This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
New Luxury Safari Camp, Maxa, Redefines Okavango Delta Experiences
Tucked beneath a canopy of ebony, marula, and leadwood trees is Maxa, a newly unveiled luxury safari camp set in the heart of remote northeast Botswana. Overlooking the vibrant Maxa lagoon, this exclusive retreat offers a raw connection to the untamed beauty of the Okavango Delta and its wildlife.
Nestled in one of the region’s lesser-known wilderness areas, Maxa provides an intimate and secluded escape, where guests can experience the Delta’s pristine landscapes away from the crowds.
Maxa opened its doors to visitors in March 2025. The camp blends refined luxury with an authentic sense of adventure, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in nature through exploration-driven activities, impeccable hospitality, and a serene atmosphere that defines the essence of a true safari experience.
If you are looking to be completely immersed in the wilderness, this is the trip of a lifetime.
The Okavango Delta and Maxa Lagoon
Recognised as one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems, the Okavango Delta is a breathtaking sanctuary teeming with life. Home to over 450 bird species and an astonishing diversity of wildlife, including Africa’s iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and the cape buffalo), this pristine wilderness is a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and luxury safari lovers.
Spanning approximately 16,000 km², the Okavango Delta is the only inland Delta of its kind. Unlike most river systems that empty into the ocean, the Okavango River, which originates in the Angolan Highlands, flows into the Kalahari Basin, creating an intricate network of lagoons, floodplains, and islands. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Delta is a marvel of nature, where water vanishes through evaporation and transpiration, sustaining an ecosystem of unparalleled beauty and abundance.
Tucked away in the remote northeastern reaches of Botswana’s Delta lies the Maxa Lagoon, a hidden gem at the source of the Selinda Spillway. Enclosed by lush riverine forests and seasonal floodplains, this untouched wilderness offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, where lions, leopards, elephants, and antelopes roam freely in their natural habitat. Due to its secluded location, the Maxa Lagoon remains one of the least-visited and most pristine areas within the Okavango Delta.
Overlooking this tranquil oasis is the aptly named Maxa, an exclusive luxury safari camp that harmonizes sustainability with sophistication. Thoughtfully designed to leave a minimal ecological footprint, Maxa offers guests complete immersion with the untouched wilderness around them.
Raw, Rare, and Refined: The Essence of Maxa Camp
Maxa Camp is a tribute to the golden age of safari, where authenticity, adventure, and understated luxury come together to create an experience that captivates the mind, body, and soul. Designed with a commitment to sustainable tourism, Maxa offers an immersive escape that focuses on exploration, culture, conservation, and exclusivity.
Nestled in the heart of the wilderness, the camp is built using traditional clay walls and open-air spaces, ensuring guests remain deeply connected to nature at all times. Accommodating just twelve guests, Maxa features five elegant stretched canvas tents, including a spacious family tent. Each tent boasts fully equipped en-suite indoor and outdoor bathrooms, plush linens, and refined furnishings, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. The family tent offers two bedrooms with a shared en-suite bathroom, seamlessly blending comfort with an authentic safari feel. Elevated decking provides uninterrupted views of the lagoon, where wildlife gathers in a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Maxa’s interiors celebrate Botswana’s rich artisanal heritage, with handcrafted furniture, woven textures, and locally crafted pottery. Guests can indulge in quiet moments of relaxation, whether reclining on plush cushions in the suspended net hammocks or getting lost in a book from the camp’s intimate library.
One of Maxa’s most cherished features is its wood-fired oven, where guests can watch skilled chefs craft exquisite homemade cuisine. Meals are served in a charming courtyard with picnic-style tables nestled in the soft white sands of the Delta beneath the shade of ancient trees. As night falls, the setting transforms into an enchanting dining experience under a canopy of stars.
The camp also offers a one-of-a-kind pool experience. Unlike conventional pools, Maxa’s natural swimming pool is purified by aquatic plants from the surrounding lagoon, creating a pristine, eco-friendly oasis for a refreshing dip.
At Maxa Camp, every detail is designed to honor the spirit of safari.
Wilderness Experiences at Maxa Camp
The unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta ensures visitors are treated to a wide variety of wilderness experiences. The Maxa ethos embodies exploration and learning, with many activities incorporating cultural education and cultural insights.
Experienced guides ensure each day brings new opportunities to explore, whether tracking seasonal wildlife migrations, spotting vibrant birdlife, or observing hippos in their natural habitat. Thrill-seekers can embark on walking safaris, take a refreshing dip in pristine wild waters, or experience the magic of the bush on exhilarating day and night game drives.
The Delta’s aquatic landscapes also make it perfect for mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions. These silent, gliding canoes allow for a rare and intimate perspective of the wilderness, offering unmatched encounters with wildlife on the water.
Eco-Tourism Supporting Local Communities
For every full board night booked at Maxa, 5 USD is added to the invoice as a discretionary donation to the Chobe Impact, a program by Ker & Downey. The Chobe Impact applies funds to projects that make a positive impact in the key areas of education, community empowerment, research, and conservation.
Travelling to Maxa
Guests arrive at Maxa via a breathtaking helicopter transfer from Shinde Airstrip, soaring over the stunning Okavango Delta. This scenic flight offers a unique aerial perspective of one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.
The peak safari season runs from July to September, when wildlife gathers around water sources, offering exceptional game-viewing opportunities. During these months, the weather is cool and dry, with crisp evenings that are ideal for photography enthusiasts.
From April to June, the Okavango waters rise, transforming the landscape into a lush oasis, while October and November bring warmer temperatures as the waters recede. Each season offers a distinct and unforgettable experience in this remarkable wilderness. The best time to visit therefore depends on personal preferences.
Plan Your Dream Luxury Safari
If you would like to curate your own luxury safari experience, our team of dedicated Africa safari specialists is here to help. Our team conscientiously travel to every destination we offer to ensure our customers receive the very best luxury wildlife experiences with lightning quick service and seamless planning.