Kanana Camp
Kanana Camp is a tented lodge overlooking a wide floodplain of the Xudum River in the private Kanana Concession in the south-western Okavango Delta.
Kanana has traditionally been a camp we think of as offering a fantastic wetland Okavango experience, with charming boating and mokoro excursions, great birding and beautiful sunsets. However, with changing flood conditions in recent years, the area has become drier which has restricted water activities at certain times of year but allowed predators and general game to become more established. As a result we’ve enjoyed fantastic game viewing during our visits there. The area now enjoys consistent and superb lion and leopard sightings, whilst cheetah and wild dogs can also be seen. As the camp also offers walking too, along with night drives, bush meals and a sleep out deck in the heart of the bush, Kanana really does offer the full Okavango Delta safari experience. Birding is fantastic with chances to see Pel’s fishing owl. Whilst the tents these days are very luxurious and built under thatch roofs (the camp was totally re-built in early 2025, including new central areas), one of the aspects of the camp we really like is the warm welcome that is offered by the staff and management, and the very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We feel this camp offers high standards but maintains good value for money and we therefore find it works well in a wide number of itineraries.
Rooms
Accommodation caters for a maximum of 16 guests in eight double/twin bedded tented rooms and one family unit. The rooms are all built onto low wooden decking with canvas walls under a thatched roof. Each room is very comfortably furnished with a sitting area, writing desk and tea and coffee station as well as ceiling fan and standing fan. En suite facilities include a shower (with innovative one-way glass so you can enjoy the view in privacy), toilet and double vanity. Double doors lead on to a private furnished verandah with views out across the lagoon. The family tent consists of two en suite bedrooms connecting internally.
Central Areas
The thatched open plan central areas are also built onto timber decking and include a lounge, bar and dining area (with communal dining). Steps lead down to a camp fire area on the sand. There is also a small swimming pool, overlooking the flood plain.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Kanana Concession covers an area of some 95 sq. kilometres, much of which is permanent Delta with its typical mosaic of papyrus reed beds, papyrus, snaking channels, secluded lagoons and forested islands. The south-eastern section of the concession includes the northern reaches of the Khurunaraxa ‘sand tongue’, an area of open grassland, pans and riverine forest which is where game drives are undertaken. There are decent general game concentrations, including elephant, giraffe, buffalo and hippo, whilst lion and leopard have been seen regularly in recent years. Cheetah and wild dog are occasionally found in the area, and night drives can be productive. Kanana is also a good place to try and see the rare and aquatic Sitatunga antelope.
Kanana Camp is especially good for birding. In the north-west of the concession lie two lagoons which contain the largest and most active heronry in southern Africa (July to November is best). Covering some 100 hectares, the heronry is the most important breeding site for the pink back pelican. It is also home to other species including reed cormorants, three species of herons and egrets, darters, marabou storks and both the glossy and sacred ibis. Pel’s fishing owl are also known to breed in the area.
Activities
Activities include mokoro excursions (these can now be subject to flood levels each year), boat cruises, day and night game drives by open 4×4 vehicles and nature walks. Fishing is also available from March to December. There is also a sleep out platform located about 20 minutes from camp overlooking a seasonal waterhole/floodplain, which is a pre-bookable option for guests staying three or more nights in camp. The high platform has a bed under the stars with basic bathroom facilities below (toilet and basin). Your guide sleeps in a tent a short distance away.
Seasons
Kanana is open from March through to very early January, though game viewing is best from June to early November. The Okavango wetland experience is best during the height of the flooding, which is usually from late May through to early September, but water activities are possible year round.
Kanana Camp is extremely well suited to families and welcomes children aged six years and older. The family suite is very practical, the staff are very friendly, and the safari activities are varied. Older children in particular may love the opportunity to spend a night on the sleep out platform. Kanana can also provide specialist private guides, some of whom have a great deal of experience hosting families under a programme run by camp owners, Ker and Downey, called Young Explorers. We highly recommend this Kanana for families, though consideration needs to be taken for the fact that the camp is situated in a wild environment.
Chobe Impact is the philanthropic, non profit arm of Ker & Downey (owners of Kanana). Every guest pays a donation (added to the accommodation rates) to Chobe Impact and this donation is matched by Ker & Downey Botswana. Chobe Impact applies the funds to initiatives that make a positive impact in the key areas of education, community empowerment, research, and conservation. One of the main projects supported is Bana Ba Letsatsi, a day centre which provides vulnerable and orphaned children with food, skills training, mentoring and counselling as well as sport, art and musical activities.
Support is provided in the form of monthly donations to the organisation to buy essential everyday items such as food, clothing and classroom materials for the children. These regular donations also allow Bana Ba Letsatsi to budget for unexpected expenses, and the charity sets aside a proportion of the donations each month to cover any unforeseen medical emergencies which may occur.
The children also regularly attend the BBL Wildlife Club which is run by Ker & Downey’s specialist guides who encourage them to develop an interest in and respect for wildlife. Annually, groups of children from the Wildlife Club are hosted in the Ker & Downey Botswana camps. It’s a time to put their bush knowledge into practise and enjoy all that the wildlife and wilderness has to offer.
Bana Ba Letsatsi has been introduced to the Pack For A Purpose organisation which means that Ker & Downey Botswana’s guests may use the space in their luggage to bring in donations of clothes, toys and educational materials for the children. Please note the centre is not open for visitors – items will be collected and delivered by Ker & Downey.
