Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge is set in a private wilderness concession of 25 000 hectares to the southeast of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve in the centre of one of the most unique regions in the world, the Okavango Delta. Renowned for its lush waterways and abundant wildlife, the Okavango is home to a number of aquatic and land species, including the large African predators.
Covering approximately one third of the Delta, permanent swamp areas are lush and green, with groves of wild date palm, papyrus and water lilies growing around deep lagoons lined with riverine forest. Seasonal swamps, on the other hand, contain a network of small channels cutting their way through papyrus and reed beds to create islands of all shapes and sizes. Xudum is located on the channels and lagoons of the southern, seasonal part of the Delta.
Surrounded by a mosaic of papyrus and reed beds, Xudum lies deep within an exclusive wildlife concession. Nine playfully crafted split-level safari suites feature large bathtubs and romantic al fresco showers. Each suite also has a private plunge pool and a lofty rooftop look-out with magnificent Delta views. An interactive kitchen bustles with activity. Guests indulge in a water and wilderness experience, from mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions to thrilling night game drives and guided daytime walks.
Baines Camp
Set amongst the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta, the intimate Baines' Camp features five luxurious suites set on elevated platforms in the tree line. Wooden decks offer expansive views over the permanent water of the Boro River and a lagoon teeming with life.
The elevated suites feature a luxurious bedroom, with softly draped fabrics adding the romantic touch of a bygone era. The four-poster beds are fully mobile, giving guests the choice of slumber under star laden skies. Avid astronomers will delight in stargazing from the privacy of their own deck.
This exclusive lodge is named after the famed nineteenth century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines. The main area features an oversize deck for outdoor dining and views over the permanent water of the lagoon, as well as a swimming pool with two sala's for refreshing sunbathing.
This area, situated on a private concession neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve, is superb for viewing all animal and bird species. Guests may explore by land and water, often into the night to discover nocturnal species. The permanent water of the camp will reveal a world of floating safaris, atmospherically silent at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursion, or faster in a comfortable shaded motorboat (subject to water levels). A myriad of waterways, feathery beds of papyrus, and animal species, large and small, are waiting to be discovered. Sometimes there is no better way to tune into the bush than on foot, and walking safaris is a speciality at Baines', with skilled, armed guides introducing the area's natural wonders.
Little Vumbura is situated on an island in a private concession in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta.
It is a beautiful six-roomed tented camp shaded by the canopy of an ancient Okavango forest. Each tent is large and roomy and has en-suite facilities. A plunge pool and reading area overlook the floodplains and a star deck leads off the dining area.
Surrounded as it is by water and lying close to large rivers, water-based activities are a focus with mokoros (dug-out canoes) traversing the floodplains under the guidance of experienced boatmen, as well as motor boats on the permanent channels.
Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles allow guests to get close to animals in the savannah areas. Walks (on request) around the islands are an opportunity to enjoy Africa from a different perspective. Game viewing is consistently good all year round with lion, leopard, elephant, sable antelope and buffalo, along with extensive plains game providing an excellent all-round wildlife experience in this remote corner of the Delta.
Little Vumbura is part of a community participation plan bringing the communities that live around the Okavango Delta into the tourism mainstream.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/littlev.html
Kanana is a hidden jewel set on the Xudum River in the southwest Okavango. The area encompasses a necklace of islands dotted with palms, figs, ebony and knobthorn, and is home to a myriad of birds, plants and animals. The nature of the habitat means it is the perfect place to experience the diversity of species found within the Okavango Delta.
It is situated on a private concession that allows guided walks, mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motor boating (water levels permitting). For the avid bird watcher, this is an excellent area for birding with regular sightings of Pel's Fishing Owl.
At Kanana guests are accommodated in eight spacious, twin-bedded 'Meru' style tents, set on raised teak decks, offering breathtaking views across the waterways. Dependent on the annual floods, the level of water transforms this dry camp into a true water experience and in the early months of the year you may actually enjoy the visible spectacle of the water rising around the camp. All tents offer en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, shower and flush toilet. The tents are well spaced affording privacy, whilst still being within comfortable distance from the central dining and lounge area.
Being in a private concession a wide variety of activities is available at Kanana and the focus of activities varies with the rising and falling levels of the Okavango Delta; your professional guide will assist you in planning your days to best explore the area. Game drives are conducted in specially designed vehicles in the morning, afternoon and into the evening for night drives. Alternatively you may explore the crystal clear waterways by mokoro or powerboats, and enjoy the magnificent variety of birds, plant and reptile species found in the area. Of special note is the birding in the area, Kanana hosting a seasonal heronry, where a plethora of storks, egrets and herons come to breed. It teems with activity from August through to the summer months, a true highlight at Kanana which converts all visitors to avid 'twitchers' at first sight. Guided walks are highly recommended in this stunning area as well as fly or spin fishing for tilapia, African pike and sharp-tooth catfish.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/kanana.html
Shinde
Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate camp located on the edge of Shinde lagoon, teeming with animal and birdlife. The main camp’s unique tree house made of a multi-tiered dining/lounge area under canvas, set amongst the shade of ebony and mangosteen, complements the atmosphere of this original safari camp.
Shinde is situated on a private concession that allows guided walks, mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motor-boating. It is an excellent location in the Northern Okavango Delta with permanent water for year round water activities as well as large dry areas for game drive routes, this combination provides the habitat for a wide variety of wildlife found consistently in the area. Included in the wide variety of game found at Shinde, there are regular sightings of the rarely spotted sitatunga antelope, as well as excellent chances of seeing lion, hyena, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck, and occasionally leopard, cheetah, sable antelope and wild dog.
Shinde is a delightful honeymoon option in the Okavango Delta where guests are accommodated in the honeymoon tent and enjoy some special touches including the option of private breakfast, days can be taken at a slightly more relaxed pace than a normal safari routine!
Shinde comprises of eight twin bedded classic safari tents each with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water and flush toilet. Every possible comfort has been catered for – from mosquito proofing, generated electricity, and a private viewing deck through to a handy flashlight! Each tent, strategically positioned, offers splendid views, whether across the Delta’s mysterious waterways or open grasslands.
Accommodation is generally twin share on comfortable three quarter beds, however double accommodation is available on request.
Shinde offers a diverse range of activities, having the ideal location affording both water and land activities throughout the year.
Powerboats or mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Delta.
Game drives are conducted in comfortable, specially designed vehicles together with a personal guide. Guided walks are also available for the more adventurous. For the fly fishing enthusiast, Shinde offers fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tiger fish
http://www.golden-okavango.com/shinde.html
Jao Camp
In the central region of this concession, vast open floodplains provide some of the most stunning scenery Botswana has to offer. Jao Camp lies in the southern side of the plains, an area with beautiful islands fringed with riverine forests.
Jao Camp has nine spacious, beautiful tents, each individually handcrafted. These twin-bedded canvas and thatched rooms are situated beneath a canopy of shady trees and have en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower for the more adventurous. Built on raised decks, each has a private sala for afternoon siestas and offers wonderful views of the surrounding floodplains. In addition to the lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a salon where a wide range of massage therapies are offered.
Mokoros (dug-out canoes), boat trips, fishing, nature walks, day and night game drives and birding are usually on offer all year round. There are two platform hides in the concession. During an unusually high flood season, game drives begin by boating out to a nearby Hunda Island where the vehicles are waiting, and the drive begins from there. Huge herds of red lechwe can be seen, followed by their primary predator - prides of lion. Other game includes elephant, buffalo, leopard, tsessebe, zebra and wildebeest, hippo and crocodile. Many bird species are resident such as Meyer's Parrot, African Harrier Hawk, Black egret, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Hamerkop and Black Crake being some of the avian treasures here.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/jao.html
Camp Okavango, affectionately known as Camp O, is located right in the centre of the Okavango Delta and is surrounded by channel systems and flood plains which form the core water supply to this delicate ecosystem throughout the year. Using Camp O as your base, this intricate water wilderness can be discovered and enjoyed. Exploring the Okavango by mokoro, specially adapted boats or guided walking excursions on the islands surrounding Nxaragha Island will allow every visitor to the region the opportunity to truly experience what the
Okavango Delta is all about. The main lodge building at Camp O, which houses the reading lounge and cocktail bar, opens out onto an expansive outdoor lounge and fire place built under the shady boughs of huge Jackelberry trees. The elevated rooms are located along pathways which meander out to the left and right of the main lodge building. Each room has its own unique view into the lush Okavango forest from its own private deck.
Camp O has its own private airfield which is located a mere five minutes walk from the main lodge area on Nxarahga Island. Alternatively Camp O can be reached by boat transfer from the Moremi Game Reserve or a couple of other select lodges.
Its elegant thatch and reed main lodge building, shaded by giant Mangosteen Trees, features a cocktail bar, lounge and wildlife reference library. The dining room leads onto an expansive open-air patio for evenings around the fireside offering guests a chance to view the stars beneath the crystal clear skies of Botswana. Other facilities include a secluded bird-viewing hide and a sun-kissed deck with plunge pool for relaxing during the hot midday hours.
Camp O accommodates only 24 guests in intimate exclusivity in East African-style safari tents, individually situated on raised teak platforms with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks. For those who demand the ultimate in exclusivity, Camp O boasts the "Okavango Suite", a thatched cottage offering complete privacy - ideal for honeymooners or guests requiring that little bit extra when travelling.
All game-viewing activities are conducted by experienced professional guides and include exploring the Okavango by mokoro in eco-friendly canoes where guests can relish in the serenity of this magnificent site and get a chance to see the small critters of the Delta, such as the tiny painted reed frog amongst others. Alternatively explore the Delta by motorboat and take pleasure in the essence of the surrounding panoramic views of lagoons and windy channels. Guided nature walks on the various islands allow for the opportunity to track some of the larger species that inhabit this water wilderness. Bird-watching opportunities are outstanding as more than 400 species of birds flourish in this wet wonderland, and fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered on a catch and release basis. Please note that children under the age of 16 years may not take part in any walking or mokoro activities.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/campo.html
Xugana Island Lodge
The Xugana Lagoon is widely accepted as being the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. It is in the heart of this inland delta that one will find the remote Island on the edge of the beautiful Xugana Lagoon, assuring a year-round water wilderness experience to all visitors. Xugana Island Lodge is situated in a private area and takes full advantage of this magnificent site.
The views from the front of the lodge or one of the lodge’s eight elevated rooms allow for the immediate realization that one has arrived in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Prepare for the cacophony of bird calls, the distant grunt of hippopotamus and the sweet smell of the well irrigated African bush.
Experiencing the sunset across the Xugana lagoon, as viewed from the front of the lodge or from a boat adrift the lagoon will leave memories which will be etched in your mind forever. Daily activities exploring the serpentine waterways, expansive floodplains and wild island networks by boat, mokoro (dug-out canoe) and on foot keep the visitor to Xugana enthralled and entertained.
An open boma and al fresco dining area overlook the Xugana Lagoon expanse of pristine water that makes up the permanent Delta. The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open sided thatched structures. The swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax.
The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in large, raised, lagoon facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks situated on the shaded fringe of the island.
Exploring the Delta by motorboat or mokoro, combined with walking on surrounding islands in the area, give guests the chance to experience a classic Okavango Delta safari. Bird-watching opportunities are outstanding, and fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered as an activity at the lodge.
Your stay at Xugana Island Lodge is inclusive of accommodation, all meals, all local brand drinks, scheduled safari activities and laundry service. Due to the remote location of Xugana, no children under 12 years are accepted. No children under the age of 16 are allowed to take part in walking or mokoro activities.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/xugana.html
Mombo Camp, on the northern tip of Chief's Island within the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, is built under large shady trees and overlooks an open floodplain more often than not alive with wildlife. This area boasts enormous concentrations of plains game and large predators - lions in particular - providing what is arguably the best big game viewing in Botswana.
Accommodation comprises nine spacious tents raised up to two metres off the ground, with breathtaking views over the plains; the sala, long veranda and lounge area all take advantage of such vistas. Bathrooms are en-suite, with indoor and outdoor showers. The main living and dining area is under thatch, and there is a boma for delicious dinners under the stars as well as a plunge pool to relax in on a hot day.
Large concentrations of plains game occur in front of the camp and guests may view a variety of animals without even leaving the veranda. One often finds animals wandering past, right under the rooms!
Activities at Mombo Camp mainly comprise morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles. These drives explore the savannah and floodplains and are exciting with prolific sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, spotted hyaena, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra and large buffalo herds. Black and white rhino have been reintroduced with outstanding success to the area (albeit most are further away from camp), thanks to the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Programme.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/mombo.html
Chief's Camp is a luxury bush camp situated on Chief's Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. In this predator capital of Africa, wild dog, lion, cheetah and leopard abound, and guests enjoy exceptional opportunities to interact with this amazing environment. Since the introduction of white rhino into the area, this is the only place in Botswana where these magnificent animals can be seen in their natural environment.
Chief's Camp has been so skillfully integrated into the landscape that guests can often view game without even leaving camp. Shaded from the heat of the day by a beautiful grove of jackalberry trees, Chief's Camp is so remote you'll feel like the only humans for miles and miles.
Twelve secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions are designed for ultimate privacy and comfort, and to offer you a front row seat for this rich and rewarding African adventure. Each pavilion features a thatched roof, spacious seating area, en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor shower as well as a private game viewing deck with hammock and deck chairs. Each unit boasts a mosquito net on a four-poster bed, two wardrobes, a book shelf, writing desk and mini bar. The main lodge complex houses the dining area, curio shop, library and reception area. There is an exquisite swimming pool and a range of spa treatments are offered by the beauty therapist in a poolside treatment sala (high season only).
Game viewing opportunities include daily excursions in open-sided 4x4 vehicles and quiet mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions along narrow Delta channels during the flood season (subject to water levels). Expert guides are always on hand to offer a wealth of wildlife knowledge, to help you make the most of these rare and wonderful opportunities.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/chiefs.html
Chitabe Camp is situated in a private concession area on a beautiful island in the south-east of the Okavango Delta. In contrast with the areas further north, this area is a fascinating mosaic of mopane and acacia bushveld, riverine forest and the perennial Delta, playing host to diverse wildlife and birds.
Chitabe's eight spacious Meru-style tents are built on elevated wooden decks amongst the trees. Each tent has twin beds, en-suite facilities and an indoor as well as an outdoor shower. The thatched dining area, bar and lounge area are built on raised decks to provide superb views across the floodplain, and a pool allows guests to cool off in the heat of the day, whilst looking out over the spectacular scenery.
The multiplicity of habitats by which Chitabe is surrounded means there is an abundance of wildlife to be seen, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, tsessebe and impala. Wild dogs are also occasionally sighted. Night drives provide opportunities for guests to see nocturnal mammals such as civet, serval, genet, porcupine and aardwolf.
Activities include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, nature walks and spectacular birdwatching. Chitabe also has two elevated hides located in the reserve, one of which is within walking distance from the camp. Guests can experience a sleep out under the stars in full comfort and safety.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/chitabe.html
Duba Plains
One of the Okavango's most remote camps, Duba Plains is a small, intimate camp on a tree-filled island in a private 30 000-hectare concession known as the Kwedi Reserve.
Accommodation is made up of six roomy tents with an en-suite bathroom, an outside shower, and a veranda overlooking the floodplain. The thatch-roofed lounge, dining room and bar areas are raised on platforms along with a swimming pool, all providing a beautiful view.
Apart from excellent numbers of lion and buffalo, herds of elephant feed on the islands and hippo concentrate in deeper channels. Tsessebe and blue wildebeest dot the plains, while red lechwe are found on the wetter floodplain fringe.
Duba is known for the titanic clashes between buffalo and lion, and so a classic game drive is one that tracks down the truly enormous buffalo herd to see if any lion are also headed in that direction. Aside from this interaction the age-old conflict between lion and spotted hyaena is also a point of interest. Birdlife is abundant and impressive, with many Okavango specials such as Rosy-throated Longclaw, Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane being found in the area.
Duba is also the where the incredible documentary Relentless Enemies was filmed by multi Emmy award winning film makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, and completes their trilogy of films on lions in Botswana; this being the story of the relentless pursuit of buffalo by lion in the Duba area.
A variety of activities here include day and night game drives, often tracking the buffalo herd around the concession, and leisurely nature walks. Mokoro (dug-out canoe) trips are also possible in times of good floods - usually only between May and September.
Kwara is situated on the edge of the permanent waters of the world renowned Okavango Delta in Botswana, and shares a common boundary with Moremi Game Reserve. Due to the specific location of the camp, Kwara is able to offer, power boating, mokoro (dug out canoe) trips, walks and game drives – all year round. In addition Kwara is in a large private concession enabling the game drives to operate both off road and at night.
The ability to operate off road and at night is critical in order to see the up to 30% of interesting mammal species that are mainly active at night. These include leopard, lion, wild dog, hyena and smaller predators. The presence of permanent water ensures year round game viewing. The permanent water ensures that mokoro trips can take place in shallow water throughout the year. Kwara is one of the few camps able to make this claim.
The teak furniture created by Zimbabwean master craftsmen is elegant, comfortable and simple. Most of the tents are raised on teak decks to afford views over the surrounding plains and lagoon with the resident hippos. Kwara has a small splash pool and a gift shop. The camp consists of 8 luxury tents accommodating 16 guests. There is one honeymoon suite. The camp setting, in a tall treed island, on the edge of the Okavango Delta completes the picture of this special camp.
The spectacular scenery with scattered herds of plains game and the ever-attendant predators helps to enhance your safari. Due to the labyrinth of waterways, islands, seasonal flood plains and bush, Kwara is always interesting and varied. Taking a morning mekoro trip, moving silently through the flood plains is a memorable experience and the highlight for many. The trip is broken by an island visit where guests rest in the shade of the large trees while surveying the surrounding delta waters and lagoons. After the refreshment break our trained and armed polers take you on a guided walk on the island before your relaxing return to camp by mokoro.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/kwara.htmlSafaris follow ethical guiding practices, and we can reaveal to the visitor aspects of Botswana's flora and fauna, as well as the wide-ranging and unique geology of this peaceful, economically stable and friendly country.
