Khwai Safari Guide

Why Go?

The Khwai River Area is one of the premier destinations for a safari in Botswana. Thanks to the unfenced border between Moremi, Chobe, and the eastern Okavango Delta, the Khwai River Area offers exceptional year-round game viewing. This prime location creates a wildlife corridor where elephants, big cats, antelope, and migratory herds move freely through a mosaic of river channels, floodplains, marsh, savannah, mopane woodland, and lagoons. Together, the Khwai Community Concession, Khwai Private Reserve, and nearby Mababe Private Reserve protect over 200,000 ha of pristine wilderness, with the Khwai River acting as the lifeline that attracts predators and plains game throughout the seasons. This makes Khwai one of Botswana’s most rewarding and reliable safari destinations for travellers seeking authentic, high-density wildlife experiences. How much does a safari to Botswana cost? Read more in our Botswana cost guide.

Khwai Highlights

• Year-round wildlife and exceptional predator sightings
• Unfenced borders with Moremi and Chobe
• Night drives and off-road viewing in the community concession
• Mokoro excursions through quiet backwaters
• Flexible activities and community-based tourism
• Exclusive safari options in private reserves
• Rich cultural encounters in nearby Khwai Village

Incredible Wildlife

Khwai is one of Botswana’s best all-round wildlife destinations. African wild dogs are frequently seen here, along with lions, leopards, hyenas, and occasional cheetahs and serval cats. Elephants are abundant, especially in the dry winter months when they line the Khwai River. Buffalo herds move in during the rainy season, followed by predators.

Red lechwe browse in the western marshes, while tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, and impala roam the plains. Hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, and lechwe thrive along the river. In the woodlands and grasslands, expect giraffe, zebra, roan, and sable. Mababe adds the possibility of eland and oryx, particularly in its “mini Central Kalahari” region.

Twitcher’s Paradise

The Khwai River Area is a birding paradise, boasting a rich mix of resident species and migratory birds. Aquatic birds gather along floodplains in summer, while raptors and woodland species thrive year-round. Expect sightings of cranes, egrets, herons, vultures, storks (including saddle-billed and marabou), bee-eaters, rollers, and the iconic African fish eagle.

About Khwai Community Concessions

Located along the Khwai River and bordering Moremi, this 1,800 km² community-run concession offers superb game viewing and flexible activities. Because it’s managed by the local community, every safari here directly benefits Khwai residents and supports conservation. Accommodation ranges from mid-range lodges to rustic wild campsites.

• Khwai Private Reserve

The larger of Khwai’s two main reserves, this private area offers exclusive safaris for guests staying at its mid-range to luxury lodges. Mopane woodland dominates much of the landscape, so wildlife activities focus on the southern region closer to the Khwai River. The reserve is run by a private safari company that pays concession fees to the local community.

• Mababe Private Reserve

Part of the NG41 Mababe Concession, this private reserve lies 40 km east of Khwai and borders Chobe to the north. Its wetland is the only permanent water source in the area, drawing huge herds and exceptional predator activity. Strict vehicle limits — only 20 at any time — ensure a peaceful, low-impact safari. With varied ecosystems from riverine forests to Kalahari scrub, Mababe stands out for sustainability and intimate wildlife encounters, including walking safaris, night drives, and access to remote areas.

Best Things to Do

Khwai offers the full spectrum of Botswana safari activities.

• Day and night game drives
• Mokoro excursions on quiet channels
• Walking safaris in selected areas (including Mababe)
• Birding outings
• Off-road photography-focused drives
• Full-day trips into Moremi Game Reserve
• Exclusive small-vehicle drives in private concessions
• Extended night drives in Mababe

Khwai Combines Well With…

Khwai is perfectly positioned for seamless travel through northern Botswana and the surrounding areas, which offer some of Southern Africa's most exceptional destinations.

• Moremi Game Reserve
• Okavango Delta water camps
• Savuti Marsh
• Chobe National Park
• Makgadikgadi Pans
• Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Need Help Planning Your Khwai Safari?

Khwai’s mix of community concessions, private reserves, and seasonal water levels means every itinerary can be tailored to your style. Chat to one of our Botswana safari specialists for advice on the best dates, routes, and combinations, and craft a seamless journey through northern Botswana’s most rewarding wildlife landscapes.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Khwai River Area?

The best time to visit Khwai is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife congregates at the Khwai River and predator sightings are at their best.

• June to October is the Dry Season

Prime wildlife viewing, thinning vegetation, high elephant densities, and excellent predator activity.

• The Green Season from November to March

Lush scenery, newborn animals, migratory birds, dramatic skies, and quieter camps.

• April and May are Shoulder Season months

Clear days, cooling nights, fewer travellers, and rising wildlife concentrations along the river.

Read more here for the best time to visit Botswana, including Khwai and the Delta.