Xugana Island Lodge

Imagine yourself enjoying dinner on the Xugana Island Lodge barge

Described as ‘the jewel of the Kalahari’, the Okavango Delta – a tranquil and isolated oasis set in the harsh and arid surroundings of Botswana’s bush and desert – is widely regarded as one of Africa’s best safari destinations, with its rich diversity of fauna and flora.

Located in the Okavango Delta Xugana Lagoon is widely recognised as the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta, which itself is Africa’s largest and most awe-inspiring oasis. The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola yet never reaches the sea; instead its immense waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari, where the great thirst of the desert is quenched in a wilderness of freshwater lagoons, channels and islands.

Xugana Island Lodge is situated on a private concession and takes full advantage of this magnificent site. An expansive deck and al fresco dining area overlooks the vast, pristine body of water that makes up the permanent Okavango Delta. The lounge, bar and dining areas are set back under the Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open-sided thatched structures, and the swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax.

Accommodation

The lodge accommodates only sixteen guests in large, raised, reed and thatch lagoon-facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks optimally placed on the shaded fringe of the island.

Xugana Island Lodge, situated on a wooded island abutting the lagoon, takes full advantage of this magnificent site.

The thatched common area, comprising cocktail bar, lounge and curio shop, is still the original building put up in 1974, when Xugana became only the second tourist lodge ever built in the Okavango Delta. The 8 Twin bedded reed chalets are situated either side of the common area. There are various indoor and outdoor dining locations, including a floating deck (weather permitting) to make your stay special and romantic. To make Xugana Island Lodge even quieter there is no Wi-Fi available but if you must keep in contact there is a guest laptop available with basic internet connection in the library. Children six years and older are welcome at the lodge.

Safari activities

Xugana Island Lodge Xugana Island Lodge is in a private concession offering a range of activities giving you the chance to experience a true Okavango Delta safari. All activities are conducted by experienced professional guides.

Game Drives(day & night) Game drives take place in some of Botswana’s best adapted vehicles the Toyota Land Cruiser.Game drives explore the varied ecosystems on the islands within the private concession. Optional night drives are available for guests who wish to explore the concession in search of the prolific nocturnal creatures which call the region home.
Guided Walks Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully. Bush walks on the surrounding islands offer the opportunity to track the larger species that inhabit the water wilderness giving you the chance to experience nature up close and personal. Guided walks are conducted in small groups with two guides.
Motorized Boating Zipping through the Okavango Delta's network of waterways is an invigorating way to get a sense of the scope of this huge wetland. Guided excursions through the deeper channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta in hard-bottom aluminum boats. The peaceful boat ride back across Xugana Lagoon during the spectacular African sunset provides a lifelong memory. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.
Catch-and-Release Fishing This is a great activity during mid-day siesta. Optional fishing excursions to fish for bream and tiger fish (seasonal). All fishing equipment is available at the lodge.
Mokoro Excursions Explore the crystal-clear waterways on a guided mokoro excursions in traditional dug out canoes. Guests experience the shallower channels and floodplains of the Okavango Delta.
Bird Watching Birding is absolutely spectacular, especially during the summer months when the migrant birds come to breed.
Helicopter Flights Scenic helicopter flights over the Okavango Delta are available at an additional charge.

Making a difference

The CARES philosophy (Career & Community, Advanced health care, Responsibility to the enviroment, Equality in the workplace) is the foundation on which Desert & Delta Safaris is built, highlighting our core values in developing human potential and building a sustainable tourism model.

They care about each one of their staff members who all play a fundamental role in creating memorable experiences for their travellers. They care about their health, their well-being and their future potential as individuals. They care about their families and the communities they come from. Finally they care about their citizens and developing the future potential of the people.

Owing to the nature and location the lodge in pristine wilderness environments, they care about our natural heritage. They care about being eco-conscious, driving sustainable and innovative initiatives within their daily operations which protect and limit the impact their business has on the areas in which they work.

As a lodge responsible for crafting memorable, often once in a lifetime experiences, they care about their guests and the experiences they have in Botswana. With over 35 years’ in the safari industry, they know that by caring for their people and the environment – they will ultimately ensure each guests leave having enjoyed an all-encompassing Botswana safari. Furthermore, by practising their CARES Philosophy, guests can be assured that their travel spend with us is being utilised in an accountable and responsible manner.