Xugana Camp
The Okavango Delta
Xugana Camp is ideally positioned overlooking the permanent waters of the Xugana Lagoon, north of Moremi Reserve. The lodge was constructed in 1974 and was the second ever to be built in the Okavango Delta. The lodge retains many of its original features including the huge thatched sitting area, curio shop and cocktail bar which all enjoy stunning views over the lagoon. The food at the lodge is more ‘gourmet bush’ than home-cooked. The warm and generous hospitality, pretty setting and expert guides make Xugana camp a real favourite for the seasoned Botswana-ites who visit it year after year.
The eight secluded and lovely and airy thatch chalets provide superb sleeping accommodation and they have a large private veranda to sit and look across the lagoon with G&T in hand. All of the chalets have huge comfy beds, sumptuous furnishings, large en-suite shower room plus all the little touches you would expect from a world-class hotel including gowns, umbrellas and lovely hand-made soaps.
Mokoro trips in traditional dug-out canoes, boat safaris to the many lagoons and islands, and fantastic wilderness walks are all on offer at Xugana. Boating and walking are two of the best way to see the Delta denizens such as sitatunga and lechwe antelope, crocodile and hippo, and the other big game that frequents the islands and riverine fringes. Bird watching is exceptional here with a myriad of colour and variety including the exquisite malachite kingfishers and majestic fish eagle. For the game fisherman, there is catch-and-release bream and tiger fishing at certain times of the year. Whatever you choose to view in this little piece of heaven, the peaceful boat ride back across Xugana Lagoon during the spectacular African sunset will stay with you forever. The expert guides are brilliant and, as well as being there to keep you from harm, they are ultra-keen to impart their encyclopaedic knowledge and love of this unique area.
Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran