
North Gate Khwai
Experience the wild heart of Botswana at North Gate Khwai, an unfenced campsite offering thrilling wildlife encounters and rugged adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife congregates at water sources.

North Gate Khwai
Best Time
Wildlife congregates at water sources.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the wild heart of Botswana at North Gate Khwai, an unfenced campsite offering thrilling wildlife encounters and rugged adventure.
"An unfenced campsite offering an exciting sense of adventure with frequent wildlife sightings."

🚗 4x4 Essential
A 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable for navigating the rough roads and river crossings. :car:
🦁 Wildlife Awareness
Keep food secure and be vigilant; elephants and baboons are common visitors to campsites. :seenoevil:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Encounters
Campsite and surrounding concession
Witness wild dogs hunting and lions roaming near your campsite for an unforgettable safari thrill.

Khwai River Crossing
Approaching Moremi North Gate
Experience the adventure of crossing the Khwai River, a common sight for visitors entering the reserve.

Unfenced Campsite Immersion
North Gate Campsite
Enjoy a unique, wild camping experience with animals like elephants and baboons frequently visiting the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Unfenced Camping
Navigating the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Essential
A 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable for navigating the rough roads and river crossings. :car:
🦁 Wildlife Awareness
Keep food secure and be vigilant; elephants and baboons are common visitors to campsites. :seenoevil:
💧 Basic Amenities
Expect basic facilities: no electricity or hot water. Bring your own supplies. :shower:
💰 Value for Money?
Some find it overpriced for basic facilities. Consider alternatives if budget is a concern. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Essential
A 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable for navigating the rough roads and river crossings. :car:
🦁 Wildlife Awareness
Keep food secure and be vigilant; elephants and baboons are common visitors to campsites. :seenoevil:
💧 Basic Amenities
Expect basic facilities: no electricity or hot water. Bring your own supplies. :shower:
💰 Value for Money?
Some find it overpriced for basic facilities. Consider alternatives if budget is a concern. :moneybag:
🗺️ Book Ahead
Campsites can be double-booked; confirm your reservation well in advance. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
North Gate Khwai offers a raw, unfenced camping experience with incredible wildlife encounters, including wild dogs and elephants right at your site. However, be prepared for basic, non-luxurious facilities, potentially high costs for the amenities provided, and challenging 4x4 terrain. Some visitors find it overpriced, while others cherish the wild immersion.
"This camp is quite run-down, and I would recommend considering other options in the area. About 100 meters from the campsite, a broken septic system had caused brown wastewater to pool in the open, attracting numerous flies and blowflies. In addition, the owner had double-booked our site, so we had to share it with another couple.
In contrast, our stays at Khwai Hippo Pool Lodge & Campsites and Khwai Mokoro Safaris and Campsites were very pleasant and can be highly recommended."
Jeppe Skårhøj
"campground is exceedingly overpriced at US$102 per night for 2 persons, very poor value, June 2025.
campground roads are terrible, narrow, deeply-rutted with low branches.
campsite is a circular, basic bare dirt area,
with a low concrete firepad, & a rusty half-barrel unserviceable braai pit, and a sitting bench.
campsite has NO lights, NO electricity, NO water.
ablution showers have NO hot water.
suspicious baboon troops pass through.
danger: do not walk outside your campsite,
do not walk to ablution block.
elephant walked beside ablution.
worst campground ever!"
G GS
"Many elephants and also antelopes on the campsite which we liked. The ablutions were fine. We would come again."
Johanna Esch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing North Gate Khwai typically involves driving from Maun or other nearby areas. A 4x4 vehicle is essential due to the challenging terrain, including rutted roads and potential river crossings. Many travelers use this as a gateway to Moremi Game Reserve.
A robust 4x4 vehicle is absolutely necessary. The roads are often rough, narrow, and deeply rutted, with low branches. River crossings are also common, especially near the Khwai River.
Yes, you will likely encounter bridges, including one famously on the River Khwai just before Moremi's North Gate. These can be part of your river crossing adventure.
Yes, driving from Maun is a common route. You'll need to stock up on supplies in Maun as amenities are scarce once you reach the Khwai area.
No, it is highly unadvisable and likely impossible to reach North Gate Khwai without a capable 4x4 vehicle due to the severe road conditions and river crossings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is strongly recommended to book your campsite in advance. There are reports of double-booking, so confirming your reservation is crucial to avoid issues.
As a campsite and concession area, there are no strict opening hours in the traditional sense. However, access is typically during daylight hours, and it's best to plan your arrival and departure accordingly, especially considering the driving conditions.
Reviews indicate that the campground can be expensive, with one mention of US$102 per night for two people, which some consider poor value given the basic amenities.
North Gate Khwai is located just outside the North Gate of Moremi Game Reserve. While the campsite itself has its own fees, you will likely incur separate park entry fees if you plan to drive into the reserve.
The Khwai Concession is a community-run wildlife management area bordering Moremi Game Reserve. North Gate Khwai is situated within this concession, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect abundant wildlife! This unfenced area is known for frequent sightings of elephants, baboons, and even wild dogs and lions passing through or near the campsite.
No, North Gate Khwai is an unfenced campsite. This means wildlife can roam freely through the camp, adding to the wild and adventurous experience.
Ablution facilities are basic. Showers typically do not have hot water, and the overall condition can be rudimentary.
Due to the unfenced nature and presence of large wildlife like elephants, it is not recommended to walk outside your campsite after dark.
Campsites are very basic, usually consisting of a dirt area with a fire pit and a bench. There is no electricity, lighting, or running water at the individual sites.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, North Gate Khwai is a self-catering campsite. You must bring all your own food, drinks, and cooking supplies. Maun is the last major town for stocking up.
Maun is your last opportunity for significant grocery shopping. The Maun Meat deli is recommended for fresh braai provisions and seafood.
Bring non-perishable items, plenty of water, and anything you need for braaiing or cooking. Secure all food items from wildlife, especially baboons.
Yes, campsites typically have a basic braai pit, often a rusty half-barrel, for cooking.
It's best to bring your own firewood or confirm availability locally, as relying solely on finding it can be uncertain.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for wildlife photography. This is when animals are most active.
You have incredible opportunities for close-up wildlife shots, from large mammals like elephants to predators like wild dogs and lions, often right from or near your campsite.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture clear shots of wildlife from a safe distance, especially given the unfenced nature of the camp.
The entire concession area offers photographic potential. Keep your eyes peeled while driving and even from your campsite, as wildlife can appear anywhere.
Drone usage regulations can vary and may be restricted in wildlife areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚗 Overland Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unfenced Experience: Thrills and Caution
This unique setup means that basic amenities are the norm. Expect no electricity, no hot water in the showers, and very rudimentary campsite facilities. The roads leading to and within the area are also notoriously challenging, requiring a capable 4x4 vehicle. Despite these challenges, many find the raw, untamed nature of North Gate Khwai to be an unforgettable part of their Botswana safari.
Navigating the Terrain: A 4x4 Necessity
Beyond the general road conditions, river crossings are a common feature, particularly on the Khwai River itself. These crossings can vary in depth and difficulty depending on the season and recent rainfall. Drivers must exercise caution and assess the conditions before attempting to cross. Planning your route and ensuring your vehicle is well-equipped and maintained is crucial for a successful and safe trip to North Gate Khwai.
Value and Amenities: Managing Expectations
This lack of amenities is a significant factor for many visitors. However, for those seeking a truly wild and immersive experience, the unfenced nature and abundant wildlife may outweigh the cost and basic facilities. It's a trade-off between comfort and raw, untamed nature. Travelers are advised to come fully prepared with all their own supplies, including food, water, and firewood, as there are no services available on-site.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit