Lebala Camp

Rooms

The eight canvas and wood tents are connected by sandy paths and set in the shade of riverine trees. Elevated above the ground, they each have a private deck with chairs looking out over the plains. Inside, they’re furnished with wooden floors adorned with patterned rugs, cushioned seating and either a large double bed or twin beds. The high, slanted ceilings have wooden beams that add character, while the en suite bathrooms have claw-foot tubs as well as a double outdoor shower to the rear. Fans and gauze windows help to keep the rooms cool.

Location

Situated in the private Kwando Concession, home to just one other camp, Lebala is set on a peninsula of land that juts into the Linyanti marshes in northern Botswana. This unfenced wilderness is home to a wide range of animals: herds of wildebeest and zebra dot the plains, watched by lion, cheetah and hyena, while families of elephant plunge into the nearby Linyanti River.

Food and drink

Meals are slotted in between your daytime activities, with a light breakfast of freshly baked muffins, yoghurts and cereals served before your morning game drive. You then return to a substantial cooked brunch. A high tea of pastries, cakes, iced tea and lemonade is set out before your afternoon activity. Returning in the evening, all guests gather around the communal dining table for a three-course feast, often comprising meats barbecued on the braai.

Families

One family tent is available here, featuring an additional twin room under the same roof.

Facilities and activities

At the camp itself, you can relax on the loungers by the small pool, occasionally cooling off in the water. A small library and curio shop can be found in the main area. 

Each day, you join your tracker and guide on morning and afternoon game drives through the bush in search of lion, elephant, cheetah and a wide range of birds. As you’re on a private reserve, your afternoon drive will continue after the sun goes down, giving you a chance to see nocturnal animals like spring hares and African wildcats. Depending on the season and if conditions allow, you can swap a game drive for a bush walk, focusing on smaller animals and plant life.

Environmental and social responsibility

The camp is operated by Kwando Safaris, which is a 100% citizen-owned company. All staff at the camp are native Botswanans, and money from your stay will help Kwando to support local community projects. Lebala is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, using solar power and treating waste water above ground.