Lebala Camp
Hotel
The northern region of Botswana is one of the best in Africa for wildlife observation. The Kwando Reserve stretches from the upper Okavango Delta to the Kwando River region. Eastwards, it reaches as far as the Savuti and Chobe National Park.
Kwando Safaris have the exclusive rights for vast 2,230 square kilometres designated as the Kwando Concession. There are only two camps in the concession: the Lebala Camp and its neighbour the Kwara Camp.
Lebala means “wide open spaces” in the indigenous read more » Setswana tongue. And indeed, the scenery is dominated by vast plains with scattered palms and thickets backed by wooded savannahs.
Having arrived at the reception area, which is shaded by a huge sausage tree, guests are led along the elevated boardwalk. The boardwalk crosses a small stream and emerges at the lounge and bar. Further pathways lead off towards the accommodation tents.
Two aspects played a very important role throughout the planning and building phase of the camp: Primarily, an ambience offering privacy and an exceptional holiday experience was created. Secondly, the management was designed to feature a flat hierarchy to focus more on the guest.
Surrounded by the Linyanti Wetlands, the elegant and luxurious camp lies about 30km south of the Lagoon Camp. To the south and west from Lebala lie open grasslands, dotted with Illala palms.
The Kwando River, which holds water all year round, feeds a vast swamp area before it reforms under the name Linyanti River and flows northwards. The triangle formed by the river’s direction change is known as the Mamili National Park region.
Living
The accommodation at the Lebala Camp consists of eight spacious and luxurious tents, which all feature an intriguing design. Each is set on an elevated teak deck.
The entrance area also serves as a read more » reading and writing area and a finely appointed en-suite bathroom features a Victorian bathtub, double washbasins and a toilet. Step out of the bathroom into the open, reed-walled shower area, with hot and cold running water.
Teak furniture, most of it skilfully crafted by local tradesmen, adds an elegant flair to the spacious and tasteful ambience, as do the smooth lines of the tent itself. Large windows complete the feeling of spaciousness and harmony.
Activities
The wetlands and floodplains around Lebala provide an environment rich with diverse wildlife. The region is well know for its elephants, hippos, lechwe antelopes, zebras, giraffes, impalas, gnus, tsessebes,
read more »
waterbucks, sable and roan antelopes and large buffalo herds.
Predators such as the rare wild dog, lions, cheetahs and hyenas are just as easily spotted. Because roughly a third of these animals are nocturnal, a spotlight helps to find them in the dark on one of the exciting night drives.
The species which more active at night include mongoose, aardwolves, cats, owls and maybe even a rare and shy leopard. Every tent commands a stunning view out over this part of the Kwando-Linyanti ecosystem.
The region is a complex labyrinth of waterways, reeds, islands, floodplains, thickets, bush and forests. Parts of it are not unlike the Okavango Delta but it certainly radiates a special character.
The large numbers of wild animals in the region, some of which migrate in immense herds, together with the ever-lurking predators that follow them combine to form a spectacular wildlife experience set against a striking landscape right at the Lebala Camp’s feet.
