Maxa: Our full report

Opened in March 2025, Maxa has an enviable spot on the north-eastern fringe of the Okavango Delta.

Nestled within a grove of tall jackalberry or ebony trees, it overlooks the permanent Maxa Lagoon, a little-visited area that’s criss-crossed by a network of channels, so a good place for both land- and water-based activities.

Part of the fun for guests at Maxa is the helicopter transfer from Shinde Airstrip, a short but thrilling opportunity to take in this stretch of the Okavango from the air. While we have not yet visited the new camp, this is what we understand guests will find.

Just five tented rooms, one of them – with two bedrooms - ideal for a family, are set up on wooden decks looking across to the lagoon. Each tented room has two full bathrooms: one indoors en suite, the second open to the elements; this is a camp that takes guest preferences seriously.

Sliding doors and huge picture windows bring the outdoors in, with roll-down canvas blinds ensuring that the elements are kept at bay. Natural wood furnishings and neutral fabrics enhance the light and airy feel.

The sense of openness continues into the main area, where the curves of stretched canvas roofs blend into the setting. The lounge features comfortable, or you could take relaxation to another level in the sala, where a hammock and cushioned daybed await.

As you would expect from the location, activities at Maxa are both land - and water-based: guided walking safaris, nature drives and leisurely excursions by mokoro (dug-out canoe). In addition, as the camp is run in partnership with the Mmagamka Trust and members of the Bukakhwe tribe, you can also expect opportunities to gain an understanding of the local culture.

Our view

While the Expert Africa team has yet to visit Maxa, we are familiar with this area of the Delta. We also have many years’ experience of working with the owners, and are confident that their new camp will meet our high expectations.

Tracy Lederer

Country manager: Botswana

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay: We would recommend a stay of two or three nights at Maxa, perhaps combined with one or more of its sister camps in the Delta: Shinde, Shinde Footsteps, Kanana, Okuti, or for something completely different Dinaka
Directions: Travellers will fly into Shinde Airstrip, taking about 25 minutes from Maun. From here it will be a short helicopter transfer to Maxa.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: Meals at Maxa are likely to meet the same standard as at its sister camps – with the added feature of a wood-fired oven in a disused termite mound.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance. Clean, cold drinking water is always available and each chalet is also provided with glasses and a flask of filtered drinking water.

Children

Attitude towards children: Maxa accepts children from the age of six.
Property’s age restrictions: Maxa accepts children from the age of six.
Special activities & services: If arranged in advance, guests at Maxa can take part in Ker & Downey's Young Explorers programme. They will be allocated one of the company's phenomenal specialist family guides. These guides are enthusiastic and passionate about their work and sharing their knowledge of the wilderness, and who have a lot of experience guiding families with children.
Equipment: Maxa has a family tent with two bedrooms and a shared en-suite bathrooms.

Communications

Water supply: Other

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Managers are first-aid trained, as are the guides. The closest doctor is in Maun (about a 25-minute flight) and the camp has 24-hour radio contact with a medical evacuation nurse in case of need. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Fire safety

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included and, as long as weather permits, items are usually returned the same day. A pot of washing powder is provided in each bathroom should guests wish to handwash any delicates themselves.