The Khwai Concession (also known as Khwai Community Concession or NG19/NG18 areas) is a standout private/community-managed wildlife area in northern Botswana's Okavango Delta. Spanning roughly 1,800–2,000 km², it's located in the northeastern corner of the Delta, directly bordering the Moremi Game Reserve to the south and linking toward Chobe National Park (Savuti area) to the east. Managed by the Khwai Development Trust on behalf of local communities (including the Khwai village), it's a prime example of community-based conservation where tourism revenue supports residents while preserving habitat.

 

This concession stands out for its incredible wildlife density—often rivaling or exceeding Moremi—combined with greater flexibility in activities. Unlike strict national parks, concessions like Khwai allow night game drives, walking safaris, and sometimes mokoro (canoe) excursions on the permanent waterways.

 

The Khwai River (a northern "finger" of the Okavango Delta) is the lifeline here, creating a mix of riverine forests, floodplains, open grasslands, mopane woodlands, and lagoons. This diversity attracts massive herds, especially in the dry season when animals concentrate along the water.

 

Expect:

It's particularly renowned for predator sightings and wild dog packs, with elephants often wandering through campsites!