Ease the pace

Located in the private Kanana concession in the southwestern Okavango Delta, overlooking the Xudum River, is this slow pace camp. Protected by a mix of ancient jackalberry, acacia and Kigelia trees, Kanana Camp is shadowed in timeless tranquility. A necklace of islands, dotted with palm, fig, ebony and knobthorns, surrounds the tents and lodge. These lush and rich islands are home to myriad birds, plants and animals. Discover these islands when you venture out with one of the excellent guides; they will give you plenty of time to take it all in. Find a perfect photo spot and learn about wildlife, as the guides also make sure young safari explorers enjoy it as much as you do. Kanana Camp is located in a private concession, meaning; no time limitations or park rules. Off-road trips, nighttime drives, dinners in the bush – it is all part of the experience. You will find that it is indeed a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a serene, but exhilarating safari trip.

Guests are accommodated in eight, homey, wood-framed safari tents. They are spread along wooden walkways, affording privacy and views over the channels and seasonal Okavango Delta floodplains. The tents are spacious, but feel cocoon-like at the same time. Comfort is the norm: en-suite facilities include a double vanity, flush toilet and walk-in white tiled shower with hot and cold running water. Your private deck is a perfect spot to spy on hippos drinking from the verge of the Xudum River. The main lodge is raised, split on three levels and open-sided. This area includes a small reading nook, bar, lounge (with plenty of soft sofas to snuggle in), and dining room that serves scrumptious meals. Soak in the expansive views over the Delta with every bite, and get a real taste of Africa’s unspoilt nature. Wooden steps lead you to a sandy firepit and jetty, where you can enjoy traditional food under star-studded skies.

Activities at Kanana Camp

This part of the Okavango Delta is famous for its abundant birdlife, so expect superb birding at Kanana Camp. The camp also hosts a seasonal heronry that teems with activity from July to December. Let a gentle wake-up call and light breakfast open your eyes to a new safari day, and get ready for a mix of game drives, night drives, exploration of the waters by motorboat, glass-bottomed mokoros and fishing (excluding January and February). Or tie the lace of your hiking shoes and venture on to witness napping lions and leopards during a safari walk. Your guide will make sure you stay in safe distance, but roaming on foot gives you a more intimate connection with your surroundings. When returning to camp, a nourishing meal is waiting for you, as the chefs serve a mix of traditional and Western food. The Kudu meat is a Botswana specialty, and you will regret not finding it in your local supermarket. Look up at the sky after dinner and listen to the hippos calling: with no distractions from the modern world, everything suddenly feels very real. That’s is the true gift of a Botswana safari.

Tripadvisor comments Kanana Camp

Our stay at Kanana was awesome. The friendliness and efficiency of the staff was second to none. Nothing was to much trouble. The service and food exceptional. We were in tent 6 and loved the sounds of the hippos and elephants grazing at night. We will never forget our bush dinner under the stars, it was very special. The mokoro trip, walking safari and trip to the heronry were highlights. Our tent was lovely and because it was so hot 42 degrees we appreciated the generator being left on all night to keep the guests comfortable. Our guides Amos and James were exceptional. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff.

amysue2015 from Adelaide, Australia

Had 3 nights at this Delta camp last month. With 14 other friends we were able to take over the whole camp, which had luxury tented cabins dotted along the waterline. The staff were unbelievably welcoming, warm and friendly with very professional guides. We were lucky enough to enjoy very productive game drives several times each day, together with boat trips, fishing trips, walking tours and peaceful journeys on the 'mokoro' (local canoes). Lots of wildlife wandering through the camp at night made for interesting sleeping! One of our favourite Delta camps and we highly recommend Ker and Downey who handled our whole Botswana journey.

cassandnige