Reviews of Kanana
Wildlife sightings and reviews
79 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kanana and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"A superb experience"
The game drives were equally fantastic. On the first afternoon we saw lions and then, after sundowners at an amazing location we bumped into the same pride and spent a long time with them as they padded past us in the dusk. Then we saw three hippos making their way to another pool. An incredible experience.
The second day was even better. On the first morning drive we saw lions, two male cheetahs, a leopard and did a mokoro paddle to see otters and crocodiles. Un. Be. Liev. Able. The afternoon was focused on the same leopard and we spent a long time with her. Couldn't be better.
That night I heard the lions in the camp itself. With an early flight, we left the camp at dawn and bumped into the lions literally on the road. A quick trip to see more hippos and the huge male elephant hanging around near the entrance and it was time to go. I definitely want to go back." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Kanana review"
All the staff here couldn't do enough to make us feel welcome. Kind, caring, thoughtful and efficient. The lodge had a wonderful atmosphere and with plenty of game to view. The rooms are a delight and you feel as though you are in the film "Out of Africa".
Onwer (our guide) was truly outstanding, his knowledge of wildlife and animal behaviour was second to none and we learnt so much. He found everything and was very good with bird identification and location.
The food was delicious and all served with a smile and sometimes a dance!" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Pel's Fishing Owl!"
The tents were just beautiful with a lovely veranda overlooking the active lagoon. Masses of birdlife around camp. Our guide was top notch, Robbie, and he found us our first ever Pel's, after 10 safari trips! Also a Marsh owl. Got great photos as it was morning. We chose this camp for the heronry and were not disappointed. So many species! Spoonbill, grey heron, marabous , open billed, yellow billed, darter, pink backed pelican, even a pygmy goose with babies. Seeing the huge marabou nesting was particularly striking..
Mokoro ride with a very cheerful and informative poler Bonno was enjoyable. We were able to share the water with a couple of elephants making it a quintessential Okavango experience. The food was very good with an emphasis on a more African cuisine which we appreciated. Oh, and lots of lions around camp as they had given birth there while the camp was closed last year!
The only disappointment was flying in through smokey skies as we had traveled to the other side of the planet to get away from the fires in Montana and the US west." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Kanana review"
Makoro activities were limited and no fishing which I had hoped to do here.
Otherwise it was great!" See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Great location"
On our first night we had a private table, which was very romantic, although the other people staying there were good company at the other meal times. There is a turn down service which is usually done while you are out on your afternoon activity when they leave a decanter with sherry for you to enjoy before dinner. Prior to dinner everyone assembles around the fire pit and has drinks. We found this made it nice and sociable.
Our mobile safari guide in Moremi (Andrew) had managed this lodge previously and had told us to ask to get out on the water if we could, as that would be a good contrast to the land based stuff we had done with him. We therefore did both the mokoro and motor boat trip up to the Heronry. The very proficient mokoro poler (I have forgotten his name ? Chester) has been there for many years and he was very informative and always cheerful. The day we went to the Heronry the water was particularly low and the two guys had to get out and push the boats to get them through. One of the guys who was new got a bit scared as he spotted a baby croc on a rock ahead of him when he was in the water. Chester just laughed saying it wouldn’t hurt and its mother would not be around as she will have gone to deeper water until it got dark. Chester also pointed out the sitatunga antelope in the distance, then we saw one right next to us on the way back. I know these are quite elusive so we were lucky to see two.The heronry is amazing with so many birds there all nesting in the same trees and bushes, pelicans, marabou storks, herons, ibis and egrets. It was quite deafening with the young squawking to be fed. We also enjoyed the mokoro ride, which is very peaceful making it easier to get close to both birds and animals.
Bonolo our guide was very knowledgeable about both birds and animals. We saw a Pel’s fishing owl as well as a giant eagle owl. We also followed a pride of lions with cubs. On the second day we saw them stalking a red lechwe but it managed to escape when the male lion spooked it. We were lucky enough to have Bonolo to ourselves so we were able to concentrate on our interests. We also saw a white rhino too. While we were there we witnessed a sun halo, something that none of the staff had seen before. Pretty amazing.
We really enjoyed our stay at Kanana and I would definitely recommend it." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Kanana Gives a Warm Welcome"
Tent was spacious & comfortable with an old school safari feel. Lovely outlook over the water from the front verandah. No shortage of hot water. Housekeeping did a great job.
Staff at Kanana were warm & attentive. They really did seem to enjoy welcoming guests with song. There was a wonderful sense of camaradarie among them. This atmosphere made dining at the shared table even more convivial. Independence Day happened while we were there which was another occasion for dancing & singing & a cake bake off. Food was good & plentiful. Included wines were of a good standard.
A couple of things to note:
There is 1 computer in the lounge that guests can use. Speed and connection was adequate. There isn't WiFi or any mobile phone connectivity. So a local SIM is of no use. I mention this because like us, there are probably many potential guests who need to attend to some work while away. If that is the case you need to know the extent of internet availability. The computer served our purpose well and it wasn't heavily used.
If you are wanting imported wine or champagne for a special occasion, you will need to order & pay for this in advance. I misunderstood and thought that there was a (small) stock of premium wine & champagne which we could order & purchase onsite if the mood took us. This wan't a big deal for us but it might be for others with a special celebration happening.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Kanana stay. It was as we imagined the Okavango delta to be. Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
"Safari at Kanana"
We arrived at Kanana at the time that the afternoon game rides started, so there was a somewhat hurried welcome and then off we went. We got back at dinner time so there was no time to change or shower." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana
"Kanana review"
"Beautiful camp"
The tents are amazing; almost Tardis-like, in the sense of looking normal-sized from the outside, but feeling enormous once you are inside. The range of animals was perhaps not as great here as in other camps on our trip, but there is still masses to see.
The camp felt a little bit bigger and busier than the other ones on our trip, with lots of people coming and going. That was fine and we talked to lots of interesting people." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Kanana review"
Very good guide, and welcoming friendly staff.
All meals are family style at fixed times, which requires the guide to be very mindful of how long it takes to return, regardless of the viewing opportunities. I would prefer to have flexibillity in dining times, particularly dinner (8pm is a bit late for us)." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana
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