Ker & Downey Botswana prepares to open its newest property Maxa, in the Okavango Delta, in partnership with local the Bukakhwe Bushman tribe.
Accommodating up to 12 guests, the new camp’s tented rooms promise to be practical, yet comfortable, with four beautifully designed stretch canvas tents on decks, comprising an ensuite indoor bathroom as well as full outdoor open air bathroom. The Maxa family tent will feature two bedrooms and a shared ensuite bathroom along with an outdoor bathroom.
The philosophy of Maxa centres around exploration, learning, and the freedom to be immersed in nature. The camp’s unique appearance will capture this with a freeform separated lounge and dining area, set under light canvas rooves, partially enclosed by traditional clay walls. The design will be complemented with handmade local furniture which lends a creative spirit to the decor and lighting.
Situated between the lounge and dining areas, with white delta sand underfoot is the camp “courtyard”, with picnic style tables for meals in the breezy shade or under the stars. In a culinary twist, a central feature of the main area is a termite mound that originally helped to form the island. Here, guests will be welcomed by the smells of freshly baked bread and muffins from Maxa’s wood fired “oven”, which will also produce other delightful meals prepared meticulously by the camp’s chef.
At the edge of the camp’s riverine forest, over looking the lagoon, is another cluster of Ebony trees, forming a natural enclosure. Here, a Sala with a cushioned day bed will be complemented by an elevated deck, with a suspended cargo net hammock bedecked with an array of pillows and cushions, from where guests can take in the beautiful surrounds.
Every day at Maxa will be curated as a day of exploration. Camp excursions include mokoro (dugout canoe), guided walking safaris and nature drives (both by day and night). Activities also incorporate local cultural insights with the exploration of the natural heritage of this immensely diverse region. Access to and from Maxa will be by helicopter from Shinde airstrip, and offers a short yet exciting scenic transfer.
The camp has been developed in partnership with the Bukakhwe people of nearby Gudikwa village, in the Northern Reaches of the Okavango, and is set to open on 20 March 2025.
