Okavango Delta
&Beyond Xaranna
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As you arrive by boat, to the welcoming song that echoes over the Delta, everlasting memories are made. The opulent tents that become home, the delectable fare served up morning, noon and night and the myriad of surrounding islands and magical game drives, simply add to these.
With only nine exclusive tents nestled in the style of a water lily on a private island in the midst of this lush, papyrus lined wildlife preserve, this ultra remote oasis offers an exclusive taste of Africa at its most raw, wrapped beautifully in the luxurious comforts of a five star stay.
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Facilities & Activities
The camp is perfectly positioned for exhilarating safari outings and has a private concession for the area. It is teeming with abundant wildlife, including the largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo. Six rhino were recently introduced to the area and have now made it their home. There are lion prides, cheetah, leopard and even the occasional and elusive African wild dog. Spot the families of hippos wallowing in the lagoons nearby or watch the roan and sable antelope in the open woodlands.
Should you wish to follow the camp’s suggested itinerary, your day would start with fragrant tea and warm biscuits, followed by a dawn ride out over the flood plains and grasslands to spot the ‘Big Five’. Return to camp for a delicious breakfast, before taking a guided walk nearby accompanied by your guide. The camp prides itself on the highly trained, expert local guides and trackers who are passionate about sharing their extraordinary wealth of knowledge and love of local culture. Lunch is served in the luxurious guest area with spectacular Delta views. Then it’s time for a delectable tea, a splash in the pool or a rummage in the fully stocked safari shop for local treasures and ethnic jewellery. You’ll just have time for a little relaxation on the peaceful veranda before a candle lit feast is served under the incredible African skies. The afternoon’s adventures might include exploring the crystal clear waterways on a peaceful mokoro or taking another game drive out to spot some of the more nocturnal wildlife.
There’s also the option of a scenic helicopter flight, offering spectacular views of the waterways and floodplains; spot the pools covered with lily pads – the inspiration for the design of the camp. Spend the day fishing or boating, or take the horseback safari (full or half day) which allows exceptional game viewing in this corner of wild Africa. Alternatively enjoy a variety of games in the spacious games area or find your own secluded reading spot.
Please note that due to the camp’s extraordinary position, many of the activities are highly seasonal. Whilst some parts of the Delta remain permanently flooded, others only have high water levels from May to September, depending on levels of rainfall.
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Dining
Whether it’s a cup of hot tea and lightly baked biscuits at dawn, platters of fruit and cheese, eggs or waffles for breakfast, or sumptuous Botswana treats for lunch and dinner, every meal here is to be savoured. Mouth-watering certainly and memorable for the jaw-dropping setting with sweeping views of the natural lagoon and waterways of the Delta. In the evening the roaring fire and starry skies provide the perfect romantic backdrop.
Rooms
There are nine elegant, peaceful and spacious tents. Fully screened and beautifully decorated in canvas and bleached wood to complement the serene environment, they contain huge baths, en suite bathrooms and four poster beds. Wallow in your own private plunge pool and enjoy the mesmerising views from the outdoor space before taking an afternoon nap, serenaded by the sounds of the Delta.
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Family
The journey to get here is an adventure in itself and one children love. The private pool and all the quirky decorative touches such as the frog and crocodile shaped bean bags or the wooden hippo family that greet you on arrival all add to the excitement. Guests of all ages are given a warm African welcome and there are chefs, butlers and housekeepers to look after your every need.
Exclusive and designed especially for children there is WILDchild. From the welcome note and pack containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a paw print tattoo (or cuddly toy for little ones) to all the fun filled activities, the emphasis is all about learning and discovering new experiences whilst exploring the local culture. Expeditions include tracking, fishing, beading or bow and arrow making along with exploring the lodge garden or kitchen. Each day they’ll wake up to a new and exciting assignment, with an invite on their pillows and always carefully tailored to the age and needs of each particular child. They’ll be jotting notes in their log books and teaching you a few things before you’ve finished your morning coffee. Each child also receives an educational and bush-orientated gift, such as a solar torch, magnifying glass or compass. The guides use these as a way of unravelling the mysteries of the bushlands and introducing them to local customs and traditions. An experience they’ll never forget.
The tents are airy and spacious but should parents wish to share a room with younger ones then the lodge is able to provide triple rooms, with an additional bed available for children aged under 12.
Game drives are available for ages 12 upwards and ages 6 to 12 are allowed at the Manager’s discretion. The mokoro boats are suitable for children aged 12-16 years. They’ll love slipping silently through the waterways spotting the wildlife. The nature walks are limited to those over 16 years of age. However, there are childminders available during these activities and at meal times too, for a small fee.
Sustainability
Xaranna is home to a state-of-the-art Tesla solar power plant – the first of its kind in Botswana – which supplies 80% of the energy for the camp. Their Vision 2030 initiative includes achieving net-zero carbon emissions and double the economic opportunities for local communities.
Location
The adventure begins in the light aircraft that picks you up in Maun- a 2 hour journey from Johannesburg, and brings you to the Xudum Airstrip, where you are met by the warm and welcoming staff. From there the safari jeep takes you to the boat and it’s a gentle ride through the beautiful waterways of the Delta to the private dock of the island. It takes about 45 minutes from the airstrip to the camp and is worth every minute as you enjoy your first vistas of the Delta.