Private Concession overlooking the beautiful Xugana Lagoon

Xugana Island Lodge

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Xugana Island Lodge

Discover the Okavango Delta in Botswana

Xugana Island Lodge is an intimate water-based safari retreat overlooking the magnificent Xugana Lagoon in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Set beneath a canopy of trees on a secluded island, the lodge enjoys access to permanent channels, lily-covered lagoons, and papyrus-lined waterways. Furthermore, its permanent-water setting allows guests to experience the aquatic landscapes of the Delta throughout the year.

Originally established in 1974, Xugana is one of the Okavango Delta’s long-standing safari camps. Following a complete rebuild, the lodge has entered a new chapter while retaining the relaxed island atmosphere that has defined it for decades. Meanwhile, its peaceful location makes it particularly appealing to travellers wanting to slow down and experience the quieter rhythm of the Delta.

Accommodation at Xugana Island Lodge

The newly redesigned Xugana Island Lodge accommodates 22 guests in spacious safari suites positioned beneath the island’s trees. The suites enjoy varying views across open water, reed-lined channels, and the surrounding Delta vegetation, while interleading accommodation is available for families or friends travelling together.

Accommodation features include:

Spacious luxury safari suites
Interleading family accommodation
En-suite bathrooms
Indoor and outdoor showers
Ceiling fans
Private viewing decks
Lagoon and waterway views
Contemporary Delta-inspired interiors

Furthermore, the lodge’s refreshed design draws inspiration from the lesser striped swallows associated with the camp. Deep blues, warm oranges, and crisp natural tones reflect the birds’ distinctive colouring, while curved architectural details echo the shape of their nests. As a result, the accommodation feels contemporary while remaining strongly connected to its Okavango setting.

Main Lodge and Relaxation Areas

Xugana’s communal spaces overlook the lagoon and are designed around the peaceful atmosphere of the water. Shaded dining and lounge areas create comfortable places to relax between activities, while the swimming pool provides beautiful views across the surrounding waterways.

Facilities include:

Swimming pool overlooking the lagoon
Lounge and bar
Dining areas
Over-water firepit
Viewing decks
Curio shop
In-room Wi-Fi
Outdoor relaxation areas

As a result, guests can spend quiet afternoons watching mokoros move across the lagoon or gather around the over-water firepit as evening settles over the Delta. Meanwhile, family-style dining encourages guests, guides, and the camp team to share stories and experiences from the day.

Why Stay at Xugana Island Lodge?

Spectacular permanent-water location
Year-round water activities
Peaceful island atmosphere
Mokoro and motorboat excursions
Excellent guided walking safaris
Seasonal fishing
Outstanding birdwatching
Ideal complement to a land-based safari camp

Ultimately, Xugana Island Lodge offers a very different safari experience from Botswana’s vehicle-focused camps. Its permanent waterways, island landscapes, and slower pace make it an excellent choice for travellers wanting to experience the Okavango Delta from the water and on foot.

Safari Experiences

Mokoro Excursions

Traditional mokoro excursions provide a wonderfully peaceful way to explore the Okavango Delta. Guests glide quietly through narrow channels and lily-covered waterways while observing frogs, dragonflies, aquatic plants, and colourful birdlife.

Furthermore, Xugana’s permanent-water location means mokoro experiences are not solely dependent on the annual flood. Consequently, guests can enjoy this classic Delta activity throughout the year.

Boating Safaris

Motorboat excursions explore the deeper channels and lagoons surrounding Xugana Island. Travelling by boat allows guests to cover greater distances while discovering remote waterways and neighbouring islands.

Meanwhile, hippos, crocodiles, red lechwe, and elephants may be encountered along the waterways. As a result, boating provides an exciting contrast to the gentle pace of a traditional mokoro excursion.

Guided Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris take place on the larger islands surrounding Xugana Lagoon. Accompanied by qualified guides, guests explore the wilderness on foot while learning about animal tracks, vegetation, birds, and the ecology of the Delta.

Furthermore, elephant, buffalo, and other wildlife may be encountered on the islands. Consequently, walking safaris provide an immersive land-based experience despite Xugana’s strong water focus.

Fishing

Seasonal catch-and-release fishing offers a relaxed way to enjoy Xugana’s waterways. Guests can try their hand at catching bream and tiger fish while spending time on the lagoon and surrounding channels.

Additionally, fishing excursions provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Therefore, they are a rewarding addition to the lodge’s water-based safari experiences.

Birdwatching

Xugana’s permanent waterways, reedbeds, islands, and woodland support outstanding birdlife throughout the year. African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, jacanas, and numerous wetland species may be encountered around the lagoon.

Furthermore, the quiet pace of mokoro and boating excursions allows guests to approach birdlife without the noise of a safari vehicle. As a result, Xugana is particularly rewarding for dedicated birdwatchers and wildlife photographers

Wildlife of the Xugana Lagoon

Although Xugana is primarily a water-based camp, the surrounding islands and waterways support a varied range of Delta wildlife. Elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, hippo, and crocodile may be encountered, while the elusive sitatunga is associated with the reed-lined wetland habitat.

Predators are also present in the wider area, with lion and leopard among the species recorded around the islands. Therefore, wildlife encounters remain an exciting part of the Xugana experience even without traditional vehicle-based game drives.

Best Time to Visit Xugana Island Lodge

Dry Season and Flood Season (May to October)

Beautiful permanent waterways
Mokoro excursions
Boating safaris
Excellent guided walking
Comfortable daytime temperatures
Outstanding photography

Green Season (November to April)

Lush Delta landscapes
Excellent birdwatching
Dramatic skies
Vibrant vegetation
Fewer visitors
Beautiful photographic conditions

Xugana Island Lodge offers rewarding water-based safari experiences throughout the year because of its permanent-water location. However, May to October is particularly appealing for travellers wanting cooler conditions and classic Okavango flood scenery, while the Green Season brings lush landscapes, exceptional birdlife, and dramatic skies.

Explore More Botswana Safari Experiences

Many travellers combine Xugana Island Lodge with:

Experience Xugana Island Lodge Botswana

Whether gliding silently through lily-covered channels in a traditional mokoro, exploring the Delta by motorboat, tracking wildlife on foot across neighbouring islands, or simply watching the Xugana Lagoon from the lodge, Xugana offers a wonderfully peaceful Okavango safari experience.

Ultimately, for travellers seeking permanent waterways, exceptional birdlife, immersive walking safaris, and a slower connection with the Okavango Delta, Xugana Island Lodge is an outstanding addition to a Botswana safari.

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