entrance.
In 1995 the 400 villagers initiated the development of the Khwai Concession Area in order to create employment opportunities in eco-tourism; in 2000 they founded the Khwai Development Trust (KDT) which manages the concession.
Traveller DescriptionOn its northeastern edge, the Okavango Delta narrows to form the Khwai River; it separates the 180 000 hectare Khwai Concession area from Moremi Game Reserve in the south. To the east, the area is bordered by the Savuti Region of the Chobe National Park. There are no fences between the concession area and the parks so the game roams freely. This area is popular as you don't pay park fees here, and there is great wildlife to enjoy.
When the water level of the Khwai River is high, large numbers of game and predators concentrate here during the dry season. During this time the river forms a series of pretty lagoons and winding channels which can be explored by mokoro or motorboat. The area near Magotho Khwai is very green, even at the end of the dry season.
Vegetation consists largely of grasslands, riverine forests, and floodplains - these are flooded for most of the year. Mopane trees, a favourite with elephant, occur in abundance so these large mammals are a frequent sight along the river.
The Botswana Wild Dog Research Project (now renamed the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust) has been operating in the northeastern reaches of Moremi Game Reserve since 1989, and the dogs are often spotted around Khwai.
The concession is also famous for the large number of raptors found in the area. This is an excellent place to spot the bateleur (short-tailed eagle) in action, as well as predators like lions.
| Address : | Moremi, Okavango/Moremi, Botswana | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Postal : | P.O. Box 657, Maun, Botswana | ||
| Contact : | Khwai Development Trust office | ||
| Tel : | +267 686 2365 | ||
| Tel2 : | +267 680 1211 | ||
| Email : | Click Here | ||
| Website : | Click Here | ||
| Cellphone Reception : | Intermittent | Main Cellular Network : | Be-mobile (BTC) |
|
| Towing Service Telephone : | +267 74 107 025 (Miamigo Adventure Tours and Safaris) |
|---|
|
|
| More Activities : | Cultural tours. |
|---|---|
ACCOMMODATION:
There are several luxury lodges in the area, but most self-drive travellers head for the campsite operated by the KDT. Here, there are no facilities so travellers must be self-sufficient with regards to washing and ablutions. The abundance of game, birds of prey and frequent predator sightings, more than compensates for the lack of facilities. Which is probably why these campsites aren’t cheap!
The Trust offers mokoro and motorboat tours on the Khwai River, bush walks, night drives and cultural visits to Khwai Village. No firewood may be collected within one kilometre of the Trust’s campsites, and night drives without the accompaniment of a KDT guide, is forbidden.
FUEL:
The nearest fuel is in Maun, 135km south on the transit road, or in Muchenje, 190km north on a deep sandy track through the Chobe National Park and Chobe Forest Reserve.
RAIN:
Depending on rainfall in Angola - the catchment area for the Okavango Delta - the water levels in the Khwai River can rise considerably between May and October, and many roads in the area may become inaccessible. Check with your accommodation venue about suitable roads to your camp.
SHOPS & SERVICES:
In Khwai Village there’s a small shop which sells basics such as bread, flour, cold drinks and beer (they rarely have bread available). They do accept credit cards. For more extensive shopping, travellers will have to stock up in Maun or Kasane.
TOW-INs:
For breakdown and towing services contact: Miamigo Adventure Tours and Safaris on +267 74 107 025 who have an experienced mechanic with over 11 years experience.
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Khwai Development Trust, Maun: +267 686 2365 or +267 680 1211.
The increased popularity of the Khwai Region has made bookings for the community campsites essential. But it’s worth noting that campsites are not allocated before arrival. If you’re staying a few nights and want to keep your site, erect a ground tent to ‘keep your spot’ while you’re away from camp on game drives.
Follow us on
