Lebala Camp occupies a distinctive wilderness location in the Kwando Private Concession, one of Botswana's most celebrated safari destinations. The name "Lebala" translates to "wide open spaces," an apt description for this expansive property situated within a 232,000-hectare reserve shared with just one other lodge, ensuring genuinely exclusive wildlife experiences in an untamed landscape.
The camp sits on the floodplains of the Kwando River, positioned at the southern boundary of the concession adjacent to the headwaters of the Linyanti Marshes, which form the international border between Botswana and Namibia. The landscape encompasses vast open plains dotted with scattered palms and tree islands, backed by dense mopane woodlands to the east. This positioning offers significant advantages: the open floodplain terrain facilitates traversing the concession in search of large game, while access to multiple habitats—from floodplains to riverine forests to woodland savannah—ensures diverse wildlife encounters and exceptional birdlife viewing opportunities. The strategic location away from denser forests permits easier spotting of plains game.
The Kwando Concession's private status permits activities unavailable in national parks: off-road driving for pursuing specific wildlife and nighttime game drives with spotlights, revealing the 30 percent of African mammals primarily active after dark. Game viewing focuses on predators and plains species, with wild dogs and lions featuring prominently in sightings. Zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, tsessebe, elephant, buffalo, and hippo populate the ecosystem. Seasonal walking safaris complement vehicle-based activities when conditions permit. The dual guide-and-tracker system employed by the camp's operator significantly enhances wildlife sighting success rates.
Eight spacious custom-designed canvas tents, including one family suite, occupy raised Zimbabwean teak decks connected by sandy walkways. Each accommodation features open-plan sleeping areas, en-suite bathrooms with double basins, claw-foot soaking tubs, separate toilets, and notably, double outdoor showers overlooking the plains. Unique mosquito net walls create an unobstructed flow of cooling breezes while maintaining insect protection. The communal areas center around a substantial firepit—the social and organizational hub where morning tea precedes daily activities and guests gather after sunset. Additional facilities include a plunge pool overlooking the plains, a dining pavilion, and a raised viewing deck positioned high enough to observe both waterway wildlife and terrestrial game.
