Lebala means 'wide open spaces' in Setswana and the camp has spectacular views over expansive plains and wetlandsthat make up the Kwando-Linyanti floodplain system. The wetlands and flood plains around Lebala offer a diverse variety of wildlife with excellent sightings of elephant, hippo, lechwe, zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, kudu, tsessebe, roan, sable, buffalo and the ever-watchful predators; wild dog, lion, cheetah and hyena.
At Kwando Lebala, 9 spacious, luxurious tents, including a 2-bedroom family chalet , are set on raised teak sundecks. The views from the large windows and private decks are breathtaking. Each tent features a large bedroom and living area with en suite bathrooms, including a Victorian-style clawfoot bathtub and a reed-enclosed, open-air shower.
A small footbridge over a seasonal waterway leads to Kwando Lebala's central area, which opens into a large lounge and bar area very comfortably furnished with chairs and sofas. Overlooking the plains to the front of camp is the plunge pool and several sun loungers, a perfect place to cool off in the heat of the day. Situated at the back of camp is the raised viewing deck; tall and shady, with views over the wetlands, guests can sit and watch the game and a great variety of birds. Excellent food is served in the thatched, open-sided dining room, after which guests can take coffee or a nightcap around the campfire.
Lebala's activities focus on game drives, with night drives being a speciality due to the high-visibility plains. After dark, spotlights are switched on, and the game drives offer nocturnal sightings of rare and elusive species such as leopard, Selous mongoose, small spotted genet and aardwolf. Nocturnal bird species include Natal and pennant-winged nightjars and a large variety of owls. A local tracker and a guide accompany all 4x4 game drives, affording an extra pair of experienced eyes searching for game. Depending on the water levels, a boat activity is now offered, taking guests through the nearby winding channels. Lebala Camp also offers walks year-round, which is entirely at the guides' discretion, as there may be too many elephants in the area at certain times to make this a safe option.
Why we like Kwando Lebala
Kwando Lebala offers guests the best chance of exciting night drives to see rare sightings of nocturnal animals.
