In Botswana’s Khwai Concession, a bold transformation is underway. The historic Khwai River Lodge is being reimagined as Sediba Sa Rona, meaning “Our Source of Water”. More than a name, it is a reflection of responsible tourism done right.
Behind the Vision: A Partnership that Empowers
Sediba Sa Rona is born from the pioneering partnership between Desert & Delta Safaris and Savanna Expeditions. Joining forces brings Desert & Delta Safaris’ 40+ years of empowering spirit and management and Savanna Expeditions’ citizen-owned insight and vision together. The result is a lodge that symbolises the future of tourism—one where people, the planet and purpose are prioritised.
James Briscoe, one of the three founding partners of Savanna Expeditions, says that “together, we are building something with both depth and reach—a collaboration rooted in mutual respect and a shared belief in Botswana’s potential.”
The ripple of positive impact extends in every direction: from nature and wildlife to uplifting communities and citizens, strengthening opportunities and the economy, preserving culture and history, and enriching journeys for every traveller. “As custodians of our country, we’ve made it our mission to preserve, protect and empower entire ecosystems, says Marketing Director at Desert & Delta Safaris, Andrew Flatt.
For guests, this makes Sediba Sa Rona more than a gateway for life-changing experiences. It will also be a meeting point for transformational moments that hold shared and widespread meaning—aptly set in “the meeting point of iconic ecosystems,” Botswana’s Khwai Concession.
The partnership further highlights the importance of community and local ownership, ensuring that citizens are not only employees of the industry but key players and leaders in shaping the future of Botswana for generations to come.
“We are especially committed to ensuring that tourism in Botswana benefits Batswana in real and lasting ways,” James adds. One of the most unique aspects of Sediba Sa Rona is the partnership model itself, where the community acts as landlord and benefits from the use of their land through structured agreements. It’s a powerful, under-recognised approach to sustainable land use that ensures tourism brings long-term value to rural communities.”
“Sediba Sa Rona is an extension of the company’s values, where homegrown success is not a box to tick. It’s a priority that makes us better, stronger and, importantly, informed. This is what sets journeys with us apart,” says Andrew.
Sediba Sa Rona’s design and development journey is no exception to this. The Khwai Concession is home to floodplains, waterways, woodlands and exceptional wildlife diversity, and every design decision honours this vital wildlife corridor and ecological gem.
“We’re pulling down the veil between travellers and the destinations they visit.”
“Safari journeys and travel must be about more than passing through. We’re pulling down the veil between travellers and the destinations they visit to offer immersive exploration that is symbiotic. The same applies to our ecological footprint. The result is travel that changes for the better, or travel that leaves places as untouched as we found them,” Andrew adds.
Behind the Build: Architectural Integrity
Sediba Sa Rona’s architectural transformation is underway, and is led by Jack Alexander Architecture Studio, known for its award-winning work across Africa. For Jack, the lodge’s story begins not with demolition, but with respect and restoration.
“This is a historic 1960s lodge with good bones,” he explains. “Instead of rebuilding from scratch, we embraced an adaptive reuse approach—salvaging timber, repurposing teak furniture, and even reusing old gum poles and latte screens.”
This approach not only preserved the spirit of the original structure but also reduced the environmental footprint of the rebuild. The concrete pool, once a relic of older construction methods, has been restored rather than replaced. Brick walkways (now considered intrusive in the Delta) were removed and donated to local communities. It’s sustainability in practice and principle, both in and beyond the lodge.
There is an enormous Leadwood tree built right through the middle of the main guest area!
“Wherever possible, we have sought to carefully dismantle, recondition and then reuse existing elements and materials in the new lodge. We also wanted to ensure that we would not need to cut down a single tree.” On these foundations, Sediba Sa Rona’s natural setting has not only been preserved, but has dictated the project from roots to tips. “Our architectural philosophy is not to compete with nature. Instead, we work with and around the natural features,” says Jack.
Guests will feel the power of this throughout the lodge in ways that are both striking and subtle: well-established Leadwood trees cleverly designed around to enhance privacy; the fire deck that extends out toward the water; the pattern between indoor and outdoor spaces in the main area that mimics the winding flow of the Khwai River…
Sediba Sa Rona—Our Source of Water—is a tribute to the Khwai River, an outflow of the Okavango Delta that sustains life on its fringes and nourishes the landscapes between Moremi, Khwai, and Mababe. This source is not only a muse for the lodge, but is what makes the region what it is: a rich, diverse ecological wonder, shaped and sustained by water.
Perhaps a less obvious and somewhat less visible aspect is that the design for the lodge facilitates 100% off-the-grid operation, made possible by a newly installed solar farm with battery and inverter systems, a comprehensive water-treatment plant, and the repurposed steel water tower in the nearby staff village. Together, these systems supply clean energy and fresh water to both the lodge and all staff residences.
“I’m hopeful that our considered approach and our attention to detail will further set Sediba Sa Rona apart. Together with Desert & Delta Safaris, Savanna Expeditions, and Dakota Designs on interiors and décor, we have crafted a lodge that blurs old and new and speaks to its setting on the banks of the Khwai River. I think the more guests look for in the detail and in the inspiration, the more they will find,” Jack adds.
Behind the Design: Décor with a Difference
Décor, details and furnishings have been led by Sigourney Kinnear at Dakota Design, the team behind the interior design at Savute Safari Lodge, which has been awarded “Best Leisure Interior in Africa” by International Property Awards.
“Working with Desert & Delta Safaris is both a privilege and a partnership,” says Sigourney. “A highlight has been the opportunity to drive our design philosophy in a meaningful way, and collaborate with such an exceptional team of professionals who share this vision and have brought their expertise to every detail.”
Dakota Design follows a philosophy of deep respect for location, community, functionality, and continuity. Meaningful luxury blends with cultural intelligence, resulting in spaces that are both refined and rooted. “We’re creating spaces that feel inevitable—anchored, intuitive, and emotionally resonant.”
It’s design honesty. The thought-through interiors are not trying to impress—they simply belong.
Nature leads at Sediba Sa Rona. From the filtered light through the thatch to the palette pulled from the surrounding grasses and trees, all is a quiet echo of the landscape, shaped by the atmosphere and rhythm of the region. Delivery is tasteful and representative over literal, prioritising atmosphere.
“We’re focusing on tonal restraint, spatial calm, and materials that mirror the environment. When incorporating local pieces, it’s done subtly and intentionally—not as a statement, but as a natural extension of the space,” says Sigourney.
Every suite is zoned without walls—light, texture, and ceiling shifts guide guests through a gentle journey from rest to reflection. Mesh panels draw the outdoors in, and colour palettes whisper of the surrounding floodplains, trees, and soft delta light.
Spaces are built to last and built to live in, which are key features for Desert & Delta Safaris. “Every element is dual-purpose: visually refined and rooted in comfort and use. The spatial planning supports guest flow, while natural textures and tonal layering create a seamless blend of form and function.”
Sigourney reiterates the importance of purpose for a lodge that celebrates its setting and stays true to the essence of an authentic luxury safari. “We’re creating spaces where guests can exhale—soft, open, tactile environments that feel deeply restorative. Sediba Sa Rona will offer a kind of luxury that’s understated, thoughtful, and deeply attuned to its setting.”
More than a Lodge: Legacy Reborn
Sediba Sa Rona represents a bold new chapter in responsible tourism—a place where privacy and personalisation are absolute, and where the prosperity of community and nature is honoured at every turn. From safari suites and activities to soulful service and sustainability, every detail invites guests into deeper connection with the land, its wildlife, and the spirit of Botswana. Come 16 March 2026, this sanctuary will join the Desert & Delta Safaris’ collection as a legacy reborn, and a promise to the future.
All renders courtesy of Jack Alexander Architecture Studio.