Ker & Downey Botswana, a trailblazer in luxury safari adventures since 1968, proudly welcomed Maxa into its expanding portfolio, welcoming the camp’s first guests on the 22nd of March 2025. This innovative and charming camp, which aims to redefine the classic Okavango Delta safari experience, is located in the remote Northeast and offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the region’s lesser-known wilderness areas.
Located beneath a canopy of majestic ebony, marula, and leadwood trees, Maxa overlooks the vibrant Maxa Lagoon. The dynamic surroundings are sure to entice any guest—whether it’s observing birds in the treetops, spotting hippos wallowing in the lagoon, or watching elephants meander to the water’s edge for a refreshing drink. Walter Smith, Sales Director of Ker & Downey Botswana, highlighted the potential for the area’s diverse wildlife:
“This is an incredibly diverse ecosystem, and during the past year of construction and exploration, we have observed an array of wildlife, including seasonal movements of large herds like zebra and elephant across the floodplains.”
The Maxa area is fed by strong waters coming from the Okavango panhandle, and these clear waterways promise exceptional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions and countless clear, safe, and shallow swim spots. Maxa embodies sustainable luxury and authentic safari experiences. The camp showcases locally sourced and handcrafted furniture, celebrating Botswana’s artisanal expertise in woodwork, weaving, pottery, and more. Walter Smith added, “Maxa represents a breakthrough in responsible luxury travel, blending high-end safari hospitality with cultural immersion and conservation. It’s a model for the future of African eco-tourism.”
Design highlights include a suspended net for relaxing with a good book or drink, suspended high in the cool breeze and shade of the forest canopy, elevated decks for uninterrupted views of the lagoon and vast flood plains beyond, and a main area with a wood-fired oven where the camp chef prepares fresh bread, roasts, and pizzas, creating a warm, interactive dining experience. The innovative natural pool, purified by water plants from the surrounding lagoon, acts as biological filters, exemplifying Maxa’s harmony with its environment.
