Ker & Downey opens exclusive eight-guest safari camp in Botswana’s Delta

Botswana’s luxury safari industry will gain a new addition in October as Ker & Downey Botswana prepares to open Kanana Nyana, an intimate camp overlooking the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. 

The new camp, scheduled to welcome guests from Oct. 15, comes as demand for high-end safari holidays continues to support investment in Botswana’s tourism sector.

Travelers are increasingly seeking smaller lodges that offer privacy, personalized service and close access to wildlife in protected conservation areas. 

Situated on the western edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Kanana Nyana has capacity for just eight guests, making it one of the more exclusive camps in the Delta.

Its elevated position above the Xudum River offers uninterrupted views of seasonal floodplains that attract a wide range of wildlife throughout the year. 

The camp’s opening also adds to Botswana’s appeal as a destination for luxury nature-based tourism, an industry that has become an important source of jobs, foreign exchange earnings and conservation funding.

Designed around Botswana’s natural heritage 

Kanana Nyana, which means “small” in Setswana, has been designed to reflect Botswana’s landscapes and cultural identity while offering modern comforts expected by international travelers. 

The camp features four individually designed thatched suites inspired by some of the Delta’s best-known trees — the Marula, Sausage Tree, Jackalberry and Sycamore Fig.

Each suite includes a king-size bed, large windows overlooking the wetlands, a private wooden deck, plunge pool and a shaded outdoor lounge where guests can relax between safari activities. 

Shared spaces include indoor and outdoor dining areas, comfortable lounges and viewing decks that encourage guests to enjoy the surrounding wilderness throughout the day.

Safari experiences showcase the Okavango Delta 

The camp will offer a range of guided activities designed to introduce visitors to the Delta’s diverse ecosystems.

These include morning and afternoon game drives, guided walking safaris and traditional mokoro excursions through narrow waterways lined with reeds. 

Ker & Downey Botswana said each safari vehicle will carry no more than four guests, despite having additional seating, giving visitors more space for wildlife viewing and photography.

Experienced guides will lead every activity, helping guests explore one of Africa’s most diverse wildlife habitats. 

The surrounding floodplains support lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, African buffalo, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Visitors can also encounter antelope species such as red lechwe, impala and tsessebe.

For birdwatchers, the Delta offers more than 500 recorded bird species, while a nearby seasonal heronry attracts as many as 70,000 birds between May and October.

Local flavors and wellness complete the experience 

Beyond wildlife, Kanana Nyana places a strong focus on Botswana’s culinary traditions.

Meals feature locally sourced ingredients whenever they are in season, with dishes including seswaa, pap and morogo served alongside international cuisine. 

Guests can also enjoy cocktails prepared with regional ingredients such as lerotse melon and vanilla syrup.

An on-site fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, together with private in-suite wellness treatments, provides additional options for relaxation during their stay. 

Ker & Downey Botswana is one of the country’s leading luxury safari operators, managing a portfolio of camps across the Okavango Delta and other protected wilderness areas.

With the opening of Kanana Nyana, the company will operate eight safari camps, continuing its focus on small-scale, conservation-based tourism and premium wildlife experiences. 

The opening reflects continued investment in Botswana’s luxury tourism market, where exclusive camps, rich wildlife and protected landscapes continue to attract visitors from around the world seeking authentic safari experiences in one of Africa’s best-known conservation destinations.