The Safari That Stays With You: My Time with Ker & Downey Botswana
There are a lot of incredible safari camps out there, but there’s something special about Ker & Downey Botswana that really sticks with you. Maybe it’s the people. Everything just flows. I recently had the chance to visit five of their camps across Botswana, and by the end of the trip, I totally got it. Here’s what makes these camps stand out:
1. Small Camps, Big Wilderness
These are not your average safari lodges. Each camp has just a handful of tents, tucked away in some of Botswana’s most remote and stunning corners. Many are on private concessions, so you get that incredible feeling of having the wild all to yourself. It’s quiet, peaceful, and totally off the grid—in the best way.
2. The People Make It
Ask anyone what they remember most about their stay, and they’ll probably say the same thing: the staff. Many of them have been with Ker & Downey for years, and it shows. They’re warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It feels less like staying at a lodge and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
3. Thoughtful Comfort, Rooted in Nature
The camps strike this perfect balance—simple but beautiful, and connected to the landscape in a way that feels really intentional. Picture canvas tents, open-air lounges, and natural materials that blend right into the bush. It’s laid-back, cozy, and just luxe enough.
4. Seamless Travel Between Camps
One of the things I loved most? How easy everything was. Ker & Downey has camps across some of Botswana’s most iconic landscapes—like the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari—and getting from one to the next is a breeze. The entire experience is incredibly smooth, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy. Bonus tip: Ask me current flight specials or discounts for longer stays—they’re a great way to stretch your time andyour budget.
5. Guiding That Goes Deeper
The guides here are next-level. Sure, they’ll help you spot wildlife—but they’ll also teach you how to track animals, read the land, and really understand what’s happening in the bush. It’s immersive, fascinating, and somehow always fun.
6. Travel That Gives Back
Ker & Downey walks the walk when it comes to sustainability. They invest in conservation, support local communities, and hire and train locally. So while you’re out having the adventure of a lifetime, you’re also helping protect these incredible places for the future.
7. A Safari That Works for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, you’re in good hands. The Young Explorers program is a hands-on safari designed just for families—tracking animals, birdwatching, cooking over a fire—with a private guide who makes it all safe and exciting. It’s one of the best ways to introduce little ones to the magic of the bush.
Bottom line: Ker & Downey Botswana isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about feeling connected. To nature, to people, to the journey itself. And once you’ve been, it’s the kind of safari you’ll always remember.
Shinde
In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Shinde offers classic year-round safari experience. Set on a vast private concession near Moremi, it’s known for relaxed wildlife (especially predators) and zero crowds.
Activities: mokoro rides, boat safaris, fishing (seasonal), walking, game drives (day and night)
Maxa
A new camp with serious barefoot luxury vibes, Maxa sits on a wild, little-visited concession along the Maxa Lagoon. Built around a Jackalberry treehouse, it’s perfect for adventurous travelers. Expect game drives, walking, swimming, mokoro trips, and deep community ties.
Activities: swimming, mokoro, walking, game drives, and cultural experiences.
Best for: adventurous travelers who want to try something different
Okuti
Inside Moremi Game Reserve, Okuti is an excellent spot for game.. The game viewing is fantastic, and full-day drives with picnic lunches are a highlight.
Activities: game drives, boating, mokoro
Bonus: it’s wheelchair-friendly and very thoughtfully designed.
Kanana
Newly rebuilt and overlooking stunning floodplains, Kanana has it all—top-notch wildlife, known for great food, a beloved pizza oven, and access to a seasonal heronry for bird lovers. There’s even a sleepout deck under the stars.
Activities: mokoro (seasonal), fishing, night drives, and more.
Dinaka
Set in the Central Kalahari, Dinaka is all about big skies and bold landscapes. It’s a dream for stargazing and offers unique cultural experiences with San Bushmen guides. Game drives, walks, tracking, and a high lookout deck round out the adventure.
Activities: game drives, bush walks, San tracking experiences, night drives, photography hide, sleepout deck
Bonus: Wheelchair accessible, including one of the family rooms
I’d love to help you plan your Botswana bucket list trip, so feel free to reach out with any questions or to set up an initial call. And thanks for reading!