Botswana: Introducing Ker & Downey's Grays Eden Boutique Hotel

Ker & Downey Botswana

INTRODUCING GRAYS EDEN - A NEW LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN MAUN, BOTSWANA

Ker & Downey Botswana is thrilled to announce the development of a new luxury boutique hotel in the safari outpost town of Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta and Ker & Downey Botswana’s well-known circuit of luxury tented camps. Personally built to exacting standards and owned by flamboyant long term Maun residents Sandrine and Sam Morris, Ker & Downey Botswana is proud to partner with Grays Eden, a first of its kind on an idyllic stretch of the seasonal Thamalakane River and will open doors on the 15th of July 2024.

A place of quiet, impeccable service, fine food and wine, the intimate and secluded Grays Eden space offers the weary, yet discerning traveller from afar a place to relax and acclimatize before embarking on their safari or before departing Botswana.

ABOUT GRAYS  EDEN

Featuring thatched, high ceilings and tall archways, the hotel welcomes light and infuses a sense of tranquility and space. Modern, minimalist interiors with a light blue, white and natural palette are accentuated by large, generous verandas overlooking grassy lawns with dappled shade from leadwood and raintrees. The lounge and restaurant terrace flows effortlessly out onto the lawns overlooking the Thamalakane River, where guests may choose to enjoy a seasonal picnic basket with artisanal delights.

Boasting one of finest chefs in Botswana with an emphasis on local produce, The Eden Kitchen and Restaurant presents a varied a la carte menu, tempting the palate with both local and international favourites, inviting conviviality.

Comprised of just 12 individually decored rooms (5 sumptuous Villas and 7 youthful and spirited Cottages), Grays Eden’s rooms all feature generous verandas and light, airy living spaces. A ceiling fan and fireplace assure coolness and warmth, when needed.

Just 10 minutes from Maun Airport, Grays Eden provides a complimentary meet and greet service with vehicle transfers to and from the hotel.

Whether you choose to unwind on a lounger at the high embankment pool overlooking the Thamalakane River, indulge with an in-villa spa treatment after long distance travel or revel in a private culinary and wine experience in the Cliff Wine Cellar, Grays Eden is the perfect addition on the doorstep of the Northern Botswana safari circuit which allows travellers a restful, then seamless transition into or out of their wilderness adventure.

Mailing address: Ker & Downey, PO Box 27, Maun, Botswana

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Botswana: Ker & Downey Botswana completes refurbishment of Okuti Camp

Okuti Refurbishment Launch

Ker & Downey Botswana completes refurbishment of Okuti Camp

Ker & Downey Botswana has completed the full refurbishment of Okuti accentuating its unique architecture of curved arches and doorways which pay homage to aspects of Botswana's parliament building, where the arches represent unity, strength and harmony.

Okuti Camp YouTube video:

Okuti enjoys a prime location overlooking the enormous Xakanaxa lagoon boasting uninterrupted views of the Maunachira channel. A wide variety of Okavango wildlife wander along the riverbanks in front of the camp with the Xakanaxa region remaining one of Moremi Game Reserve's best year-round wildlife hotspots.

Okuti's extensive structural renovations and innovative improvements have retained its understated luxury and rustic charm. With the interior design expertise of Maun based Lien Smith (Interior Designer) of Thakadu Treasures and Nardia Cronje (Interior Architect) of Nomvula Design, the reimagined full sorts and decor replacements assure comfort, enhance guest experience and elevate the camp to a new level of luxury.

Always forging new ways, Ker & Downey Botswana are proud that the majority of the new interiors were manufactured in Maun, thus supporting the local industry and its talented artisans.

The complete transformation of Okuti's look and feel is modern and the camp is truly a one-of-a-kind, with a design that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings. The room's new layout and amenities have been rearranged to enhance the breathtaking views out over the lagoon and river, allowing guests to enjoy nature to the horizon from the comfort of their room. Other new room fixtures, such as the flooring and lighting, have transformed the rooms into a more stylish and brighter space.

The overall ambience exudes luxury and sophistication, ensuring that every guest enjoys a truly unforgettable experience at Okuti. We invite you to come and experience the newly refurbished camp for yourself. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning guest, we are confident that you will appreciate the improvements that have been made to this stunning camp.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Botswana: Okavango Water Level Update

Meeting Guest Expectations - Okavango Water Level Update For The Hot Dry Season

The annual flood through the Okavango swamps is dynamic and unique each year with its progression and size greatly impacting the guest experience in different ways depending on the time of year.

This year, the peak flood pulse has passed our Delta lodges and the water levels have started to drop in front of our camps. As the water levels drop, the hippos congregate in the pools and lagoons that are left. With guest safety being our number one priority we have to curtail mokoro activities accordingly.

Sadly, the speed of the change cannot be predicted as many factors are at play, but we kindly ask that you advise guests staying at those camps with lower river levels so that they have realistic expectations and are not disappointed on their arrival. Guests going to Delta Camp will need their walking shoes available and as always, hats, sunscreen and binoculars. Their guide will meet them at the airstrip with cool drinks and take them on a guided walk into Delta Camp that will last about 20-30 minutes. They have the opportunity to see any kind of wildlife during this walk.

All of our Delta camps are now limiting the use of mokoro to crossing the channels so as to access the islands from where our guides then focus on their specialised walking safaris which our camps are known the world over for. At some point in the next month or so it will not be possible to do any mokoro activities.

Our Mokoro Trails will finish for the year at the end of October and will commence on 01 April 2023.

Please let all guests know that it does get very hot this time of year.

The benefit of the dropping water is that game congregates along the river banks to take in the last of the water. Additionally, the last of the summer grasses die off allowing unhindered viewing over greater distances. Of course, be reminded that it is springtime and the kigalia, acacia species and Lonchocarpus capassa trees all flower, leaving the sweetest profusion of their subtle scents in the air.

Every time of year offers something that is both exceptional and something which needs to be considered for optimal guest comfort and experience. Please help your guests to be prepared for the particularities of this time of the year at our Delta camps.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Botswana: Kadizora Camp proudly introduces new Deluxe Villa

An African Anthology

Kadizora Camp proudly introduces our new Deluxe Villa!

KADIZORA CAMP PROUDLY INTRODUCES OUR NEW DELUXE VILLA

It is with great excitement that we announce the addition of our new Kadizora Deluxe Villa. The villa features two bedrooms, one with king size bed, an en-suite bathroom with a feature bath, his & her showers and his & her vanities. The second bedroom with twin beds that can convert into a king size bed, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and his & her vanities. The spacious bedrooms with large windows and stunning floodplain views continue in both bedrooms. There is a unique pattern on the hardwood floor, with a high gloss to help reflect light.

Furthermore, the villa also got a lounge, dining area, private pool, stylish outside deck area and patio combined for privacy and visual appeal to relax on those lazy Botswana summers.

Private activities with a dedicated guide will be available to enjoy game drives, mokoro, boat cruises, fishing, cultural village tours and hot air ballooning.

We look forward to welcoming our guests to come and enjoy the magnificent Kadizora Camp in the Okavango Delta, one of the last truly unspoilt wilderness areas in Africa.

Kadizora Camp is situated between the Vumbura River and Selinda Spillway. It lies in the remote northern part of the Okavango Delta overlooking a panoramic seasonal floodplain. Giant Marulas, Sycamore figs, Jackalberries and Rain trees provide a canopy of shade throughout the camp. The bar, lounge, reception and dining area form a horse-shoe shape around the sandy fire pit. From there, a decked walkway leads you to an inviting swimming pool with a view over the floodplain.

The Camp’s accommodation consists of 4 Standard Tents and 9 Luxury Tents, each one well-positioned to provide privacy and iconic views of Africa. The tents are spacious and furnished in a classic style ensuring that time between activities is spent relaxing comfortably. Each spacious tent is well positioned for guest privacy, with outdoor decking and secluded views. The tents have an en-suite bathroom with a feature bath and his/ hers vanities.

Kadizora Camp truly offers the ultimate Okavango Delta experience, with a wide range of activities, a beautiful location, diverse wildlife and warm, local hospitality.

54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Botswana: Machaba Safaris - Discover Eco-Luxury At Its Finest - Kiri Camp

Machaba Safaris

Discover Eco-Luxury At Its Finest!

Beneath the shade of an iconic ebony forest, you will find the Okavango Delta’s newest treasure, Kiri Camp. Inspired by the spirit of a classic safari, the camp boasts a delicate blend of modern comforts and celebrates the untamed wilderness. Built on raised decks with sweeping views of the pristine vistas ahead, we invite you to explore camp for the first time.

What Makes Kiri Camp Special?

There are many things that make Kiri Camp special. Here are our top four reasons to visit Kiri Camp.

1. Seclusion in the Delta

Experience the vast wilderness of the delta to the fullest at Kiri Camp. Unlike Botswana’s National Parks, the camp is on a private concession which means you can enjoy night drives, walking safaris and mokoro excursions in this remote destination.

2. An Intimate Experience

Comprised of two four-person family tents and eight double tents, Kiri Camp preserves a private and intimate atmosphere, where you can spend uninterrupted time with your loved ones and enjoy life’s greatest moments together.

3. Abundant Populations of Wildlife

Kiri Camp immerses you in the untamed wildernesses of the Delta. Providing opportunities to experience the surrounding rich habitat and inviting a myriad of diverse and plentiful wildlife that thrive here, enjoy unforgettable sightings.

4. Our Passionate Team 

Devoted to the spirit of safari, our professional guides are ready to share their love of Africa and help create life’s greatest moments. Making for an exceptional safari, each member of our team will make sure you experience the most of this untamed wilderness.

EXPLORE THE INTIMATE CAMP

Here’s The Special You Have Been Looking For…

To celebrate the opening of our newest adventure, we have created an unmissable special for a six-night stay where you can experience Gomoti Plains and Kiri Camp, flights included! The perfect combination to explore the phenomenal inland delta.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Stars of Africa: Two new camps in the Okavango Delta & Khwai area in Botswana

New Camps in Botswana

Stars of Africa is delighted to announce the opening of two new camps in Botswana. Mogogelo Camp is a classic tented safari camp in a private concession (NG34) in the Okavango Delta. A Motswana-owned and run operation in northern Botswana’s illustrious wildlife territory, it brings an authentic edge and the engrained knowledge of the local Okavango Delta community.

Mogogelo is a classic tented safari camp in a private concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve. A Motswana-owned and run operation in northern Botswana’s illustrious wildlife territory, it brings an authentic edge and the engrained knowledge of the local Okavango Delta community. This is a classic, authentic Botswana safari experience.

Accommodation at Mogogelo is in 10 classic Meru-style canvas tents, raised on wooden decks and with en-suite bathrooms and private decks on each tent. All rooms stretch out alongside the communal area, and each has a view of the waterhole and the Okavango Delta wildlife that frequents the area in front of camp.

Each canvas tented bedroom has either a king-size or two twin beds with characteristic wooden frames and headboards, complete with crisp, white linen and mosquito canopies. Simply decorated with a practical wardrobe, writing desk, and bedside tables, rooms are functional, comfortable, in tune with the bush.

There are en-suite bathrooms at the back of each tent leading from the bedroom through a zip-up canvas door. Each has a shower, flushing toilet, and a basin set in a handcrafted wooden vanity station, complete with a mirror and a plug socket for electric shavers.

Game Drive

Discover the wild and unique landscape of the Okavango Delta on twice daily game drives, which depart at sunrise in the mornings and again in the late afternoon to overlap with sunset. Wildlife encounters include getting up close with elephant, buffalo, and lion, while the experience of having sundowners at a scenic spot in the bush mid-game drive is an iconic element of safaris in southern Africa.

Night Drive

Heading out in the game viewer after dark brings the night life of the Okavango Delta into focus. Night drives are only possible in the privacy of a concession, making this a sought after and special activity at Mogogelo. Leopards and lions are more active at night, while nocturnal creatures like civet, porcupine, honey badger, and jackal are likely to be seen, so this is one not to be missed.

Located in the Khwai Community Concession (NG19), African Excursions Guest House is in the north-eastern sector of the Okavango Delta and on the border of Moremi Game Reserve. Accommodated comfortably in thatched chalets, hosted, and guided by Setswana people who know this region best.

API integrations are available via Nightsbridge and ResConnect. Live availability can be found here.

Xaxaba Camp in the Okavango Delta (NG27B) has also joined my portfolio. Please contact me for updates on the camp.

Meru-style Tents

(6 rooms)

There are a maximum of 6 Meru-style tents individually set-up in a prime location overlooking the world-renown Chief's Island. Each of the tents sleeps 2 people, which means the camp can accommodate 12 people in total.

Activities

Walking Safaris to Chief's Island

This is the way to experience Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta. On foot with a guide who knows the area like the back of his hand. Morning's start with a quick coffee, and then a 3 hour guided walk of the neighbouring chief's island, famed for its game viewing.

Mokoro Trips on the Channels of the Delta

The traditional dug-out wooden canoe utilised especially in the Okavango Delta. Silently gliding through the waterways, guides take guests closer to nature and to the wildlife in the Delta than ever before. Your guide will pole you through the tranquil waterways while you observe elephants from the water.

Sundowners in a Special Location

Guides will take you to an exquisite set-up on the sandy banks of the island to celebrate golden hour. Snacks, drinks and plenty of chatter will take place.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Botswana: The Kanana Refurbishment | Канана Ботсвана

#КананаБотсвана #KerDowney #Botswana #XudumRiver #OkavangoDelta #Kanana #mokoro #Ngamiland

The Kanana Refurbishment

Ker & Downey Botswana is pleased to announce the scheduled refurbishment of our popular property Kanana. The camp, located on the Xudum River in the southwest of the Okavango Delta, has seven spacious twin or double-bedded safari tents and one family tent. Kanana will receive a face lift including an extension of the main area, adding a breath-taking breakaway seating area adjacent to the current al-fresco deck that overlooks the beautiful waterways. The camp will also receive all new furniture in both the tents and main area along with the pool deck.

With warm golds, deep greys, rich creams, turquoise and crisp whites, the refurbishment will capture a 1920s Explorer theme while retaining the camps classical charm and the incorporation of rustic elements.

This refurbishment will take place during camp closure and be completed by the 1st March 2019, when the camp opens its doors to the new season’s guests.

A hidden jewel on the Xudum River, Kanana is located in the southwest of the Okavango Delta. The area encompasses a necklace of islands dotted with palms, figs, ebony and knobthorn, and is home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals. The nature of the habitat means it is the perfect place to experience the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta.

Kanana was last refurbished at the beginning of 2016. Guests are accommodated in seven spacious twin and double-bedded safari tents and one family tent, each en-suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower, hot and cold running water and flush toilet. Families are accommodated in a two-bedroomed tent, sharing an en-suite bathroom with the addition of an outdoor shower – ideal for families in this child-friendly camp. The tents are well spaced, affording privacy whilst remaining within a comfortable distance from the main camp area. The annual floods transform parts of this concession into a true water paradise, offering guests the best of both worlds. Due to the camps location guests can experience magnificent game sightings during drives as well as the unique experience of exploring the delta's beautiful waterways by boat or Mokoro. You may actually enjoy the breath-taking spectacle of the water visibly rising around the camp’s raised teak decks. The Sleep Out Deck that offers guests the opportunity to spend the night under the magnificent African night sky.

Guests are accommodated in seven spacious twin and double-bedded safari tents and one family tent, each with en-suite bathrooms with shower, hot and cold running water and flush toilet. The tents are well spaced, affording privacy whilst remaining within comfortable distance from the main camp area.

The annual floods transform parts of this concession into a true water paradise, offering guests the best of both worlds. At certain times of the year guests may actually enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of the water visibly rising around the camp’s raised teak decks. Experience magnificent game sightings during drives as well as the unique experience of exploring the delta’s beautiful waterways by boat. There is also a Sleep Out Deck that offers guests the opportunity to spend the night under the splendid African night sky.

Situated in the Kanana Concession, the focus of activities at Kanana varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta. Activities include morning and late afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with afternoon game drives often continuing into the evening. Alternatively you may explore the crystal clear waterways by Mokoro or motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area. Birding is spectacular, and Kanana hosts a seasonal heronry that teems with activity, a Kanana highlight which converts all visitors to avid 'twitchers'. Guided bush walks are highly recommended as is fishing for tilapia, African pike and sharptooth catfish.

www.traveltonamibia.com

YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2

Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com