OVERVIEW:
Maxa is a small, informal camp in an unfrequented Okavango Delta location, well positioned to offer both land- and water-based activities. Run by Ker & Downey Botswana, a respected name synonymous with high-quality safaris, Maxa offers reasonable rates that make it particularly appealing when compared with other new openings in the region. As it’s designed to immerse guests in nature in an incredibly picturesque area surrounded by seasonal floodplains and diverse ecosystems, we have high hopes for this brand-new little camp! Accommodation at Maxa is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a laundry service.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Maxa is located in the north-eastern reaches of the Okavango Delta at the source of the Selinda Spillway, overlooking the permanent Maxa lagoon. Access is by light aircraft to Shinde airstrip (approximately 25 minutes from Maun), followed by a scenic helicopter flight over the Delta.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT MAXA:
Maxa features five attractive, lagoon-facing tents with sheltered wooden decks, accommodating a maximum of 12. It’s practical yet comfortable – guests can expect indoor and outdoor seating arrangements, sliding doors that lead from the bedroom to the veranda, and large windows with roll-up canvas blinds. The style is light, natural, and homely, with plenty of canvas, rattan lampshades, unfinished wood, and neutral colours. Each tent has both an indoor and a full outdoor bathroom, so guests can choose to spend even more time in the open air. The family tent works well for those travelling with children and features two bedrooms, a shared en-suite bathroom, and an outdoor bathroom.
Against a backdrop of riverine forest, Maxa’s laidback communal areas are centred around a camp ‘courtyard’ with picnic tables for al-fresco meals surrounded by nature. Partially enclosed lounge and dining areas are shaded under canvas, and a fabulous wood-fired oven is housed in an empty termite mound. An inviting sala overlooks the lagoon, where guests can soak up the views from the hammock or daybed under a canopy of ebony trees.
ACTIVITIES AT MAXA:
Maxa offers guests a range of land- and water-based activities in a remote part of the Okavango Delta.
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Game drives
– These are offered twice daily, during the morning and the late afternoon. Among the highlights of this region are lion, leopard, elephant, hyena, and buffalo, as well as smaller predators such as jackal, serval, civet, honey badger, and the elusive wild dog. Herbivores include giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and a wide variety of antelope species. -
Night drives
– Night-time brings new energy to the wilderness, as the big predators come out to hunt and unique nocturnal species emerge. You might see porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, and occasionally a larger predator with its prey. -
Walking safaris
– Walking enables guests to enjoy close encounters with the flora and fauna that aren’t easy to spot from the confines of a vehicle, including butterflies, birds, different grasses, and small reptiles. Set off into the bush with an expert guide for an unforgettable walking adventure where you’ll uncover some of the smaller details. Please note, the minimum age requirement for a classic walking safari is 12 years. -
Mokoro canoes
– This is an iconic Okavango Delta experience where you glide silently through the maze of water channels on a traditional dugout canoe, cross paths with reed frogs and myriad birds, watch crocs emerge from the reed-lined banks, and come face-to-face with beady hippo eyes. -
Cultural activities
– Discover some of the cultural aspects of the communities that inhabit these lands and gain a fascinating insight into ancient traditions and modern ways of life.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.