News / Camp News

Our weather patterns stabilised at the beginning of the month, and we continued to have a few thundershowers in the late afternoons and evenings. On the 25th of April we had a tremendous storm late one evening, which lasted until morning and deposited 60mm (2.5 inches) of rain. This pushed our water levels up quite considerably, and we're expecting more water as the annual flood trickles down to us. We had more rain in April than we usually have at this time of year.

We reopened Kwetsani on the 1st of April after being closed for annual maintenance in March. The weather played a bit of an April Fool's joke on us as we had 54mm of rain in two hours on the 1st, from a storm that went on to Maun and caused quite a few disruptions with flights and new guests arriving. With the water rising our little island has become smaller, which means we have had to get inventive about finding outside dining areas, as the usual ones are submerged. Our boat jetty is also currently submerged, and the pan area has been joined to the main Delta by a small stream.

Our wildlife has returned in full force now that the maintenance teams have left and the area around camp is once again serene. The breeding herd of elephant was here to greet us on the day we reopened and the resident troops of baboons and monkeys took great joy in resuming their thieving from the breakfast buffet. 

We had the two female lion with their four older cubs on the island for four days, and then a female and male mating in camp for two days and roaring continuously. The two females and their cubs walked right past our pool area, and the mating pair! The mating female seemed to have abandoned her remaining cub after the guides noticed that one cub was missing. The remaining cub was sighted regularly on its own - in the open without its mother and, sadly, on the 30th we found its little body. 

We have had a number of breeding elephant bulls, either alone or in groups of up to four individuals. In the last days of April, four lone bulls uprooted a strangler fig near the main camp area and proceeded to consume most of the tree. They did not only eat the leaves but broke off most of the small branches and ate all the bark of these. The elephant really took a liking to the tree and stripped most of the bark off the larger branches and the trunk. On the evening of the 29th a breeding herd was also sighted around the fig enjoying the fruits of the bulls' labour.

The family of reedbuck is still near the camp and seem to feel secure in the camp surrounds. We were fortunate to see our resident leopard one evening, near camp and we have also seen two hyaena on the floodplain in front of camp.

Our Burchell's Starlings have successfully raised their chicks, which have now flown the nest. We have also seen a Green Wood-Hoopoe (which used to be called Red-billed Wood-Hoopoe) that has made a nest in a dead tree near Tent #4 and seems to be in the process of breeding. 

Our vlei area on the southern side of the island has increased and we now have a large variety of birds that have taken up residence, such as Saddle-billed Storks, Egyptian Geese, White-faced Ducks and Spur-winged Geese.

"Lion and four cubs seen on Jao Island. Outside shower. Great views and atmosphere. Nice chats with OB, a very dedicated and competent guide." - Paolo and Corrine, South Africa

"'Our' elephant around our tent every day. Leopard, lioness, buck and all the other beautiful birds. In fact, everything was excellent. Staff couldn't have been kinder and more efficient!" - Jim and Norma, South Africa

"We will be recommending Kwetsani to all of our family and friends who are thinking of travelling to Africa. The combination of setting, accommodation, the warm welcome and attention from the staff has created a world-class destination. The stay has been the highlight of our trip. Special mentions to OB and the catering team. Also loved the mokoro trips!" - John and Janet, UK

"We appreciated the small camp feel and the friendliness of all the staff. Kenny, our guide, proved to be very knowledgeable and used his skill to make the best of the opportunities. Whatever questions we had, he helped with information on not only animals and birds but also plants. Sophie did a beautiful job of keeping our room clean and providing thoughtful touches. Your attention to detail was apparent throughout our stay. We will recommend your camps and we look forward to returning. Kealeboga!" - William and Carol, USA

Managers: Ian, Michélle and Tlamelo

Guides: OB and Kenny

The photograph of the lions mating is courtesy of Charles and Bethany from Beaver Creek, Colorado. Thanks!