Ker & Downey Botswana is a name that is – and always will be – associated with exclusive, yet time-honoured safari experiences. Over five decades it has developed into one of Botswana’s most esteemed safari operators, representing luxury service and personal attention to detail.

At Ker & Downey Botswana, we are committed to providing guests the highest quality wildlife and adventure safari experience, whilst preserving the delicate environment and natural beauty of Botswana. We constantly strive to maintain standards of excellence within the industry whilst fostering economic and social development of the local communities and Botswana as a whole.

Shinde

Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an iconic camp, one of the first in Botswana and loved by many. The new Shinde is built in a way that pays homage to its former self. Located on the edge of the Shinde Lagoon, the area simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camp’s unique main area is built in a “treehouse-style” comprising of lounges, dining areas (indoor and outdoor) and a free deck all with beautiful views over a permanent lagoon and under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees.

Courtesy of its location Shinde can offer both water and land activities year-round. Motorboats or Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available while fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.

Shinde Enclave

Shinde Enclave is an exclusive ‘camp within a camp’ catering for a maximum of six guests, offering the ultimate in personal service and an indelible wilderness experience. With a private main area providing a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger 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.

Situated in the Shinde Private Concession, the Shinde Enclave offers a choice of land and water-based activities And is home to an abundant population of predators, notably the leopard. Activities include morning and Afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with night drives being conducted after the evening meal. Alternatively, climb aboard a Mokoro with a ‘poler’ and enjoy exploring the Okavango Delta’s tranquil waterways. Motorboat trips, walking and fishing are other optional activities, all to be planned and taken with your private professional guide.

Dinaka

An exclusive private conservancy hugging the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Dinaka is host to one of the most unique biodiversities in Southern Africa. This ever-changing desert landscape gives refuge to the Kalahari lion, springbok, Oryx, and brown hyena. The camp itself was acquired in 2017 and provides the perfect start or finish to any discerning travellers Botswana safari.

Situated alongside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the focus of activities at Dinaka is exploring the Kalahari experience with wildlife ranging from giraffe to the antelope, small mammals like the honey badger, bat-eared fox and porcupine to predators including the Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown hyena. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with night drives heading out into the darkness with hopes of witnessing the nocturnal wildlife happenings. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. Educational walks are conducted by San Bushman guides offering you an insight into this ancient culture, their survival techniques and their historical way of life. Birding is particularly spectacular as Dinaka hosts over 200 different bird species including the Kori Bustard and Crimson Breasted Shrike and a high concentration of Pale Chanting Goshawks.

Kanana

A hidden jewel on the Xudum River, Kanana is located in 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.

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 afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, with afternoon game drives often continuing into the evening. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. Alternatively, you may explore the crystal-clear waterways by Mokoro or motorboat, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plants and reptile species found in the area. Birding is spectacular with Kanana hosting a seasonal heronry that is one of the largest in Southern Africa, a highlight that converts all visitors to avid ‘twitchers’. Guided bush walks are highly recommended as is fishing for tilapia, African pike, and sharp tooth catfish.

Okuti

Okuti draws its influence from the Maunachira River which flows in front of the camp, with its abundant birdlife, fish, and sandy riverbanks, it remains an oasis of serenity and peacefulness. Okuti is built amidst the wilderness of one of Botswana’s prime game viewing regions, Moremi Game Reserve.

Situated in the heart of the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, guests can experience game drives with unhindered views in specially-designed safari vehicles. When out on game drives our window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. The Moremi Game Reserve is rich in wildlife, and its consistent year-round game viewing makes it ideal for repeat and first-time visitors to Botswana. Guests can also explore the Okavango Delta waterways by motorboat, and the areas’ open lagoons and winding channels make it a birder’s paradise, complete with herons and storks in the breeding season.

Footsteps Across the Delta (walking safari)

On a Footsteps Across The Delta walking safari you enter one of the great, untamed regions of Africa: the spectacular Okavango Delta. Experience the astonishing contrasts created when the mighty Okavango River flows into the arid Kalahari Desert – the result is a variety of habitats, riverine forest, palm islands, permanent swamps and dry sandveld all with an unparalleled wealth of animal diversity. This safari maintains the elegance and eccentricity of the original ‘under canvas African safari’. The emphasis is on exploring this breathtakingly beautiful and diverse environment as the first African explorers did, either on foot or by Mokoro.

Walking in the Okavango Delta’s wilderness is the highlight of a ‘true safari experience. No special training is required as the focus is on exploration and discovery – tracking fresh spoor each morning to reveal the night’s events. Other possible activities include game drives, Mokoro or fishing trips. The Footsteps Across the Delta walking experience combines well with the luxuries offered by either Shinde, Dinaka, Okuti or Kanana.

Young Explorers (Family adventure safari)

The Young Explorers safari is a specially designed programme that offers families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness – together. One of the special attractions of this safari is its exclusivity. Each family has the use of the Footsteps Camp a private six-bedded camp, a professional guide, personal chef, waiter, housekeeper and dedicated Mokoro guides. It literally allows guests to explore the bush at their leisure, while never losing sight of the fact that being in the wilderness is also about having fun!

The Young Explorers’ emphasis is on learning how to track game – both on foot and in 4×4 safari vehicles. We also teach children how to make small animal traps along with how to start a fire from nothing more than two sticks. The children learn how to: recognise different animal spoor; identify a range of birds; try their hand at poling a Mokoro; drive a game drive vehicle; fish; and shoot an air rifle at tin cans. On completion of the safari, children receive a Young Explorers certificate, t-shirt, cap, and water bottle.

E:   Information
W:  Ker & Downey Botswana
T:  +267 7577 5300

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