Lebala Camp is no ordinary camp. The lodge belongs to the Kwando Safaris portfolio and it’s a secluded haven that manages to effortlessly combine the pristine beauty of the Delta with the relaxed comforts and intricacies of a world class lodge. It’s the kind of place that famous celebrities might (and occasionally do) seek both solace and wide-eyed wonder.
Located in the south of the Kwando concession, the lodge sits amongst the vast plains and swamplands that form into the Linyanti River system. The surrounding vegetation is lush and the lodge area is dominated by large jackal berry trees that cast cooling shadows throughout the day. The scent of wild sage hangs in the air year round and reminds camp visitors that they are undoubtedly in the heart of the Delta.
Game around the camp is abundant and viewing of all the Big Five is common place; however, the frequent sightings of packs of Wild dogs in the area make this lodge a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
The camp has eight lavishly decorated custom tents built on raised platforms. The combination of canvas and hardwood floors and fittings gives the rooms a luxurious and elegant feel, while also keeping temperatures surprising cool. There is a large family suite that provides superb accommodation options for the entire family. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
The main areas of the camp include a small swimming pool, a communal fire place and a dining room, a curio shop, and the bar and lounge area are complemented with a fantastic library.
A highly recommendable lodge option for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and family groups.
Location
Quick Facts
- Rooms: 8 tented suites plus 1 family suite, each raised on a wooden platform with mesh windows for open, unobstructed views
- Location: southern corner of the Kwando Private Concession, shared with only one other camp (Lagoon); exclusive access to over 230,000 hectares of private wilderness, no fences or crowds
- Run by: Kwando Safaris (100% Botswana citizen-owned, same operator as Lagoon Camp)
- Known for: exceptional predator sightings, particularly African wild dogs and cheetahs, plus lion, leopard, hyena, elephant and sable antelope; off-road tracking and night driving are both permitted here
- Activities: off-road game drives, night drives, guided nature walks, helicopter safari — no water-based activities at Lebala itself (Lagoon Camp nearby covers boating/fishing)
- Facilities: open-sided dining, lounge and bar under thatch, raised viewing deck and wildlife hide overlooking the marsh, swimming pool, safari shop, solar power with backup generators, limited Wi-Fi
Personal thoughts on Lebala
I remember the first time I wandered into Lebala Camp. That must have been in 2015 or thereabouts. I was not immediately blown away by the camp itself, but the wildlife. Oh hell. Lebala Camp is, in my opinion, home to the best wildlife sightings you’ll find anywhere in Africa — and honestly, anywhere in the world. And since that first visit, the camp has been refurbished, and it now really is breathtaking.
Lebala is run by Kwando Safaris, the same 100% Botswana citizen-owned outfit behind Lagoon Camp, and the two share an extraordinary private concession of over 230,000 hectares with no other camps, no fences, and no crowds. What makes Lebala so special is the sheer density and quality of predator action: this is genuinely one of the best places on the continent for African wild dogs and cheetahs, alongside consistent lion, leopard, hyena and elephant sightings, and the guides here have full freedom to go off-road and track after dark with a spotlight. It’s also in my opinion, the only place where visitors have a chance of seeing a pangolin. It’s a remote chance, but if you’re going to see one anywhere, it’ll be while staying at Lebala.
Lebala combines incredibly well with Lagoon Camp, also owned by Kwando. I tend to find spending at least two nights in each (absolute minimum) is the best way to blow the mind of any visitor. Lagoon has the water activities lacking at Lebala, and there is a free game drive transfer between the two camps which cuts down the cost of an air transfer.
Lebala Lodge Layout
