Kwara (GPS: KWARAC 19°06.473’S; 23°15.867’E) stands on a small tree island amidst floodplains and has eight tents, most of which are raised on teak decks with good views over the surrounding plains and lagoons.
These were all enlarged and virtually re-built at the start of 2002. The tents now measure about 3.5m by 7m by about 2m high – and are lined in a light green canvas that makes them much brighter than a normal tent. The large windows are a traditional insect-proof mesh, and they’re furnished with solid teak furniture including a wardrobe, luggage rack, bedside tables, chairs and beds, all standing on a polished floor which is dotted with rugs.
The bathroom is within the tent, though in a separate part, and includes twin washbasins, a flush toilet, and an inventively designed large shower that’s enclosed but surrounded by a screen that’s partially open to the outside. The honeymoon suite (number 8) also has a free-standing bath as well as a shower.
Beneath a large jackalberry tree (Diospyros mespiliformis), Kwara’s thatched bar-lounge and dining area is cosy, comfortable and slightly raised up on decking. It overlooks a shallow lagoon that often attracts good numbers of game. The camp’s food is good and the bar well-stocked, as you’d expect from a high-quality camp. Nearby there’s a small splash pool and a gift shop. Kwara shares a fairly informal approach with its sister camps, Lagoon and Lebala, which have all been deliberately designed slightly differently as part of a real effort by Kwando Safaris to ensure that the camps have their own individuality.