Camp Xaxanaka | Okavango Delta One Of Botswana’s Best Safari Lodges

Even before we arrive at Camp Xaxanaka, we know we are somewhere special. The short drive from the airstrip sees us weaving behind termite mounds (that look a lot like the elephant we are so keen to see), and sentinel-like dead trees. Animal paths intersect our jeep track, and we spot our accommodation – one of Botswana’s best safari lodges – beneath tall trees. Stepping out onto the main deck, we feel almost weightless. The deck is on stilts, so we are walking on water. The broad, calm ribbon of the Khwai River stretches away to either side, and we learn that the larger body of water we can see is Xaxanaka Lagoon. I’m mentally calculating the value of Xaxanaka as a triple-score word in Scrabble when, with a tremendous rustling, the reeds on the far bank part to permit the balloon-like girth of a hippo to pass, and slide with surprising grace into the water. A gentle breeze ruffles the surface of the water, and the bejewelled flight of a kingfisher draws my eye back towards the lagoon.

Our room is tent-like enough to delight my inner child, yet sophisticated enough to soothe the slightly cynical adult I’ve become. The mesh panels permit the breeze to enter, and I love how they can be unzipped and rolled up until there is almost nothing between us and the bush. This is exactly what a safari tent should look like. The decor is comfortable without being ostentatious and ideally suited to modern-day explorers. The en-suite bathroom is tastefully discrete, and my body thrills to the cooling mist produced by the water sprinkling system. Our double bed is orientated so that we only have to lift our heads to take in the views of the river – it’s quite possible we’ll see our first animals each day from between the sheets. My partner has already discovered our private deck, and begins a running commentary on the passing wildlife. This is exactly how a wildlife documentary should be – reality without the television. I sit at the small writing desk, and begin my first safari journal entry. I resort to calling our new home ‘Camp X’ – the place where we’ll create a treasure-trove of memories.

We learn that unlike many Okavango Delta lodges, Camp Xaxanaka has permanent water flowing past it year-round; the level rises and falls with the annual delta inundation, but the fact that the river is reliable means that the game viewing and birding is exceptional. As one of the first of Botswana’s best safari lodges to be built within Moremi Game Reserve, Camp Xaxanaka is the subject of many tales, some of which we hear around the fire. Having been here for so many years, the camp has an organic feel to it – it’s almost as if it grew on this site, rather than being built. We both comment on the family vibe created by the staff, who welcome us as though into their own home.  

• A luxury tented camp nestled beneath tall trees, Camp Xaxanaka extends out over the Khwai River, appearing almost to float. Twelve Meru-style tented suites offer riverine and lagoon views, while the main area features a fire deck, plunge pool and sala with day bed, and a larger pool.  
• Year-round access to both wet and dry habitats, six or eight guests per activity, flexible schedules, private dining available and private activities available (additional cost).
• Game drives and powered boating excursions.
• Children over six are welcome. Families with children aged 6–11 are required to book private activities. No family tent, but a third (camper) bed for a child can be placed in the parent’s room.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.