Khwai River Lodge, Botswana

Spent 6 nights in Botswana, staying in 3 locations - 2 nights each. Definitely the best, most amazing vacation experience ever. Khwai River Lodge is rustic, in an amazing location, with fantastic game drives, excellent tour guides (Kenny was fantastic), delicious food and absolutely wonderful service/people. Saw amazing wildlife, at times close-up...I believe visiting in April/during the dry season allowed for those close-up experiences. Was awakened one night with an elephant bumping into our tent/rubbing against the front porch for a few minutes. Overall experience 5 stars but had to ding the room as noted below. Purchased some beautiful straw pieces from local villagers at the Lodge. Pool was refreshing. Evening entertainment one night - singing, dancing, from the staff was delightful!

What a way to begin our 3 week Southern Africa trip. From the moment we were welcomed to the lodge by the singing and dancing staff to the moment we left with fresh baked challah and cookies for our flight to Zambia, Khwai River Lodge was exceptional. Our "tent" was very large, comfortable, clean and just perfect. In the back we had an outdoor shower and a very refreshing private plunge pool. Our porch overlooked a watering hole around which we could watch hippos, impalas, buffalo and the lodge's resident elephant. One night we even had 4 hippos outside our front door. We could not have asked for better service or a more attentive staff. Our "butler" Chippy catered to our every need. Being kosher, very often, can create difficulties when we travel but not here. The lodge has a dedicated kosher kitchen, and a kosher trained chef was brought in for us even though we were the only kosher guests. Ruth, very creatively, cooked up 3 multi course delicious meals daily. In addition, she packed us up with a variety of delicious snacks for our game drives. Though we were in the middle of nowhere, we were still able to get top notch massages from Wozzy. Finally, the highlight of our stay was our game guide, John. He was warm, friendly and seemed to know the bush as well as it could be known. Not only did he make sure we saw the Big Five multiple times but was relentless in his efforts that we see just about every possible animal out there. Not only did he find the animals for us but he taught us so much about the animals, the bush the culture and Botswana/Africa. Back at the lodge, he even hung out with us around the fire just talking about everything. Bottom line, great lodge, great location and GREAT staff.

I have been to Africa and Botswana before, but this trip was unique because it was my very first time going solo. I had the best experience and am so glad that I did it. The highlight was my guide, Mokopi. He has guided me in the past when he worked for another company before moving to Belmond. He is a huge asset at this camp. Incredible person, amazing tracker, I could go on and on. I absolutely loved the managers and staff. They made me feel so comfortable. The first day my wifi wasn't working in my room and they promptly moved me to another room where I had great wifi. The camp is extremely comfortable. Not quite up to date with other camps in terms of design/style, but sooo comfortable and has a nice classic feel. The rooms have beautiful views and the AC was a game changer in October. The food was delicious at every meal. We saw great game including wild dogs. I had such a great experience that I will be returning again this year.

I will try to put into words how amazing our experience here was, but it will be hard. From our beautiful singing welcome to our rooms to just everything there, we had such an incredible time at Khwai River Lodge.|We were picked up at the airstrip by our wonderful guide, Watch, who immediately made sure we had a good flight and we’re ready to see some amazing animals. We were then welcomed by the beautiful warm singing and more delicious welcome drinks. We were then greeted by the manager, who debriefed us on the property and our rooms weren’t ready so we had a delicious lunch and enjoyed the property. ||Our rooms were nothing short of beautiful and had every amenity you could need to be comfortable. There was air conditioning as well as heat when it got chilly at night to ensure being as comfortable as possible. |Our guide, Watch, has been a guide for over 15 years and had so much knowledge of the animals and the area. He was always asking if there was anything we wanted to see and making sure we were engaged and excited. On all the game drives they had a beautiful drink and snack set up as well as blankets if it got cold. It was so comfortable and just a fun experience. |Aside from the incredible food and lodge, we saw such amazing animals and were just lucky to be there. |The wifi only worked in the main reception area but you’re too busy to be on wifi so it was not an issue for us whatsoever ever.

From the beautiful voices that greeted us with song, to the final night at a beautiful dinner where we were treated to amazing singing that was very emotional, the staff of Khwai River Lodge showed us how exceptional they are. Our guides Watch and DK, could not have provided a better experience. Their expert driving and maneuvering for a great picture, we got to see the Big 5 and then some! Our accommodations were quite different from our previous lodge in Kruger which were ver modern, the tented lodges here were unique and wonderful. The porch where we were able to observe elephants and hippos so close was exciting. Gladys and her staff could not have been more attentive. The spa treatments we received were excellent, and so glad we did this! We loved that Watch and DK joined my family of 8 for dinners-the food was excellent, especially the really cool bars that were set up just for us! We learned so much about the culture of Botswana and fell in love with this country and it's people, thanks to the Belmond Khwai River Lodge.

I was on a group safari with a friend and we visited 3 Belmond lodges. The staff at Khwai River was absolutely AMAZING!! Unfortunately, I was sick during the trip and unable to go drives for a few days - such a huge disappointment!! I was able to watch majestic elephants in the distance and the birds on my balcony. The staff took incredible care of me - calling my room to check on me and bringing food to make sure I ate. Our travel agency Ocean Enterprises in San Diego - was awesome! I will absolutely use them when I book a safari here with my family.

The camp is lovely. The staff was absolutely fabulous. And the food was fresh and delicious. |Our tent was very nice, with a deck. We could watch the resident elephants in the wetlands outside out tent. |The public areas are starting to show their age, but were still very comfortable and welcoming. |We were there at the end of the wet season, not the best time for animal viewing, but our guide managed to find wonderful animals for us to watch. |I would definitely stay here again, but I would visit during the dry season!

Very special location, directly on the Khwai river and in the game reserve! We stayed for two nights and found the service to be top-notch and all of the staff to be terrific. Special shout outs to staff members Gladys and Teddy who continuously attended to our every need. We always felt safe throughout our stay, even with the big game being so close here. The Boma Feast dining event was unlike anything ever experienced – a must do! Recommending to all of our friends now.