Kanana Camp

Kanana Camp ,shaded by jackalberry and palm trees, opens onto the peaceful reedbeds of the Xudum River, a permanent deep-water channel in the centre of the Okavango Delta.

‘Kanana’ is Setswana for ‘paradise’ and this traditional-style safari camp is perfect for those who want the tranquillity of the African bush. The comfortable teak wood lounge and dining areas look out onto a lagoon, home to a pod of resident hippos. Kanana is an excellent value camp in an interesting part of the delta; the combination of land, islands and water channels allows a wide range of activities.

The eight tents, linked by sandy pathways, are well spaced out, providing privacy. Each has a shaded verandah, with table and chairs. There are also a number of agreeable spaces where you can read in peace between activities or just look out over the delta.

Kanana Camp’s plunge pool can be a welcome way to cool off after a morning game drive. The camp has just undergone a comprehensive face-lift; linen, towels and crockery have all been replaced, the pool re-tiled and the electrical system upgraded.

Wildlife

Elephant, zebra, impala and lechwe are all found locally, as are giraffe, which are attracted by the abundance of acacia. Predators include spotted hyena, leopard, jackal, cheetah, civet and lion. Kanana and its sister camp, Shinde, are two of the best places in the delta to spot the rarely sighted Sitatunga antelope, which uses its long, thin splayed hooves to evade its enemies by escaping across the swampy papyrus beds. Sitaunga are good swimmers and can hide by submerging in the deeper pools with only their nostrils above the surface.

Birding is phenomenal, with over 400 species recorded, including Yellow-billed stork, Marabou, Open-billed storks, Darter cormorants and Slatey egrets, and we regularly receive reports of visits by the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. There is also a heronry where many migratory water birds come to have their young from July onwards. 

Activities

There are many activities on offer including guided walks, bush breakfasts, bird watching at the heronry, mokoro and boat trips, fishing for bream, pike and silver catfish (mostly catch and release), and game drives.

Children

Children 10 years and upwards are welcome at the camp. During ‘Family Safari Months’, March-July and November 2007, children from age 7 are welcome, and those under 16, pay half-price if sharing with 2 adults.

Kanana sister camp, Shinde, offers an exclusive family safari programme with specialist children’s guide, called Young Explorers (minimum age 7 years). Each family has the use of a private six-bedded camp, two dedicated guides, personal chef, waiter, housekeeper and mokoro guides.