Good For You

'Kanana' means 'paradise' in Setswanan, which should give you and idea of what to expect when you arrive at this wilderness camp. Set in idyllic surrounds amongst fig and palm trees overlooking season floodplains, this is a gem of an African hideaway.

The camp lies adjacent to the Moremi Reserve and sightings of lion and leopard are common, as are herds of elephant in the dry season. You'll spot giraffe within the glades of acacia trees and an incredible diversity of bird life including pink-backed pelicans, open-billed storks and grey herons.

Kanana itself is a charming old-style camp with eight spacious, elevated tents that blend effortlessly into the surroundings. The dining and sitting areas sit on raised teak decking around a massive ancient fig tree and are perfectly positioned for capturing the magical African sunsets.

The nature of the habitat means it is the perfect place to experience the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta.

Good For Botswana

Kanana Camp is owned and operated by Ker & Downey, a safari specialist that has been working in Botswana since 1962 where they pioneered the concept of low volume tourism through the development of Ker Downey Selby’s photographic safari camps.

Ker & Downey are committed to keeping their environmental footprint to a minimum. As such all of their camps, Kanana included, are small and traditional. Electrical requirements are kept to a minimum (solar panels are used wherever possible), air conditioning is never used and locals are employed as staff and safari guides.

At Kanana guests are offered a high quality wildlife and adventure safari experience but not at the expense of the delicate environment.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Dining room, bar and sitting area overlooking the Xudum River
• Eight raised en-suite Meru safari tents
• Honeymoon tent
• Campfire set on the water's edge
• Swimming pool
• Children 7 years and over welcome from March to July inclusive and November; 10 years and over between August and October inclusive
• 24 hour lighting provided by an inverter system within camp.
• Bottled drinking water provided in addition to filtered natural water
• 24 hour hot water provided at all tents
• Complimentary laundry service
• Gift shop
• Private airstrip

Local Info & Activities

Being in a private concession a wide variety of activities is available at Kanana Camp and the focus of activities varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. Your professional guide will assist you in planning your days to best explore the area.

Game drives in specially designed vehicles are offered throughout the day and include night drives. Alternatively you may explore the crystal clear waterways by mekoro or powerboats, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area.

Of special note is the birding in the area, Kanana hosting a seasonal heronry that teems with activity from August through to the summer months, a true highlight at Kanana which converts all visitors to avid 'twitchers' at first sight. Guided walks are highly recommended in this pretty area as well as fly or spin fishing for tilapia, African pike and sharptooth catfish.

Attractions

• Situated on a private concession that allows guided walks, mokoro excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motor boating (water levels permitting)

• Private access to one of the largest heronry's in the Okavango Delta by motorboat

• Excellent area for birding with regular sightings of Pel's Fishing Owl

• Fly or spin fishing throughout the year (best months May - November)

INSIDER TIP/S

When to Visit

Kanana Camp is open March to November inclusive (and usually December). As a general guide you may expect the following weather patterns in Botswana:

Winter: June, July and August are the winter months, marked by cloudless days and mild temperatures, average temperatures ranging from 7-27°C.

Spring: September and October are a delightful time of year to visit Botswana, however October can be very hot particularly towards the end of the month. Temperatures average15- 31°C and you may experience the occasional rain shower towards the end of October. Any discomfort from the heat is offset by the excellent game viewing at this time of year due to the lack of thick vegetation and the water holes are drying up.

Summer: November, early December and March are considered summer months, with average temperatures ranging from 16-32°C. These months border the rainy season (Jan & Feb), when you may encounter brief but occasionally heavy rain.

Communications

Kanana Camp is in contact with the Maun base by radio and urgent messages can be passed onto guests by radio or letter/mailbag (generally 24 hours). General communication is not encouraged as part of the safari experience.

In addition Kanana has a satellite phone which enables guests to make calls out of camp to anywhere in the world (at own expense), and it can be arranged through the Maun office or by return phone call for an inbound call for Emergency use. The phone is not switched on at all times hence the need for a pre-arranged call time.

What clothing should I bring?

Lightweight clothing of cotton and cotton/blends are most suitable. During the winter months it can be very cold and a warm jacket will be needed for early morning and evening game viewing activities. During the summer months bring a lightweight water/windproof jacket in case of rain, but otherwise temperatures are very warm.

For evenings bring lightweight long sleeved clothing as protection from mosquitoes. Neutral colours such as khaki, beige/cream or olive green are appropriate, and are less conspicuous to the animals. Laundry is done daily in camp, so it is not necessary to over pack.

It is recommended that on your international flight to Botswana you carry a change of clothing (eg. t-shirt and underwear), any prescription medicines and your valuables (documents, camera, wallet) in your hand luggage in case of lost luggage or luggage delays from connecting international flights.

Medication

Botswana is considered a malarial area, and preventative medications should be taken. Guests are advised to contact their doctor prior to travel. Guests should also bring any additional personal medications or prescription medications, along with a copy of the prescription in the circumstance of serious medication. Guests are asked to inform Kanana Camp of any allergies or medical conditions prior to arrival.

Can I charge my digital camera?

Yes, but don't bring appliances such as hairdryers with you. Electricity in the camp is 220V and generator run. Guests should bring their own adaptors and use electricity only for charging camera batteries.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Ker & Downey have assisted clients that have required wheelchairs and had other needs in enjoying their camps. Contact Kanana Camp and they can usually work it out.

Sustainability

Kanana Camp is owned and operated by Ker & Downey who started work in Botswana in 1962 where they pioneered the concept of low volume tourism through the development of Ker Downey Selby’s photographic safari camps. They now have five camps including Kanana Camp.

Ker & Downey research properties extensively and the properties recommended must fit with their philosophy of using traditional safari camps that are small and in exclusive settings. Keeping the structures “traditional safari” means the electrical requirements will remain small. They will never have air conditioning as they feel this is destructive to the environment and gets away from the traditional nature of the experience. Where possible, solar panels are used for electrical requirements, however there are generators available. Physical structures will never be so elaborate that their existence interferes with the natural surroundings. The camps will remain quaint, unassuming, and tucked into the environment.

Getting There

By Air

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango and although there is an international airport in Maun it's probably easiest to fly to Johannesburg first and then catch a connecting flight to Maun. Air Botswana flies regularly between Johannesburg and Maun. The main International Airport in Botswana is the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and from here you can also catch a connecting internal flight to Maun.

Guests are met at the airport in Maun by a uniformed Ker & Downey representative with a sign showing 'Ker & Downey'. The Ker & Downey representative will then transfer you either to your flight to camp, the Ker & Downey offices, your hotel or other appropriate destination as per your itinerary.

Ker and Downey own and fly their own aircraft, operating as Northern Air. Flights are generally in Cessna 206 light aircraft. Depending upon factors such as occupancy, distance and destination, both the charter company and the type of aircraft used may vary.

Since most safari travel is done in small aircraft, each passenger is limited to one soft-sided bag, weighing no more than 12 kg, plus a typical sized camera bag. Bear in mind the door to the luggage pod is only 70 x 25 cm. Soft type duffel bags are ideal and are required. Excess baggage may be subject to additional baggage / charter charges. Ker and Downey offer guests the option of storing their excess baggage in their Maun office at no extra charge until the end of the safari.

Transfer Fees

Light Aircraft transfers Maun – Kanana Camp $135 US per person (one way) Minimum two persons.

All transfer rates are subject to fuel price surcharges and subject to change. Baggage is STRICTLY restricted to 12kg in soft-sided luggage.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All prices are in US Dollars ($) per person per night based on two people sharing unless otherwise indicated (full board).

Low Season: March 1 to April 30

Per person sharing $330.00

Single room surcharge NA

Shoulder Season: May 1 to June 30 & November 1-30

Per person sharing $465.00

Single room surcharge $55.00

High Season: July 1 to October 31

Per person sharing $595.00

Single room surcharge $200.00

• Rates are per person per night based on two people sharing unless otherwise indicated.
• Rates include accommodation, all meals, selected (local brand) beverages, game activities and associated park/concession fees led by Professional Guides, laundry service, emergency evacuation insurance (to nearest medical facility), and all taxes, VAT, fees and service charges.
• Rates do not include transfer fees
• Children 7 years and over welcome from March to July inclusive and November; 10 years and over between August and October inclusive.
• Children pay full adult fare unless travelling in ‘Family’s on safari months’
• Children travelling in ‘Family’s on safari months’ qualify for a 50% discount from the rack rate only if sharing with 1 or 2 adults
• ‘Family on safari months’ are valid only March 01 – July 31 & November 1-30, and valid for children aged 7-16 years.

booking & cancellation policy

A non refundable 20% deposit secures a reservation. With the remainder payable one months prior to departure.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.