KANANA CAMP
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Introduction

Set on the Xudum River in the southwest Okavango, Kanana has been named a hidden jewel. The area surrounds a necklace of islands which is home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals, dotted with palms, figs, ebony and knobthorns.

Kanana is Setswana for paradise and this is the perfect place to experience everything from traditional style tents to the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta due to the nature of this habitat. Kanana is also an excellent value camp in an intriguing part of the delta with its unique combinations of land, islands and water channels.

Camp Description

Kanana Camp is shaded by the Jackalberry and palm trees which open onto the peaceful reedbeds of the Xudum River. Guests are accommodated in eight spacious, twin bedded safari Meru style tents which are all linked by sandy pathways. All tents offer hot and cold running water in the en-suite bathrooms as well as a shower and a flush toilet. Each has a shaded verandah with chairs and a table. These tents all offer amazing and breathtaking views as they are set on raised teak decks offering views across the waterways.

Depending on the annual floods, the water levels transform the area and in the beginning of the year you might actually get to see the visible spectacle of the water rising around the camp. Maximum privacy is on offered here as the tents are spaced far apart but still being within in comfortable distance from the central dining and lounge area overlooking the lagoon, home to a pod of resident hippos. The camp also has a plunge pool which can be a welcome way to cool off after a game drive.

Children 10 years and upwards are accommodated at the camp and during Family Safari Months, which is March-July and November, children from age 7 are welcome, and those under 16, pay half-price if sharing with 2 adults.

Game Viewing

As Kanana Camp is in a private concession a wide range of activities is on offer, the focus however is the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. A professional guide will assist you in planning your days to get the most out of the area. Game drives are taken in the early mornings and late afternoons from specially designed vehicles. A further alternative is to explore the beautiful waterways from a mokoro or power boat as you enjoy the magnificent sights of birds, plants and retiles found in this area. The guided walks come highly recommended as well as the fishing which will not leave you disappointed.

Kanana is especially known for the seasonal heronry that booms with activity from August through the summer months. The birding is incredible here and over 400 species have been recorded, including the Marabou, Open-billed storks, Darter cormorants and the Slatey egrets. Zebra, impala, elephant and lechwe are all found locally as are giraffe which make the abundant acacia their homes. Amongst the predators that are found here include hyena, cheetah, leopard, civet and lion as well as the rarely spotted Sitatunga antelope which evades its enemy by escaping across the swampy papyrus beds.