MOREMI’S MAGIC
The Newest Addition to Botswana’s Luxury
Botswana has long been heralded as one of the foremost luxury safari destinations, and the imminent opening of Khwai Lediba will add another choice of premier properties for visitors.
Located in the Khwai Community Area adjacent to Moremi National Park and on the borders of the magnificent Okavango Delta, Lediba provides the exceptional calibre of Botswana’s premium residences without compromising an integrated and authentic Botswana safari.
“The unique and authentic styling of Lediba is striking,” says the new property’s travel partner, Karl Parkinson. “All the public areas are open-sided and embrace the amazing views over the surrounding floodplains.”
Opening in July of this year, the new flagship property will accommodate up to 16 guests in superbly-designed contemporary tented suites, each one offering ensuite facilities, modern furnishings and an exquisite private outlook over the Khwai River and a portfolio of activities to choose from.
Lediba, the Setswana for ‘lagoon’, rests sedately on the banks of a vital water source for the region’s wildlife. While the steep banks and sometimes challenging access to the Okavango are amenable for larger game, the camp’s neighbouring Khwai River provides hydration for a greater spectrum of creatures, and all within viewing distance of the property.
“The camp faces west and takes in beautiful vistas of the floodplains,” Karl elaborates. “You truly get a sense that you are in wild Botswana.”
Highly-trained staff, including camp hosts, guides and talented chefs, have been chosen specifically from the local communities, the camp providing support for the villagers and adding to the humanitarian work done by the ABC Foundation, which includes an established school for local children. But these generous efforts are only the beginning for Khwai Lediba.
“Employing a local team is integral to the Lediba experience. This is what makes our staff so strong; our sense of togetherness and purpose. In fact, it was the staff at Lediba that chose the name.”
The camp has also been intelligently designed to reduce environmental impact as much as possible, the raised suites maintaining the integrity of the surrounding bushland and a solar grid has been established to provide green energy for the entire property.
“We have implemented grey water usage, solar power, sustainable materials and building methods – this is vitally important to how we operate with a light footprint and celebrate our surroundings instead of hurting them.”
This modernity is delicately juxtaposed with an acknowledgement to the traditional safari experience. Each suite is graced with a sweeping canopy of canvas, furnishings reflect the gold era of safari travel and bespoke furnishings aren’t without their rustic nuances that evoke an impression of colonial Africa and a connection to the camp’s natural surroundings and cultural heritage.
For guests, the new property will offer a family suite to allow parents and children over the age of 12 to share in the exceptional Okavango experience, while private six suites provide exclusive and intimate romance in one of the world’s most magical settings. A communal pool and lodge with al fresco dining inspire a complete and unfettered immersion in the surrounding wilderness, and even when sipping coffee over breakfast, one will feel enveloped by this unique ecosystem without compromise to the impeccable standard of service and luxury to be expected at one of Botswana’s foremost properties.
Waking to visions of the delta and the sounds of nature, one can choose to venture out on a mokoro excursion, drifting silently on the calm waters of the Khwai River in these traditional vessels, undertake a walking safari, visit the nearby Khwai village and its school or explore the surrounding landscapes on an expertly-guided game drive day or night.
The Khwai River is a permanent water source throughout the year, making Khwai Lediba a perennial delight and game viewing of the utmost standard. Elephant frequent the river banks, sharing the grasslands with various antelope species. Lion and leopard stalk through the tall grass, and giraffe dip their long necks over splayed legs to sip from the water’s edge. Birding, too, is exceptional, and seasonal visitors only add to the array of feathered life in the region.
Moremi and the Okavango Delta are widely appreciated for their diversity of life and availability of game viewing. A destination of exceptional safari opportunity, they are revered for their excellence in untouched landscapes teeming with life. Botswana has long been one of Africa’s premier safari destinations and this has elevated the standard of staff and guiding to a world-leading standard.
With the addition of Khwai Lediba, this reputation is only emboldened, bringing with it a level of accommodation that is only seen in the very best of properties.
“Linyanti Bush Camp is a perfect compliment to Lediba, providing a more extensive experience in the region” suggests Karl. “If in season then we would also highly recommend migration expeditions to begin your safari journey.”
If Botswana features on your wishlist of destinations, discuss the potential of the Khwai portfolio and their newest property with your travel designer.
KHWAI LEDIBA: Location
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Camp Images: ©African Bush Camps
