XUGANA ISLAND LODGE – OKAVANGO DELTA

Xugana Island Lodge is situated on the Xugana Lagoon within a private concession in the Okavango Delta.

The lodge has just eight large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets with ensuite facilities and private viewing decks optimally placed on the shaded fringe of the island. An expansive deck and al fresco dining area overlooks the vast and pristine body of waters of the Okavango Delta.

Xugana Island Lodge has a comprehensive range of activities including 4 x 4 game drives, night drives, walking safaris, motorised boat and mokoro safaris, fishing and superb birding opportunities.

LOCATION

Xugana Island Lodge is set on the Xugana Lagoon within the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana.

Access is by light aircraft transfer to Xugana Airstrip where you are met and transferred to Xugana Island Lodge by boat which takes approximately 20 minutes.

CAMP

The lodge has just 8 large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets, with ensuite facilities and private viewing decks optimally placed on the shaded fringe of the island.

The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the ebony and African mangosteen tree canopy in open-sided thatched buildings and the lodge offers various indoor and outdoor dining locations including a floating deck (weather permitting).

A campfire is located in the main area with magical views over the lagoon and the lodge has a swimming pool within the established gardens in the centre of the island

Fans, small hairdryers and tea and coffee making facilities are available in all rooms and there are 220V multi adaptor plugs for charging photographic equipment.

The camp has 24-hour electricity supplied by a solar plant backed up by a generator and 220V AC plugs in all the guest rooms. A guest laptop is available with basic internet connection in the library – there is no WIFI available.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. It rises in Angola’s western highlands, then flows through northern Namibia and finally enters Botswana, where it is called the Okavango Delta.

Xugana Island Lodge is in a private concession offering a range of activities giving you the chance to experience a true Okavango Delta safari. Explore the crystal-clear waterways by mokoro or motorboat for the chance to enjoy the magnificent variety of bird, plant and reptile species found in the area.

Your experienced guide will also take you on a guided nature walk on surrounding islands in the concession giving you the chance to experience nature up close. Day and night game drives are also available within the private concession to search for the prolific wildlife found in the area.

Catch and release fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered as an added activity at the lodge (season dependent).

Motorised boat Safaris – excursions through the deeper channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta in hard-bottom aluminium boats. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.

Mokoro Safaris – experience the shallower channels and floodplains of the Okavango Delta on guided mokoro safaris.

Guided Bush walks – on the surrounding islands offer the opportunity to track the larger species that inhabit the water wilderness such as buffalo and elephant.

Game drives – in open 4WD vehicles to explore the varied ecosystems on the islands within the private concession.

Night Drives – are available for those who wish to explore the concession in search of the prolific nocturnal wildlife.

Fishing – optional fishing for bream (seasonal). All fishing equipment is available at the lodge.

Birding – is absolutely spectacular especially during the summer months when the migrant birds come to breed.

Scenic helicopter flights – over the Okavango Delta are available at an additional charge.

GIVING BACK

The CARES philosophy is the foundation on which Desert & Delta Safaris is built, highlighting our core values in developing human potential and building a sustainable tourism model.

Established in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris is one of the most successful safari operators in Botswana. Their philosophy and core values in supporting people and protecting the natural heritage of Botswana is at the forefront of how they run their business.

Through a variety of initiatives, they support local communities, focused on creating career opportunities in the tourism industry.

Desert & Delta Safaris employs approximately 320 staff members within the eight safari lodges and the remote location of properties means access to medical care is a challenge, so they employ a full time company doctor. Run as a family practice, the company doctor conducts regular visits to each of the properties allowing him to get to know the staff individually to understand their specific medical needs as a GP but ensuring that the best medical advice and mentoring is freely available.

The company is eco-conscious, driving sustainable and innovative initiatives within daily operations which protect and limit the impact of business on the areas in which they work.

As members of Botswana Tourism, several of the Desert & Delta Safaris camps and lodges are EcoTourism rated, the highest status recognised by Botswana Tourism for sound sustainable tourism initiatives. This includes the usage of greywater treatment plants, careful waste management protocols as well as the use of sustainable building materials wherever possible.

XUGANA ISLAND LODGE IS CLOSED FOR ONE MONTH DURING THE RAINY SEASON (JANUARY TO MARCH) EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OLDER