Bush Brief - Water Levels at Ker & Downey Botswana

UPDATE ON WATER LEVELS AT

KER & DOWNEY BOTSWANA

One of the unique selling points of Ker & Downey Botswana is all the Okavango Delta camps (Kanana, Okuti, Shinde, Shinde Enclave and Footsteps Camp) have permanent water throughout the year. The camps are located in areas that have been in operation for decades, hosting guests through the wettest and driest of times.

EACH CAMP OFFERS A UNIQUE WATER EXPERIENCE

From Okuti you have access to one of the largest rivers of the Okavango Delta, the Maunachira River. The Maunachira River flows through Xakanaxa (meaning "Place of big water") before becoming the Khwai River. The camp itself is located on the very edge of the channel with all the Masasa's and main area overlooking the cool waters. Often guests will fall asleep at night to the sound of hippos munching the grass around their accommodation. Sundowner drinks and snacks can be enjoyed out on the Xakanaxa lagoon where the water resembles a mirror, perfectly reflecting the evening sky in all its glory.

Kanana is not only a spectacular wildlife area but also hosts one of the largest heronries in Southern Africa, a particularly important breeding site for the Pink Backed Pelicans. This special location is accessible only by Kanana guests, either on a Mokoro or motor boat. Once out at the heronry guests can witness the spectacle of thousands of birds mating, building their nests and raising their young. During the high water levels the area is accessed by motor boat straight from camp. When the waters are lower guests venture out on a game drive across Paradise Island before boarding a Mokoro and being poled through the shallow waters to the area. The heronry is at the height of activity between June and November. The rest of the year continues to be a birders paradise with a wide variety of species making Kanana their home, notably Pels Fishing Owls.

Shinde, nestled on a palm lush island offers motor boat or Mokoro excursions providing guests a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. The main area of Shinde is build in a tree-house style, with the highest tier being the dining room which overlooks the permanent Shinde Lagoon. Water levels here fluctuate slightly but motor boats and Mokoros are always launched from directly in camp. Fancy dinner out under the stars, the secret bush dinner spot is located right by the waters edge meaning motor boats and game-viewers descend alike.

Shinde Enclave is an exclusive 'camp within a camp', offering the ultimate in personal service and an indelible wilderness experience. With a private dining and lounge area, it is the perfect retreat after a day's activities. This intimate hideaway also offers guests the services of a private waiter and housekeeper as well as their own professional guide and game drive vehicle. Perfect for small groups of friends or family, Shinde Enclave also offers guests a chance to explore the waterways of the Shinde Private concession. For those keen to try their luck landing a tiger fish, its best to head out onto the main channel. The fishing season is closed during January and February.

Footsteps Camp is home to Footsteps Across the Delta (Specialist Walking Safari) and Young Explorers family safari. On a Footsteps Across The Delta walking safari you enter one of the great, untamed regions of Africa: the spectacular Okavango Delta. This safari maintains the elegance and eccentricity of the original 'under canvas African safari'. The emphasis is on exploring either on foot or by Mokoro. The Young Explorers safari is a specially designed programme which offers families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness - together. When the water levels are low in the Footsteps area guests are ensured to not miss out on their Mokoro excursion and are offer the experience from the Shinde area. The Footsteps Camp is located on the edge of a permanent waterhole, home to many aquatic species include the elusive sitatunga.