Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Island Lodge sits on the fringe of an island overlooking Xugana Lagoon which is widely recognised as being one of the most spectacular permanent water sites in the Okavango Delta. The lodge is remote and private, with a full capacity of just 16 guests. Enjoy placing yourself within the heart of the delta and enjoy the beautiful landscape whilst sharing your environment with the wildlife. Game drives, mokoro excursions and walking tours are offered so guests can have the chance to see the Delta wildlife, including antelope, crocodile and hippo, as well as other big game that frequent the area. Xugana Island Lodge has pride of place in one of the seven wonders of Africa: the Okavango Delta. The delta was granted a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, it is a maze of glassy lagoons, crystal clear waterways, grasslands and palm-strewn islands. Xugana Island Lodge initially was only the second ever tourist lodge built in the delta, giving the staff who work there a deep understanding of the natural surroundings and wildlife.
Xugana Island Lodge, Botswana
Xugana Island Lodge is situated in the private Shinde concession, this lies in the north of the Okavango Delta. Being in an area of permanent water allows the lodge to focus on water excursions, although game drives are available too. There is a wild variety of plant-life in this area, including reeds, papyrus and swamp grass. In this concession giraffe, tsessebe and impala are common as well as lion, leopard and hyena stalking around. Like most areas in the Okavango Delta this concession and the surrounding area is full of tranquil lagoons, winding waterways and remote islands waiting to be explored.
- Set in the private Shinde concession
- Located overlooking the Xugana lagoon, a spectacular permanent water site
- Remote and private, with a sense of exclusivity
- Refreshing swimming pool and warming fire pit
- Al fresco dining with a view
- Dinner on a floating deck can be arranged
- Comfortable, authentic safari chalets
- Private decks overlooking the lagoon
- Can explore the islands by day or by night on game drives
Xugana Island Lodge has eight authentic chalets, with either twin beds or a large double placed in the centre of the room overlooking the chalets private decking and the glassy lagoon. Neutral tones make guests feel even more at one with nature and the beds are romantically draped with mosquito netting. Each chalet has its own ensuite with a walk in indoor shower. The private decking comes with a pair of canvas safari chairs so guests can relax after an afternoons excursions watching the spectacular golden sunset over the lagoon.
The dining area and bar is in the main camp area, guests can eat communally at an open air dining table set on the decking with an outstanding view over the lagoon, or inside in a chalet with comfortable decor and an authentic feel. The bar is situated inside, guests can order one of the camp’s delicious cocktails for a pre or post dinner toast. Dinner can also be arranged on guests own private decking, or for a truly once in a lifetime experience guests can enjoy dinner al fresco, on a floating deck on the lagoon.
Motorised boat safaris are available from the lodge, these can allow guests to explore some deeper channels and lagoons of the delta, whilst keeping an eye out for hippos or Nile crocodiles. For a more laid back water excursion, traditional mokoro trips are available. Glide through the meandering waterways looking out for colourful dragonflies or small reed frogs. Fishing for bream is available seasonally, with fishing equipment available at the lodge.
Game drives are available for guests to explore the islands and look out for wild dog, leopard, giraffe and lion in their natural environment. Night drives are also available, allowing guests to see some of the nocturnal animals of the delta.
Helicopter flights are one of the best ways to get uninterrupted views of the delta, a birds-eye view of the area is a truly once in a lifetime experience
What better way to get closer to nature than to explore on foot. With a trained guide, follow the trails of the animals and view them at eye-level for a truly unique experience. The bird-watching opportunities are amazing in this area, look out for the slaty egret or African fish eagle.
Desert & Delta Safaris and their lodges are all built on the CARES philosophy, which highlights their core values in building a sustainable tourism model and developing human potential.
Leaders For The Future is an initiate that Desert & Delta Safaris supports. This helps develop Botswana as a leading eco tourism destination. Bursaries are offered for tourism education, when students have finished their studies through this program they are “guaranteed work placements and career opportunities within the local travel industry.” They also have a Youth Trainee Development Program which creates opportunities in the workplace for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Desert & Delta create career opportunities within their camps for members of the local communities, these are not just jobs as “staff members within our camps can expand their knowledge, forging a career within the Botswana travel industry.”
Due to the remote location of their lodges, Desert & Delta Safaris employ a full time company doctor who visits the properties, “ensuring that the best medical advice and mentoring for all our staff is freely available.” Medical and psychological support are available and all this is funded by Desert & Delta Safaris.
Further funding and raising awareness for the Botswana Rhino Relocation and Reintroduction Program is one of Desert & Delta Safaris main endeavours. With a commitment to sustainable tourism development Chobe Game Lodge has introduced the first electric powdered, emission free safari vehicles and boats. This not only offers a quieter safari experience, it also lowers carbon emissions and usage of fuel. Solar power and grey water treatment plants are also in use at various Desert & Delta Safari lodges granting them recognition from Botswana Tourism for their sustainable tourism initiatives.
Desert & Delta Safaris have their own Citizen Development Program, which educates and mentors Botswana citizens “to help them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to attain employment as camp managers.” Due to the success of this program, since 2014 Botswana citizens have exclusively managed all Desert & Delta Safari camps. Desert & Delta Safaris is also committed to empowering women in the workplace by addressing the existing gender divide within the travel sector. Subsequently, Africa’s first all-female safari guiding team currently reside at Chobe Game Lodge, another Desert & Delta Safari camp.
Desert & Delta Safaris understand the challenges, both culturally and spiritually, that their staff face from working in a remote location. To help create health and happiness there is a staff wellness team exclusively coordinate visits from a spiritual leader and the company Pastor. Desert & Delta Safaris believe “this support structure ensures a healthy, happy and welcoming soul.”
Drinking water is supplied to guests from the reverse osmosis water treatment plant, and the soaps and shower gels used in the chalets are biodegradable
Xugana Island Lodge accepts children from six years and older
