On the outskirts of the beautifully preserved Moremi Game Reserve, is a wildlife-prolific and varied ecosystem which provides a patchwork of lagoons, shallow flooded pans, open grass plains and woodland forests. The Khwai area is without a doubt one of the most scenic areas in Botswana. Combine your stay at Khwai Leadwood with a taste of culture in the traditional village of Khwai. The Khwai community, adjacent to the northern region of Moremi Game Reserve, has a population of just 400 people who are predominately of either BaBukakhwe or River Bushmen decent. They are an inspirational example of a local community who live in peaceful harmony with wildlife.The Khwai Concession is a 1800km area which is situated in the northeastern Okavango next to the Moremi Game Reserve. It was formed by the local Khwai villagers and is managed by the Khwai Development Trust. The area used to be a hunting concession but is now actively managed as a conservation area. The villagers took over the area when they moved out of the Moremi region when the Moremi Game Reserve was formed. The local community now runs ecotourism initiatives, actively conserve the environment and manage the wildlife in the concession. – Khwai Community Area
Khwai is a predator-rich area. There are high concentrations of predators and a healthy population of wild dog. Wildlife is much the same as the Moremi Game Reserve. The magnificent Khwai river is the hub for some of the most outstanding wildlife viewing both on the Moremi and in the Khwai area. Species to be viewed include elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, eland, sable, hippo, hyena and various other nocturnal species.
January is traditionally the rainy season in the Khwai and Moremi area. At this time of the year the vegetation is beautiful and green and the air crisp and clear making it one of the best times for photography. The large herds of animals usually found in the dry season have dissipated, but the resident animals like lion, leopard, wild dog and the older buffalo and elephant bulls remain. There are a lot of young plains game around which can make for some exciting predator/ prey interaction. January is one of the best months for birding as the migrants are in full breeding plumage. The days are fairly hot and humid with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm which usually passes to reveal bright blue skies. When it does rain the temperatures can drop making it fairly cool. Daily temperatures can range from low 20°C to low 30°C. A light fleece or rain jacket is advisable for when the temperatures do drop. Activities at Khwai include day and night game drives, walking safaris and mokoro excursions.
