Paradise between branches

This is the place where host Dan will share his love for photography - originated in 1983 when he first picked up the camera - and give you practical advice for the best shot. This is also the place where you want to open the top button of your pants, because of all the abundant food (the lasagne is to die for). And this is the place where Dan’s wife, Chairmane, will tell you she loves elephants in particular, while Dan is not able to pick just one animal – he loves them all. Located in the central region of the Jao Concession in the north-western section of the Okavango Delta, is one of the most remote camps, Kwetsani Camp. Set on an elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees, Kwetsani has access to the vast open floodplains and some of the most stunning vistas of the Okavango Delta.

Remember that feeling as a child, building a hut in the forest? Or hiding in a tree? The six tree-house chalets with thatched ceilings, elevated on wooden decks (four to six metres off the ground), will give you that same feeling. Although, this tree house features a soft bed, comfortable furniture and cozy, yet modern decorations. The chalets are open and airy; have en-suite facilities with a separate toilet, indoor and outdoor showers, mosquito nets, ceiling fan and verandahs overlooking the floodplains – you can watch a bull elephant shake sand of its fruits, in the comfort of your deck between the branches. Or gaze up at the stars before you go to bed, and fall a sleep with a million twinkles in your eyes. Connected by wooden walkways, the dining room, lounge and bar are under thatched roofs and also on raised decks. These decks are expansive and look out over landscape views of the enormous floodplains often dotted with game. The deck is also a super option for dining under the stars, there is an evening camp fire, pool in the main camp area and curio shop.

Activities at Kwetsani Camp

The excellent position of Kwetsani allows for water and land activities, but it is very dependent on water levels. In the summer months activities tend more towards game drives (Kwetsani boats to Hunda Island for game drives when water levels are high), whereas in the winter months (June till August), mainly water-based activities are offered. Boating is another idyllic form or water wildlife viewing often yielding fabulous sightings of hippo and crocodile and maybe even the elusive sitatunga. Not to mention all the water lilies, or details like a small red reed frog clinging to a halm. Guides at Kwetsani are the types that were not interested in school, but would immediately venture out into the bush, after the school bells. Rasta, TH and Flo are just a few of the dedicated guides. There is a raised hide, twenty minutes from the camp, for some excellent bird watching. Yes it is remote, hidden by lush green and big trees, but once you found it, you will experience a (tree) top-level safari.

Tripadvisor comments Kwetsani Camp

Our 3 day stay at Kwetsani Camp was delightful. We loved waking up in our "treehouse" overlooking the marshlands, shooing away the baboons on our way to the lovely main house for a fabulous breakfast served by friendly staff. Dan and Charmaine were tireless in their efforts to make us feel welcome, absolutely wonderful hosts. The boat rides through the marsh, literally flying with the vast birdlife, were memorable, as was the resident hippo that we kept disturbing! We would definitely return to this magical spot.

robert g

Thanks to Shermaine and Dan, we had a wonderful stay at Kwetsani wilderness safari camp. The view is exceptional, the food is great and the nature is breathtaking. This camp is among the best we have ever seen.

XavierC21 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates