by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:50 AM ET, Fri July 24, 2026
Travelers will soon have a new way to experience the charismatic animals and masjestic landscapes of Africa’s Okavango Delta.
Later this year, Ker & Downey Botswana will open Kanana Nyana, the brand’s eighth luxury camp. Building on Ker & Downey Botswana’s nearly six decades of experience, the new camp will immerse guests in the heart of the Okavango Delta, where waterways, floodplains and abundant wildlife create one of Africa's most iconic safari destinations.
Perched above the Xudum River, Kanana Nyana overlooks the expansive floodplains on the western edge of Moremi Game Reserve. When it opens October 15, travelers will be able to participate in walking expeditions, game drives and mokoro (dugout canoe) outings while enjoying meticulously crafted accommodations.
Each suite features a king-size bed and expansive windows framing sweeping views of the Delta. (Photo Credit: Ker & Downey Botswana)
The name draws inspiration from the Setswana word for “small.” Designed to accommodate just eight guests at a time, Kanana Nyana is “intimate, personal and completely immersed in the wild,” says Kim Nixon, chief operating officer of Ker & Downey Botswana.
“It offers a rare and authentic connection to the Okavango Delta, where time is given to observe, to understand and to appreciate rather than move on," he adds.
Kanana Nyana offers four individually styled and impeccably private thatched suites, each with its own king-size bed and expansive windows framing sweeping views of the Delta. Designed for two adults, the accommodations feature weathered timber entrance archways and a palette of textures and tones drawn from the surrounding wilderness, including sage green, pale yellow and dusty pink. The interior design of each suite pays tribute to one of the region’s iconic trees: the Marula, Sausage Tree, Jackalberry and Sycamore Fig.
Outside, a spacious wooden deck provides a private sanctuary, complete with a plunge pool and a cooling thatched sala.
The camp’s shared spaces encourage guests to come together, with distinct areas for dining, relaxing and socializing. Culinary offerings celebrate both local ingredients and Botswana’s rich flavors. Delta-inspired cocktails infused with lerotse melon and vanilla syrup sit alongside premium Botswana beef. Fresh produce is sourced through suppliers who prioritize locally grown ingredients whenever in season, while regular themed dining experiences showcase traditional favorites such as seswaa, pap and morogo.
The design of Kanana Nyana is inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Botswana. (Photo Credit: Ker & Downey Botswana)
An on-site gym is equipped for both cardiovascular and resistance training, while personalized wellness treatments delivered by highly skilled local therapists can be enjoyed in the privacy of each suite.
Beyond the camp, guests can enjoy expertly guided safari experiences. Kanana Nyana has two safari vehicles that can each accommodate up to four guests for game drives, while tranquil mokoro excursions offer a chance to explore the delta’s meandering channels and reed-fringed waterways from traditional dugout canoes.
Travelers have a chance to admire the region’s diverse wildlife, from lions and giraffes to elephants, leopards and African buffalo. Cheetah and African wild dogs also roam nearby, along with multiple antelope species, including the iconic red lechwe.
The location is also ideal for birding, with up to 70,000 birds congregating between May and October at a renowned heronry. Additionally, more than 500 avian species have been recorded in the delta.
“Whether lingering a little longer at a remarkable sighting, following an aardwolf back towards its den or quietly watching an elephant bull stretch high for baobab blossoms on the edge of a grassy floodplain, guests are encouraged to slow down and engage with the natural world on its own terms,” says Nixon. “These are the moments that transform a safari into something truly memorable.”
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