Lagoon in a Nutshell


Lagoon Camp is located in the vast Kwando / Linyanti ecosystem. This means private, unparalleled game viewing in one of Botswana’s best private concessions. This is a “dry land” camp, so game drives are the main focus. The area is particularly popular as wild dog sightings are consistent. It is however, famous for all round top quality game viewing of the highest quality and so can be booked as a “go-to” camp for assured quality wildlife experiences. The location on a large lagoon also means the camp can offer boat cruises.

 

Fast Facts

  • 8 tented and thatched units
  • Camp accommodates 16 guests only
  • USD833 – USD1266
  • Modern eco-friendly camp
  • Game drives and night drives with possibility to track off-road
  • Access by light aircraft transfer
  • Excellent dry land area for game drives

 

How to Get There

Most people fly into Lagoon Camp using the nearby airstrip (about 40 minutes from Maun and 35 from Kasane). If you combine with a stay at Lebala Camp (also Kwando Safaris) you can get a free road transfer between camps – this can save you a light aircraft transfer cost.

 

Game Viewing and Activities

Game drives are excellent – you book here to do this! The drives take place in the Kwando concession which has the Kwando river as its northern border – this is where the concentrations of animals are at their highest. Predator sightings include all of the big carnivores and most cats are extremely habituated to vehicles which allows for close viewing. The guides here know their trade and guided activities take priority over any other scheduled events at the lodge:  so if you are enjoying a sighting or predators are hunting, guides are instructed to stay out as long as you want, even bringing meals out to where you are. Further:

  • Guides can move off road and at night
  • Guide has a tracker to help locate animals
  • Flexible game drive times – lunch can be taken out to you if you want to stay out
  • Removable roofs on game drive vehicles for unhindered views
  • Private concession – no congestion or self drives in the area
  • Outside of the National park – less restrictive park rules

Pleasant boat cruises (and fishing) are also offered on the Kwando River. Walks are also possible but we find the guides not to be particularly geared towards this. Further, do not expect the best fishing kit to supplied in this camp.

 

Camp Environment

Lagoon Camp underwent a rebuild in 2011 so is modern, functional and eco-firendly. The spacious new rooms have canvas sides and are thatched covered which keeps them cool during the day. Each room is elevated and looks onto the lagoon. The main area blends in nicely to the surrounding ancient trees, also looking onto the lagoon.

This camp also has a family room that can sleep 4 in two separate bedrooms and is located relatively (and conveniently) close to the main area of the camp.

Lagoon Camp is owned by Kwando Safaris and is one of a portfolio of well located lodges owned by the same group. You can therefore pick up good discounts when combining with other related Camps on their excellent safari circuit.

Further, be sure to have a look at the specials page related to this group of lodges: 5 RIVERS SPECIAL

 

What we think

Every time we have stayed at this lodge, we have been blown away by the sheer quality of the game viewing and the ability of the guides to track and find animals. Generally, the standards of “bush lore” of the guiding team is very high and we have been able to find and follow the predators we want to see on our request.

The wild dog breeding season (June, July, August) is an exceptional time to be at Lagoon Camp, as they know where the dogs den. Indeed, this might be what makes this camp so popular, so you definitely have to book long in advance to secure space during these months.

Further, the late (hot) dry season on the Kwando river is spectacular – you have a good chance of seeing herds of buffalo and elephant more than 1000 strong during this time.

As with all KWANDO properties, we like the emphasis on game viewing activities, rather than excessive luxuries in the lodge. We highly recommend a stay here!

 

 

Lodges to combine with Lagoon Camp