Striking African tranquillity

The Okavango Delta is a maze of a thousand waterways and lagoons. Beautiful gems like Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge are secluded in all this nature splendour. Located in the south-western region of the Okavango Delta, in a 25,000 hectare exclusive wildlife concession on the edge of the permanent Delta, is this earthy lodge: rustic with a comfortable, cheerful core. Nestled along the banks of a lagoon and guarded by a family of hippos, Xudum is surrounded by a mosaic of papyrus and reed beds offering panoramic delta views. The perfect spot for a true Delta safari; venture out on the waterways by canoe or motorised boat and discover the ‘river that never finds the sea’, as they also call this Delta area. Back in the lodge, a happy and extremely friendly staff, under the management of Skipper, is waiting to pamper you with homemade bread, fresh coffee, warming water bottles, safari tales, factoids, sundowners and genuine hospitality.

Once you enter the lodge area by walking under the tree arch, an atmosphere of rustic glamour and` relaxation greets you. The nine split-level safari suites boast rich tones of chocolate and ebony and all timberwork is rough-hewn and chunky, exuding a classic, safari feel. The suite comes with some true luxuries, such as a large bathtubs (a hot bath is great to unwind after a exhilarating safari day), outdoor showers to wake up with fresh African air, private plunge pools and a lofty rooftop sleep-out area offering distant Okavango Delta views, turning Xudum into a romantic Delta dream. The well-designed, layered guest areas feel like a large tree house and are discreetly tucked in the tree line with great views of the surrounding wilderness. In the main areas you can relax in the middle of African patterns, colors and furnishings. Many of the materials here are creatively recycled, adding to the eco-friendly character of the lodge. Through the interactive, open kitchen you can chat with chef Mavis, while sumptuous meals and snacks are prepared. Plump sofas and intimate nooks are great spots to reminisce about the day, before dinner in the dining room with magnificent, sweeping views starts.

Activities at &Beyond Xudum Okavango Lodge

The beauty of the lodge makes you want to stay there all day and just chat with the staff; but the safari activities are not to miss and will provide a lifetime of memories. The staff and knowledgeable guides organise two daily game drives in the morning and afternoon. All the guides at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge are professionally trained and will ask you about your wildlife preferences. Game drives in the afternoon are the best time to spot animals in action, especially lions, who often hunt in the early evening. Bush walks (guide dependent) are a great way to get some exercise – since tempting food is all around – and reveal little secrets of the bush. To come across hippos, colourful frogs, crocodiles and bathing elephants, guides will take you out by motor boat or mokoro excursions (water level dependent). And let’s not forget about the other, smaller inhabitants of this area: bird watching is excellent and fishing is also offered. If you want to get a true bird’s eye view of the Delta, there is the option of taking a helicopter flight (additional costs), and soar above a vast maze of both permanent and fleeting waterways. Whenever you return from exhilarating activities, delicious food awaits, plus an inviting lounge chair or your own comfy bed. Glamour has a wild side at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge.

Tripadvisor comments &Beyond Xudum Okavango Lodge

They wake you up in the morning by bringing coffee or tea to your room and gently knocking. What a thrill this trip turned out to be. Lovely accommodations and outstanding food! They walk you to your very large room with a plunge pool at night so you are not alone. Truly delightful and we always felt well-cared for on this adventure.

juliebenar from Naperville, Illinois

Xudum Lodge is a very special place. The rooms are lovely, staff is so nice and accommodating, the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking,the safari guides are great, and the animal viewing is amazing! I would love to return.

sandra h from Toronto, Canada