Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve Botswana
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#3 of 8 lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.8
Value
4.4
Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, blends old-world indulgence with animal magic. Set on a private concession in fence-free Moremi Game Reserve, this is where wildlife roams freely according to its migration patterns. Luxurious raised, tented rooms overlook the floodplains, offering prime views of the big game. Led by knowledgeable guides, guests enjoy normally off-limits experiences such as sundowners in the bush, moonlight safaris and walking tours. Phenomenal wildlife includes leopards, wild dogs and lions. The lodge is suitable for buyouts. Exclusive incentive activities, customised group itineraries and self-drive safaris can all be arranged.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness classes
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Walking tours
Free airport transportation
Spa
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary welcome drink
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Airport transportation
Massage
24-hour security
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Safe
Telephone
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Minibar
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
River View
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve Botswana
Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
258Reviews10Q+A65Room tips
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+1
This was our first of the three Belmond Safari locations and Khwai was a great introduction to safari for our two (older) children. We had the warmest welcome from the "choir" (which brought a tear to my eye) and from that point felt very much at home. Every member of the team took time to introduce themselves and quickly remembered us (and how I like my margaritas!). Our "tents" were capacious, well appointed and very comfortable with everything we needed and overlooked the river complete with grazing hippo, elephants and other animals. We were provided with delicious food and impeccable at every opportunity. A *minor* negative, and only having visited the other two Belmond locations, is that Khwai would benefit from being brought up to the design standards of those other locations - we were nevertheless very happy with what was provided at Khwai. Our absolutely amazing and knowledgeable guide DK, found us pretty much every animal that was available including zebra, hippo, warthog, lion, leopard and hyena cubs through to the pretty lilac breasted roller and took us to the most beautiful spots for sundowners and morning coffee. Even the short drive on our last day was rewarded with a lion chasing a leopard up a tree!…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Pack warm clothes and layer up for the early mornings and late evenings in the winter months!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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.…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Gabriella Wiseman, Marketing at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Jul 7, 2023
Dear shimmy2556, Thank you for your wonderful review of Khwai River Lodge! We're thrilled that you had an exceptional start to your Southern Africa trip with us. From the warm welcome to the spacious and comfortable tented room, refreshing plunge pool, and amazing wildlife encounters, it's fantastic to know that our lodge, location, and staff exceeded your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back for another great stay. Best regards, Gabriella
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The lodge is beautiful and in an amazing location. However, yesterday at the dinner, it was completely taken over by an extremely loud group of tourists. We were given a tiny table in a place with no light. When complaining, staff just ignored us and stated there was nothing they could do. At game drives, the same group kept shouting and standing up, which may even make the experience dangerous for all of us. Again, the staff said nothing. What I find unacceptable is that today everyone apologised, but yesterday, when they had the chance to do something and make the evening pleasant for everyone, staff did nothing and treated us as second class guests (I wish I had taken a photo of the tiny table at a corner they offered us for dinner).
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Gabriella Wiseman, Marketing at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded May 23, 2023
Hi Catarina, We are so sorry to hear that you didn't have a pleasant dinner experience and that your gaming viewing experience is not what you expected. We will pass on your comments and concerns to the team and ensure that all guests are treated with the utmost importance, respect and kindness. We hope the rest of your stay was really lovely and that you were able to still enjoy the beauty of Northern Botswana. We hope you had a safe trip home. Take care.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had the very best time at Khwai! Belmond is an exceptional company & they delivered! There is a river in front of your chalet that is full of hippos! You can watch the beautiful sunrise! We saw lions, African wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos - everything one wants to see in the wild! The customer service was excellent & we will never forget our guide Jimmy & the manager Gladys, who made us feel so welcomed & taken care of! Thank you for the beautiful memory!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Do not miss any of the game drives, you see something different each time! Jimmy, our guide was...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Jan 1, 2023
Dear Footprints667320, We thank you for sharing your feedback and experience with us. A Belmond Safari is truly a life-changing experience and we are elated to see that you enjoyed all the lodges. Thank you for your support and business, we appreciate it. Best wishes Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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. …
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Oct 23, 2022
Dear Ajcompass17, A sincere thank you for your business and sharing your feedback with us, we truly welcome and appreciate it. We will share the wonderful feedback with Mokopi, a true asset and gem to the team. We take note of your valuable comments and will share with the operational team. Once again thank you for your business and we look forward to welcoming you back! Best wishes Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.…
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: All villas had the same views, and some were a slightly longer walk to the main lodge, but...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Sep 29, 2022
Dear DebiWeisman, A sincere thank you for your wonderful review and feedback, we truly welcome and appreciate it. We are elated to see that you enjoyed your stay and experience with us and will share the feedback with the team members mentioned. Thank you for your business and support and we hope to welcome you back soon! Best wishes Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Sep 29, 2022
Dear TimK5888FF, Thank you for sharing your review and feedback with us, we truly appreciate it. We are elated to see that you enjoyed your stay and experience with us and will share the positive feedback with Gladys and Teddy that were mentioned. Thank you again for your business and we hope to welcome you back soon! Best wishes Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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. …
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Date of stay: May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Sep 29, 2022
Dear Anon11232, We thank you sincerely for the wonderful review and feedback, we truly appreciate. We are elated to see that you have enjoyed your stay and overall experience with us and agree that our wonderful team at the lodge, make it an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Thank you again and hope to welcome you back soon! Best wishes Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
One of my long-time girlfriends treated me to a trip-of-a-lifetime – a safari trip to Zambia and Botswana. She booked the trip in July 2021 as the Covid Pandemic continued. We were determined that we could make the trip in April 2022, that governments and travel would open up, and we succeeded! We were two of the first international travelers into several camps, and our trip exceeded our expectations. We spent three days each in four different safari camps. This review is of the Khwai River Lodge. We flew from another camp via Cessna and were picked up by our guide LG who took us into the camp. The aerial views of the vastness of Botswana were amazing and beautiful during our flight. This time of year (April; between wet season and dry season), the landscape was still very green. We arrived at Khwai River Lodge, located in the Khwai River floodplains near the Moremi Game Reserve, to a warm welcome by the staff singing their local songs. We enjoyed cocktails and snacks, a briefing of the camp policies, schedules, etc., and a tour of the property. Our luggage was taken to our cabin, while we relaxed with a cocktail. The openness of the property and the location near the water was beautiful. Lots of mongoose were scampering around. As part of our orientation, we were told to grab our morning coffee and tea and biscuits that would be delivered to our cabin quickly before the monkeys got it! They know the routine. A typical schedule at this camp: You wake up at 5:30am, and enjoy a full breakfast at 6am. You go out on safari from 6:30am until 11:30am, then back around noon for lunch at the camp. After lunch you can relax, swim, go to the spa, shop, etc. during the heat of the day. High tea was served at 4pm – and included more food and drinks, before you head out for the afternoon/sunset safari. Around 7pm, you head back to camp for dinner. Over the course of the three days, the staff at Khwai River Lodge were very friendly, helpful, courteous, professional, and knowledgeable. Some of those who assisted us most during our stay were Oriel, Baker, Grace, Tebby, Catherine, Tower, Ma Brenda, Miseck, Ketsabe, and Rachel – and of course our fabulous guide LG. We enjoyed delicious fresh and local food each day – including local fish and meats, vegetables, fruits, pastries, etc. – and we had plenty to eat throughout the day (full breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner). In fact, we had to ask for smaller portions so we wouldn’t waste any food. Due to Covid, there weren’t many other guests while we were there. Our Hemingway-style tent cabin was spacious, clean, secure, with all of the amenities you need. An elevated walkway to the cabins from the central area allows you to stay safe from any animals below. And the guides drop you off and pick you up from your cabin in the mornings and evenings to keep you safe while it’s still dark outside. The cabins and property were nice but a bit dated; the owners are planning a complete renovation in the coming years. But they make up for this with VIP treatment of the guests. The beds were super comfortable (we had twin beds), and had mosquito netting surrounding them. The shower pressure in the shower was great with very hot water. The bathroom had twin sinks which is very nice, and a separate room for the potty with separate door. Our cabin had air conditioning, which was needed in April. There was an outlet on the floor near a desk where I could plug in my converter/adapter to charge our phones and other items nightly. No available outlets near the beds that I could see. Our cabin also had a porch on the front with a hammock to swing and admire the beauty. Amenities included daily laundry service, water bottles as gifts, insect repellent, shampoo/soap, slippers & bathrobes, a package of sanitizer/wipes/masks, a small room safe, a hair dryer, and all the liquor/soft drinks/water/snacks you could possibly need. The WiFi was strong and was available in the cabins and central area. The staff was very safety conscious; many wore face masks, and sanitizer was found throughout the property. On our first afternoon, we headed out into the Khwai Private Concession for safari. The water was still high from recent rains, but our Jeep didn’t have any problem going through it. We saw many birds including the Woodland King Fisher, Yellow Billed storks, Fish Eagles, and African Parrot. We saw a very large pride of lions with a mating pair, and a large parade of elephants crossed the road in front of us. The next morning we were up early for breakfast, then out on safari. Our guide LG educated us on the various animal tracks and habits, and Acacia trees. She is so incredibly knowledgeable about the area. We saw more lions napping in the shade. On our way driving back towards the camp for lunch, we spotted a lovely dining setup in the woods. We thought how lucky these guests must be – until we realized this was a surprise luncheon for us! We enjoyed a full lunch with white tablecloth seating and service, and cocktails nestled in the woods. We returned to the camp for afternoon siesta and a nap, before another tea at 4pm with more delicious food and drink. Our afternoon safari found the pair of mating lions, and some hippos. We returned to camp for cocktails and a delicious salmon and tomato bisque dinner by the river. The next morning, we started out tracking lions by their tracks but couldn’t find them. We saw warthogs, more elephants, and new birds (coppery tailed kuku). We continued on towards the road to Maun to find giraffes, zebra, and a large breeding herd of elephants playing in the river. What a joy it was to watch them splashing around. On our way back, we saw giraffes munching on a bluebush tree. We enjoyed our lunch, then went to the spa to have Rachel for hand and foot massages. She was amazing. That afternoon, we had another 30-minute helicopter flight, which was great. We flew with the eagles, saw giraffe, hippos, crocs, red lechwe, water bucks, and more. I HIGHLY recommend you splurge for this adventure. That evening we were treated to a surprise dinner in the “Hide” (their “treehouse” structure), with special linens, personal service and the best meal ever! After dinner, we enjoyed cocktails and wine by the fire while listening to the river frogs (which sound like bamboo chimes). Beautiful ending to the day. Note that there were more Jeeps (and people) in this area then we had seen in the other camps, due to more camps and the population being built up in the area. The Jeeps are very comfortable with elevated seating for the best viewing, open sides for fresh air, and canvas tops to keep the sun off you. The nightly “sundowner” (cocktail hours) on the reserve were a real treat. The front of the Jeep folds down as a tray for cocktails and sweets. The Botswana sunsets are truly amazing!! At home in the States, we enjoy beautiful sunsets that may last 15-20 minutes. In Botswana, we enjoyed the most spectacular sunsets that lasted an hour or more. And the colors kept getting better and better. We highly recommend a stay at Khwai River Lodge if you wish to be treated like a VIP. I gave the property 4 stars instead of 5 due to the lower animal sightings.…
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Date of stay: April 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Sep 29, 2022
Good day, Thank you sincerely for the detailed review, we truly appreciate it. We are so elated to see that you enjoyed your stay and experience with us, our team working a lodge value and appreciates the feedback that we receive. We do hope to welcome you back in the future! Best wishes and kind regards Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Avoid going during the wet season. It’s more difficult to find and see the animals.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Inge Dykman, Owner at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
Responded Sep 29, 2022
Dear Helena, Thank you for sharing your review and feedback with us, we welcome and appreciate it. We are glad to see that you enjoyed your stay with us and take note of the constructive feedback shared. We look forward to seeing you again in the dry season. Best wishes Inge Dykman Area Marketing Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Moremi Game Reserve area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
khwai river lodge by orient-express hotel moremi game reserve
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictOkavango DeltaMoremi Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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Claim Your ListingKHWAI RIVER LODGE, A BELMOND SAFARI, BOTSWANA - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (Moremi Game Reserve)
Frequently Asked Questions about Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
What are some of the property amenities at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and fitness classes during their stay.
Does Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana have airport transportation?
Yes, Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Khwai River Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.