Jao Reserve rebuilds Kwetsani Camp, boosting Botswana luxury safari appeal

Botswana is strengthening its position in Africa’s high-end safari market as travelers look for quieter, more personal experiences in nature.

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains central to that appeal, known for its wildlife and remote setting. 

Demand for smaller, low-impact camps is shaping how lodges are designed and rebuilt across the region.

Operators are leaning toward fewer rooms, more space and a closer connection to the landscape, a model that continues to draw visitors willing to pay for exclusivity. 

Jao Reserve is the latest to respond to that shift, reopening one of its long-standing camps after a full rebuild.

The move reflects a wider effort across Botswana to refresh older properties while keeping their original character. 

Kwetsani Camp is set to reopen on June 1 in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

The camp sits on a palm island within a riverine forest, overlooking a seasonal floodplain that attracts a wide range of wildlife throughout the year.

A redesigned camp with a personal touch 

The rebuilt camp includes five suites and a larger family unit with two en-suite bedrooms, offering options for both couples and small groups.

The design was led by Tiffany Riley, whose parents, Cathy and David Kays, founded and operate the camp. 

Her approach brings together warm colors, natural materials and handcrafted details, while keeping the feel of the original camp.

The aim was to update the space without losing its sense of place. 

“We built the original Kwetsani in 1999 as a treehouse-style camp, and it stood proudly for 26 years,” Cathy said.

“It’s special to see it take on a new life, especially with the next generation playing a bigger role.”

Safari experiences on land and water 

Guests at Kwetsani can explore both land and water environments, a key part of the Okavango Delta experience.

The reserve has added 16 new Land Cruiser vehicles to its safari fleet, improving game drive access. 

Seasonal water levels also allow for boating and mokoro trips around Hunda Island, giving visitors a quieter way to move through the delta’s channels. 

The reopening of Kwetsani Camp adds to Botswana’s steady effort to attract travelers seeking high-quality safari experiences, while keeping tourism low-impact and closely tied to the natural environment.