Information
Lagoonside Life
Not only is Khwai Private Reserve one of Botswana’s best kept secrets, it’s also home to the lovely Sable Alley. Opened in 2017, Sable is a piece of light, bright and beautiful luxury amid the game-rich floodplains of Khwai, and the best news is that it’s as sustainable as it is sophisticated. We’ve partnered with the local communities in Khwai, and proceeds from staying at Sable Alley go straight back into the Khwai Village community projects.
And what about the wildlife? Located right on the banks of a lily-covered lagoon, home to harrumphing hippo and a favourite drinking spot for elephant and buffalo, the big game quite literally comes to you at Sable. But as tempting as it is to stay in camp, venture out you should, for Khwai offers one of Africa’s greatest and most exclusive safari experiences. Have your binos at the ready for lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, elephant and hundreds of dainty antelope as you drive through the diverse landscapes.
In Khwai Private Reserve, fasten your seatbelt for the safari ride of a lifetime! Buffalo congregate in their hundreds, antelope pick their way through the grass and there’s a predator just about every direction you glance in. There will also be the chance to sit back and watch super-herds of elephant as they splish and splash by the water – and watch out for crocodile lurking in the shallows, and hippo jostling for territory.
There’s never a bad time to visit Sable Alley (really). There’s something different in every season but, most importantly, the wildlife is out-of-this-world excellent all year round. Resident hippo splash in the inland pools, elephant and buffalo herds are hard to miss, and you’re never more than a few whiskers away from a lion pride.
From May onwards the Okavango Delta floods. Seasonal channels emerge, perfect for paddling around on a mokoro canoe safari – you might just have to share them with a few antelope. In June to September, the Delta floods really get going, and the heightened water levels mean mokoro and motorboat safaris are possible all day, every day.
December to March brings the summer rains. The grasses grow, and on a single game drive you might not see as many animals; but every rain cloud has a silver lining, and there’s a good chance of encountering big cats stalking their prey, the thick bushes allowing them to hunt undetected. And don’t let the thought of rain put you off – downpours are short and sporadic, and a good, waterproof jacket will see you through pretty much anything the weather throws at you.
Seasonality
Green season: 10th January to 31st March
Shoulder season: 1st April to 14th June; 1st November 9th January
High season: 15th June to 31st July; 1st September to 31st October
Peak season: 1st – 31st August
Rooms
Family Tents – 2 Rooms
Our family units consist of 2 tents with 1 double and 2 single beds, each with their own bathrooms but connected with a shared stairway and deck.
Honeymoon Tent – 1 Room
Honeymoon tent for a maximum of 2 adults, en-suite with an outdoor shower. An extra large veranda with day beds.
Twin Tents – 10 Rooms
Twin tented accommodation, maximum 2 adults all with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Each is on a raised deck with a private veranda.
Facilities
Just like the bedrooms, the communal areas are designed around the spectacular vistas. Watch the happenings at the lagoon from the bar, G&T in hand, from the outdoor fire pit, or from a squashy sofa in the lounge. At night, dinner is served either in the indoor dining area, or alfresco on the deck, accompanied by twinkling stars and the rumblings and grumblings of the wildlife. We’ve also added a swimming pool and sun deck, both unique spots from which to watch the hippo pods emerge from the lagoon, or simply for some chill-out time in the heat of the day.
Activities
Walking
Head out from camp (with your guide) and enjoy a walk through the wilderness; this is a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and have a chance to experience a new perspective to your surroundings.
Mokoro excursions
A mokoro trip immediately slows the pace down and allows you to gently cruise through the water channels amongst the lily pads. Please note that these activities are water level dependent.
Game Drives
Game drives in Khwai Private Reserve, a 200 000 hectare private concession take place in the morning afternoon. The Reserve is home to lion, elephants, wild dog and even the elusive sable antelope as well as prolific bird life.
