Children of 6 years and older are accommodated.
Kwetsani
Situated in the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the 60 000-hectare (150 000-acre) Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of Botswana with vegetation that varies from permanent swamps to dry land. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, providing the perfect environment for wildlife. Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water. Around the Jao Flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Sitatunga are seen occasionally, and sightings of spotted-necked otter are regular. Birding is exceptional in the Jao Concession, with Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana to be seen in the wetter areas. Other exciting species include swamp nightjar and brown firefinch.
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Reviews4/6
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Vacation Style Adult Group
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Camp Size 10 guests
All about Kwetsani
Kwetsani is dedicated to community upliftment and assists the Jao village community with various contributions, including food, clothing and support of the elderly.
Kwetsani, one of the most remote camps in the Okavango, is situated on an elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees. Depending on the water levels, Kwetsani offers excellent land and water activities, viewing wildlife by mekoro or on game drives. During times of high water, Kwetsani boats to Hunda Island for game drives, complete with a picnic for a full-day excursion.
Situated in the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the 60 000-hectare (150 000-acre) Jao Concession embodies all the magic and mystique of Botswana with vegetation that varies from permanent swamps to dry land. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, providing the perfect environment for wildlife. Beautiful lush palm islands dot the water. Around the Jao Flats spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by the primary predators – lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Sitatunga are seen occasionally, and sightings of spotted-necked otter are regular. Birding is exceptional in the Jao Concession, with Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana to be seen in the wetter areas. Other exciting species include swamp nightjar and brown firefinch.
Kwetsani is set in the most densely populated wetland area for red lechwe and even sitatunga antelope, and hippo and crocodile are regularly seen. In the dry season tsessebe, elephant, wildebeest and zebra are prevalent, with lion, cheetah and leopard often sighted. Nocturnal animals like porcupine, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and lesser bushbaby can be observed on night drives (water levels permitting). Many bird species are resident, such as large concentrations of wattle crane as well as slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw and African skimmer.
About the camp
Activities
- 50% game drives and 50% water activities (dependant on the annual inundation levels).
- drives in 03 x 10-seater open Land Rovers. Hot water bottles (during winter months and on early morning game drives), blankets and lined ponchos are provided on game drives.
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on game drive.
- Private activities available on request (additional cost applicable).
- Water-based activities in 05 x 2-seater mekoro, 02 x 8-seater and 01 x 12-seater boats (water levels permitting).
- Fishing - on a catch and release basis only, however, is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
- Guided nature walks (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential).
- Birding. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT AN ADDITIONAL COST
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with guest numbers as a minimum 2 and a maximum up to 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used; half day (morning or afternoon).
- Half day Tsodilo (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San.
Camp Facilities
- Dining room, lounge and bar under thatch on raised wooden decks and elevated wooden walkways linking the communal areas with the guest tents.
- Landscape view from bar and dining area.
- Evening camp fire.
- During winter months a gas heater is stationed in the main area and knee blankets are provided during dinner.
- Open air deck for dining under the stars.
- Pool in main area.
- Safari Trading Store.
- Guest toilet in main area.
- Access into camp by boat (water levels permitting) or alternatively by road
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period
- Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity
- Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner and thereafter, perhaps a night cap.
Accomodation
Five luxurious tents, elevated 04 metres off the ground into the trees to take in the surrounding view. The main area includes a dining room and lounge area situated under a cool thatched roof, and leads onto an expansive wooden deck that looks out over an enormous floodplain often dotted with plains game. A plunge pool is the perfect spot to relax or watch the animals below
Number of tents
- 05 x tents in total comprising:
- 04 x twin-bedded tents each with two three quarter beds.
- 01 x double tent with a king-size bed.
- Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.
Tent Descriptions
- Canvas tented accommodation, on a raised wooden deck (04 metres off ground) with glass door entrance and elevated wooden walkways.
- All tents have verandas with deck chairs overlooking the floodplains offering a spectacular view and comprises of en-suite facilities with separate toilet and double vanity basins, indoor and outdoor shower, mosquito net, yoga mat, and an electronic safe, indoor lounge area including writing desk and chair.
- During winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided.
- Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
- No air-conditioning, however, two ceiling fans are provided in all the tents.
- Amenities include; bathrobes, slippers, shower gel, hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, insect spray, shower caps, vanity kit cotton tip swabs and cotton wool, sewing kit, washing powder (for smalls), umbrellas, mosquito repellent spray and mosquito coils are supplied in each tent
Electricity & Water
Child Policy
For families travelling with children between 6 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
Children between 6 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same tent.
The minimum age for boating activities (water levels permitting) is 06 years.
The minimum age for walking (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide) and mokoro activities (water levels permitting) is 13 years.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the FI rate basis. A mesh laundry bag is supplied for ‘smalls’ so that guests may place their underwear in this bag which will be machine washed and returned in the mesh bag. Environmentally friendly detergent available in the units or can be provided on request. Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages
Gratuities Guidelines
We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Please do not feel obliged to do so, tipping should be undertaken only by choice and subject to the service received. In addition, you may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) – i.e. if additional activities are booked once on your journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.
Guides and Specialist Guides – We recommend USD 10.00 per guest per day.
The General Safari Camp Staff – We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.
With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.
| Departure Dates Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Including Flights | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,170 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$1,779 |
$3,470 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$3,779 |
$4,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,879 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$1,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$4,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$5,779 |
$3,270 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
Camp has 220V generator-powered electricity to run in kitchen, laundry and workshop when guests are not in camp. When guests return from activities, generators are generally switched off (for peace in camp).
220V inverter battery power (charged by the generator) is used for electricity, lighting and fans in each tent and main area and around camp 24 hours/day.
220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).
Thermodynamic geyser heated water.