&Beyond Xudum, The Okavango Delta

rooms

Nine ‘earthy glamour’ Suites blends effortlessly with the environment. Fully screened and beautifully decorated in canvas and bleached wood to compliment the serene setting, they contain huge soaking tubs, en suite bathrooms and four poster beds. Wallow in your own private pool and enjoy the mesmerising views from the outdoor sala before taking an afternoon nap, serenaded by the sounds of the Delta.

facilities & activities

The camp is perfectly positioned for exhilarating safari outings in the Moremi Game Reserve. It is teeming with abundant wildlife from the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga to lion, cheetah, leopard and even the elusive wild dog. These all share the floodplains with large herds of elephant and buffalo. Hippo inhabits the deeper channels and lagoons, while honeybadgers can be seen in broad daylight.

Guests are able to explore the glistening waterways by mekoro (dugout canoes that are poled by your guide) or traverse the golden grasslands in search of the Big 5 via 4 x 4 safari vehicle.

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 for its highly trained and knowledgeable guides and trackers who are locals from surrounding communities and passionate about sharing their extraordinary wealth of knowledge and culture. Lunch is then served in the luxurious guest area with spectacular Delta views. The afternoon's adventures could include exploring the papayrus lined waterways on a peaceful mokoro or taking another game drive out to spot some of the more nocturnal wildlife. Then it's time for a delectable tea, a splash in the pool or have a rummage in the fully stocked safari shop for treasures of African art and jewellery. You'll just have time for a little relax on the peaceful veranda before a candle lit feast is served under the incredible African skies.

If you'd like to view the Delta from above, theres 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 a horseback safari which allows exceptional game viewing through this corner of wild Africa.

Please do note that due to the camp's extraordinary position many of the activities are highly seasonal. While some parts of the Delta remain permanently flooded, others only have high water levels from May to September depending on levels of rainfall.

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. Mouthwatering, yes, but also for the jaw dropping setting above sweeping views of the natural lagoon and waterways of the Delta. In the evening the roaring fire and open air starry skies provide the perfect romantic backdrop. The open and interactive kitchen encourages guests to engage with the chefs and become involved in the cooking process.

family

Once they've recovered from the excitement of the adventure just travelling to the camp, they'll be delighted with their own private plunge pool and will love the quirky decorative touches such as recycled tractor tyres for swings and innovative decor throughout. Children are given a warm African welcome and there are chefs, butlers and housekeepers to look after 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 under age 3) to all the fun filled activities, the emphasis is all about learning and discovering new experiences while 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 exciting assignment, found 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 Suites are airy and spacious but should parents wish to share a room with younger ones then the lodge is able to provide triple rooms, where an additional bed is available for children aged under 16.

Game drives are available for ages 6 upwards as long as children are prepared to listen to their ranger, this is Big Five territory! They can also explore by mokoro boats from age 12 or head out on a nature walk once they reach 16 years.  Childminders are also available during these activities and during meal times for a small fee should you be seeking some 'time alone' in the Bush!

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. Here you are met by the warm and welcoming staff who will transport you by safari jeep to the boat departure point, and from here it's a gentle ride through the beautiful waterways of the Delta to the private dock of the island. It takes about 40 minutes from the airstrip to the camp and is worth every minute as you enjoy your first vistas of the Delta unfurl.