Khwai Concession – Overview

The Khwai Concession (which includes the NG18 and NG19 concessions) is one of the most accessible parts of the Okavango Delta, yet is like having your own private corner of it. It sits alongside Moremi Game Reserve and occupies the eastern reaches of the Delta, and is becoming more popular with each passing year. Khwai is home to fabulous wildlife and, for the most part, is still without the crowds you might get elsewhere. Game drives, birding and mokoro trips are always possible here.

Best Time To Go

May to October (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season

July to October (Higher rates apply but it’s not busy)

Size More info

2,000km² / 772mi²

Altitude More info

934-944m / 3,064-3,097ft

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Pros & Cons

• Easy to reach but relatively few crowds
• Excellent wildlife viewing
• Off-road driving is permitted
• Great birding possibilities
• Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and mokoro trips
• Mix of budget and luxury accommodations
• Khwai can be an expensive destination
• The growing number of community campsites has increased visitor numbers
• Water levels can be unpredictable early and late in the Dry season (April to October)

Wildlife

Khwai is outstanding for a whole range of wildlife, which the concession shares with the neighboring Moremi Game Reserve and wider Okavango Delta (of which Khwai is a part). Four of the Big Five are frequently seen: elephant and buffalo are especially common, and lion and leopard are always possible. Hippo, zebra, giraffe are also often seen, and Khwai is a good place to see wild dog and red lechwe.

Scenery

The Khwai Concession is an extension of the Okavango Delta, sharing much of the same scenery. Expect reed-lined channels, patches of open water, islands and an appealing mix of acacia woodland and mopane woodland. Borassus palms crown many of the islands. Every year, the landscape changes as water levels fluctuate, which means there’s always something new to see.

Activities

Because Khwai is overseen by the local community and is not subject to the restrictions that apply in national parks and game reserves, it offers a wide range of activities. These include guided and self-guided game drives (off-road driving is permitted in some areas) for both birding and general wildlife viewing. Also possible are night drives, walking safaris and mokoro trips.

Weather & Climate

Khwai has similar weather to the Okavango Delta, with a Dry season that runs from April to October. Nights can be cool and daytime temperatures are agreeably warm until around September, when they start to build to their hot October peak. Rains usually begin in November, marking the start of the Wet season, which runs until March with slightly cooler (but more humid) days.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Khwai is during the Dry season (April to October), from May onward. This is when water levels are highest, which is good for mokoro trips, and animals are most easily seen. During the Wet season (November to March), the rains can make it a little more difficult to get around, but there are still plenty of animals and many more birds to see.

Want To Visit Khwai Concession?

• Khwai Concession Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Khwai Concession