It’s hard to do justice to Botswana’s Okavango Delta using mere words. It is, quite simply, the most remarkable wilderness destination in Africa. The Serengeti may come close; the Kruger bushveld a tightly run third, but at the top of my list of African safari destinations is the Okavango. No surprise that it was recently inducted into the list of World Heritage Sites, a move that was long overdue.
And in this landscape of wondrous sights the most remarkable place to stay is Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp; my favourite of the four Okavango lodges run on private concessions by safari operator &Beyond.
Set on a permanent channel of the Okavango Delta this is a camp that’s classic, but playful. Jackalberry trees and canvas roofs shelter the nine safari suites decorated in a chic modern style that’s a far-fry from the clichéd ‘Big Five’ theme so common to safari lodges. What’s more, each suite enjoys its own private plunge pool and outdoor daybed, so you’ll be sorely tempted to spend the entire stay in your suite.
But don’t. The lodge offers a range of adventurous activities, from daily game drives on the newly established rhino conservancy, to mokoro trip exploring the crystal clear channels. Come sunset, hop on board the shallow-draught speedboat for a cruise through the channels: you’ll have a chance to spot game, identify birds, cast a line and – if you speak nicely to the skipper – take a dip in a croc-free corner of the Delta. At the end of it all, toast the day with an ice-cold G&T or bottle of bubbly… the lodge is all-inclusive after all.
Luxury suites and adventurous days aside, it’s the staff at Xaranna that you’ll remember long after you’ve left. From the friendly local guides to the helpful managers and talented chefs, you’ll feel like a long-lost friend from the moment you step ashore. &Beyond has long been hailed as one of the top safari operators in Africa, and after a few days at Xaranna it’s easy to see why.
Expert Review
It’s hard to do justice to Botswana’s Okavango Delta using mere words. It is, quite simply, the most remarkable wilderness...
It’s hard to do justice to Botswana’s Okavango Delta using mere words. It is, quite simply, the most remarkable wilderness destination in Africa. The Serengeti may come close; the Kruger bushveld a tightly run third, but at the top of my list of African safari destinations is the Okavango. No surprise that it was recently inducted into the list of World Heritage Sites, a move that was long overdue.
And in this landscape of wondrous sights the most remarkable place to stay is Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp; my favourite of the four Okavango lodges run on private concessions by safari operator &Beyond.
Set on a permanent channel of the Okavango Delta this is a camp that’s classic, but playful. Jackalberry trees and canvas roofs shelter the nine safari suites decorated in a chic modern style that’s a far-fry from the clichéd ‘Big Five’ theme so common to safari lodges. What’s more, each suite enjoys its own private plunge pool and outdoor daybed, so you’ll be sorely tempted to spend the entire stay in your suite.
But don’t. The lodge offers a range of adventurous activities, from daily game drives on the newly established rhino conservancy, to mokoro trip exploring the crystal clear channels. Come sunset, hop on board the shallow-draught speedboat for a cruise through the channels: you’ll have a chance to spot game, identify birds, cast a line and – if you speak nicely to the skipper – take a dip in a croc-free corner of the Delta. At the end of it all, toast the day with an ice-cold G&T or bottle of bubbly… the lodge is all-inclusive after all.
Luxury suites and adventurous days aside, it’s the staff at Xaranna that you’ll remember long after you’ve left. From the friendly local guides to the helpful managers and talented chefs, you’ll feel like a long-lost friend from the moment you step ashore. &Beyond has long been hailed as one of the top safari operators in Africa, and after a few days at Xaranna it’s easy to see why.