Unwind and reconnect

Located on one of the most spectacular permanent water sites in the northern Okavango Delta, is Xugana Island Lodge, situated in a private concession. The Xugana Lagoon is widely known as a unique, extensive lagoon; offering stunning views consisting of floating water lilies, wildlife and reflections of African skies. Set under a canopy of ebony and mangosteen trees on the shaded fringe of the island, Xugana is a serene spot, where you can easily unwind from our fast, modern pace. Reconnect not only with pure nature, but also with the dedicated staff. From the minute you land at the ‘airport’ (consisting of one gangway and a Welcome-sign) until they wave you off from the jetty, you will feel at home. The guides, bartenders, cooks and management will give you their full attention, smiles over your early morning breakfast, and are always ready to provide help or informative, safari factoids. Whether you glide through the lagoon in a mokoro canoe or enjoy dinner under a star-studded sky overlooking the water, feelings of excitement, relaxation and enchantment will alternate rapidly. The bottom line is mooring off from this lodge is hard - good thing the memories will last.

The lodge accommodates just sixteen guests in eight large raised reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets. The chalets breathe a classic safari vibe (colonial furniture, vintage fixtures, khaki colours), but come with all the modern facilities: en-suite bathroom with double vanity, king size beds draped with mosquito nets, and fans. In the morning, a stunning sunrise starts off your day when you open the sliding doors to your shady deck with gorgeous Okavango Delta views. Natural walkways link the chalets to the communal lodge area. The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under lush green trees and surrounded by palm trees in open sided thatched structures. A spacious, open-air boma and al fresco dining area overlook the pristine expanse of water, and the mature gardens house the plunge pool which is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas.

Activities at Xugana Island Lodge in Okavango Delta

Since Xugana is a water based camp, they do not offer game drives; rather they focus on providing you time to discover this water paradise. Rock gently on the soft waves of the lagoon in a traditional canoe (called a mokoro), while an experienced poler points out colourful songbirds, nesting storks, small reed frogs, crocodiles and hippos taking a plunge. Birding is particularly spectacular during the summer months when the migrant birds come to breed. Hop in the motorised boat to speed things up a notch; watch a Fish Eagle catch his lunch or cast your line and try your luck at catching a tiger fish or bream (except in January and February). For a more pure (and occasionally thrilling) activity, let guides take you to some of the surrounding islands and discover the bush by foot. With every step on the soil, you feel more connected to this environment. Encounter a family of crossing elephants, lions, leopards climbing up trees, wild dogs on a hunt, hyenas, towering giraffes, zebras and even the rare Red Lechwe antelope. Come home to a warming fire, a staff ready to pamper you with traditional Botswana cooking and richly flowing African wines. Serenity is always in hand reach, here at Xugana Island Lodge in the Okavango Delta.

Tripadvisor comments Xugana Island Lodge

After 15 wonderful days exploring South Africa and Zimbabwe, we ended our trip in paradise! Xugana Lodge is beautifully appointed, but even more importantly, the staff is fantastic! Our guides, Allen and Kam, along with Robert, gave us a true feel for the pristine beauty of the delta. The food and service were amazing - special thanks to Julia and Fred!! I will forever cherish the memories made here.

ajls04 from Tucson, Arizona

Xugana was the ideal place for our family of 5 adults to stay in the delta. The staff were genuinely warm and couldn't do enough to accommodate us. Our guide, GB was very experienced and we were able to see the highlights for the area during our two night stay (hippos, crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, birds, etc.). We greatly underestimated how the wonderful staff would shape our experience. They were such interesting people to talk to and it was very pleasant to have them accompany us for meals. They truly went above and beyond when they surprised us with a private dinner on a floating dock in the middle of the lagoon to celebrate my parents' anniversary. Highly recommend a visit to Xugana.

JJO812 from New York City, New York