| The Big Game Kwando region lies along the west bank of the Kwando River, the source of which is some 100 km north of Susuwe Island Lodge (Namibia) and stretches to the southern end of Kwando Lebala camp (close to the Selinda Spillway) - Botswana. This western bank region is a vast unfenced wilderness area with huge concentrations of elephants and other big game of Africa. Minimal game drive vehicles, a year-round supply of fresh water and the many habitats including Mopani forests, grasslands and floodplains, contribute to making this the perfect environment for large breeding herds of elephant. The area is shared by Kwando Safaris - operating Kwando Lebala and Kwando Lagoon Camp - and Islands in Africa – operating Susuwe Island Lodge. The total size of the two combined is in excess of 320 000 ha and certainly has one of the very lowest bed densities in Africa – the total number of beds is 44! Thus making it the ultimate wilderness area…
This region forms the heartland of the proposed immense Upper Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area - straddling Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe - one of the greatest wilderness areas on the planet . The 5 Rivers Safari – www.5riverssafari.com - is a joint venture between 5 companies (Moremi Safaris & Tours, Lianshulu Lodge, Deception Valley Lodge, Kwando Safaris and Islands in Africa) who have co-operated to offer a unique collection of camps and lodges providing a combination of experiences previously out of reach to even the most devoted safari enthusiast, thus assisting with the promotion of the Upper Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area even prior to its official existence.
The wetlands and flood plains around Kwando Lebala offer a wonderful variety of wildlife with excellent sightings of elephant, hippo, lechwe, zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, kudu, tsessebe, roan, sable, buffalo and the ever present predators; wild dog, lion, cheetah and hyena.
Kwando Lagoon has earned recognition as the best venue in Africa for wild dog viewing as the dogs have denned near the camp every year since the camps existence. These animals are generally very relaxed in the presence of vehicles, meaning the sightings are usually at close range. Among the great variety of antelope species found at Lagoon, the endangered Sable and Roan are often seen. Seasonally, large herds of elephant drink almost daily at the river bank in front of the camp, in full view of the guests. The big herds attract big predators. The lions of Kwando are famous for their elephant, hippo and buffalo kills. Playful spotted necked otters are commonly seen performing in the Lagoon right in front of the tents.
Susuwe Island Lodge is a luxury 12 bedded lodge situated in the northern part of the Big Game Kwando region. Horseshoe Bend is a unique attraction - an oxbow lake which has formed on the Kwando river - where in the afternoon guests can witness vast numbers of elephant drinking here simultaneously (in dry months in excess of 800). Boat cruises along the Kwando River provide excellent opportunities for birding and watching wildlife interacting along the banks of this huge wilderness area.
Travelling between Botswana and Namibia in this region is made absolutely simple as two very unique border posts exist - one just north of Kwando lagoon Camp on the Kwando River (Botswana) and the other on the east bank at Lianshulu Lodge (Namibia). In order to travel between the two border posts a boat transfer is required and for logistical reasons a night stop at each lodge is strongly recommended before continuing to either Kwando Lebala or Susuwe Island Lodge. |
