Lebala means ‘wide open spaces’ in Setswana, and as you cross the bridge over to the camp you’ll see why. You have sweeping views over the surrounding floodplains as you follow the elevated walkway and enter the thatched, open-sided lounge and bar area. From here, you can sit on the deck and watch grazing impala and lines of elephant marching to the nearest water source. The inviting pool shares these views, with shaded loungers providing a place to relax between safari activities.
A sandy path leads to the circular boma area, where drinks can be shared in the evening, and connects eight generously sized tents. Each has a private deck and large en-suite bathroom complete with standalone tub and an outdoor shower. They have a traditional African feel, with wooden floors and furniture, and high ceilings with wooden beams.
From camp, you can head out with an experienced tracker and guide on game drives and, depending on the season, bush walks.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Botswana specialists at 617-223-4380
Rooms
The eight canvas and wood tents are connected by sandy paths and set in the shade of riverine trees. Elevated above the ground, they each have a private deck with chairs looking out over the plains. Inside, they’re furnished with wooden floors adorned with patterned rugs, cushioned seating and either a large double bed or twin beds. The high, slanted ceilings have wooden beams that add character, while the en-suite bathrooms have claw-foot tubs as well as a double outdoor shower to the rear. Fans and gauze windows help to keep the rooms cool.
Location
Situated in the private Kwando Concession, home to just one other camp, Lebala is set on a peninsula of land that juts into the Linyanti marshes in northern Botswana. This unfenced wilderness is home to a wide range of animals: herds of wildebeest and zebra dot the plains, watched by lion, cheetah and hyena, while families of elephant plunge into the nearby Linyanti River.
Food and Drink
Meals are slotted in between your daytime activities, with a light breakfast of freshly baked muffins, yogurts and cereals served before your morning game drive. You then return to a substantial cooked brunch. A high tea of pastries, cakes, iced tea and lemonade is set out before your afternoon activity. Returning in the evening, all guests gather around the communal dining table for a three-course feast, often comprising meats barbecued on the braai.
Families
One family tent is available here, featuring an additional twin room under the same roof.
Facilities and Activities
At the camp itself, you can relax on the loungers by the small pool, occasionally cooling off in the water. A small library and curio shop can be found in the main area.
Each day, you join your tracker and guide on morning and afternoon game drives through the bush in search of lion, elephant, cheetah and a wide range of birds. As you’re on a private reserve, your afternoon drive will continue after the sun goes down, giving you a chance to see nocturnal animals like spring hares and African wildcats. Depending on the season and if conditions allow, you can swap a game drive for a bush walk, focusing on smaller animals and plant life.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
The camp is operated by Kwando Safaris, which is a 100% citizen-owned company. All staff at the camp are native Botswanans, and money from your stay will help Kwando to support local community projects. Lebala is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, using solar power and treating waste water above ground.
Our opinion
This camp has a truly wild setting where seeing game becomes part of everyday life. We find that the tents balance modern comfort with the feel of a traditional safari, and the views from your deck never get boring.
Kwando Concession itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Lagoon Camp
Stretching along the banks of the Kwando River within a private concession, Lagoon Camp offers a range of activities year-round. Its exceptionally spacious rooms and main thatched area are beautifully presented, and staff deliver a highly personal service.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Experience the Okavango Delta by boat
As well as game drives enjoy activities such as fishing and walking. However the highlight of this camp are the boat rides and the river cruises.