29 November 2024 · Luxury lodges

Botswana Luxury Lodges - Desert & Delta

Botswana Luxury Lodges - Desert & Delta

A Safari Portfolio of Luxury Lodges

Luxury on safari can be as simple as a camp in a spectacular location, but it can be a lot more than that.

Botswana Is A Top Luxury Safari Destination

Botswana is one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth. Its vast, flat landscapes are home to a sensational diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, including the world’s largest population of wild elephants.

From the lush Okavango Delta and the historical Tsodilo Hills to the iconic Chobe National Park and the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans and Kalahari Desert, Botswana offers unparalleled safari experiences.

For a taster, our 3 Day Chobe Fly-in Safari is a capsule experience in one of the most renowned game reserves.

The Kalahari, whose name comes from the Tswana word kgalagadi, meaning ‘the great thirst’ or ‘a waterless place’, may be an arid desert, but its ephemeral rivers and pans can transform into lush, vibrant habitats almost in an instant after the rains.

It is a land of friendly – but hardy – people and astonishing beauty, which have combined to make it a highly sought-after destination with an almost bewildering array of camps and lodges, from rustic to luxury.

That’s where we step in. When it comes to your safari, we understand the importance of choosing the right operator and the right lodges, at the right price; of feeling confident you are in the right hands.

Client Brenda Howarth, from the US, trusted us with her travel plans:

‘My daughter and I just returned from South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe … Our dream trip exceeded our already high expectations. The accommodations were extraordinary … the safaris were incredible, and the thoughtful touches throughout our journey made us feel not only welcomed, but loved. This trip was planned perfectly according to what we wanted to see and do.’

What Makes A Safari Special

Every safari is special in its own way, but certain elements elevate the experience:

Exceptional cuisine – Fresh, flavorful and accommodating dietary preferences, whether it’s a bush breakfast or sundowners on a game drive.

Stunning locations and amenities – Choose lodges with spectacular views, well-appointed rooms and immersive natural settings.

Reliable game drive vehicles – Clean, well-maintained vehicles with thoughtful features like storage for cameras.

Expert guides – Knowledgeable and passionate guides are essential for memorable wildlife encounters.

At Safari.com, we specialize in understanding your preferences and crafting a safari itinerary that meets your exact needs.

Luxury In The Bush: Desert & Delta Safaris

Desert & Delta Safaris is one of Botswana’s original safari lodge operators, established in 1982. It has beautiful properties in all the places that make Botswana an unforgettable destination, among them some of its most historic and famed lodges.

The Desert & Delta Portfolio:

· Camp Moremi is in the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, with its incredible wetlands and outstanding bird life; it has 12 modern thatched tents and a bar masterfully built around a large ebony tree.

· Camp Okavango has 11 guest suites, among them a family suite, all on individual raised wooden platforms beneath the thick Okavango Delta vegetation; it is on the remote Nxaragha Island in the permanent Delta, which means year-round water wildlife and activities.

· Camp Xakanaxa, pronounced Ka-ka-na-ka, is one of the few camps in Botswana that still offers the essence of a classic tented camp – it has 11 spacious all-canvas, classic Meru-style luxury safari tents and one two-bedroom family tent.

· Chobe Game Lodge, the only permanent game lodge on the banks of the Chobe River, has full eco-grading from the Botswana Tourism Board; it has 44 rooms and four private river-view suites, each with its own plunge pool and separate lounge area.

· Chobe Savanna Lodge (accessible only by boat) is a water-based lodge with a host of water-based activities, such as catch-and-release fishing for bream and tiger fish; it can accommodate 26 guests in thatched chalets, each of which has air-conditioning.

· Leroo La Tau, which means ‘lion’s paw’, is on the banks of the Boteti River, a critical link in the remarkable annual zebra migration; its 12 thatched and glass-fronted suites are built on 10m high cliffs overlooking the river.

· Nxamaseri Island Lodge, with its eight secluded chalets, is inspired by the local culture; it is near the mystical and spiritual Tsodilo Hills, which are sacred to the San people of Northern Botswana and have more than 4,000 ancient San paintings.

· Savute Safari Lodge overlooks the Savute Channel, known as ‘the river that flows in both directions’ because of its unpredictable flowing and receding; its chalets have private decks, a combined bedroom and lounge area and en suite facilities.

· Xugana Island Lodge accommodates only 22 guests in large, raised, lagoon-facing luxury tents with private viewing decks, who can take guided nature walks on surrounding islands in the private concession.

They are linked by seamless light aircraft transfers through Safari Air.

Each offers the personalised service and warm hospitality that Desert & Delta Safaris is renowned for. You can experience it for yourself on our 11 Day Botswana Luxury Safari.

Rohit Lalwani, a client from Great Britain, says:

‘I had an exceptional experience working with Shann as my travel advisor for planning my upcoming trip to Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. She was incredibly attentive and accommodating, seamlessly tailoring the trip to fit our budget and preferences.’

What Sets Desert & Delta Apart

Luxury is woven into every detail of Desert & Delta’s lodges:

Eco-friendly amenities – Solar power, electric game vehicles, and solar-powered boats make for a sustainable yet indulgent experience.

Comfortable game drives – Guests enjoy tiered seating, ponchos for rain, blankets for chilly mornings, and extended or customized drive times.

Immersive design – Raised walkways, modern interiors, and nature-centric architecture enhance your connection with the wilderness.

This is the kind of understated luxury Desert & Delta excels in.

Sergio Tavares, a traveler from the US, is pleased with our plans:

‘Amazing site, the people are so nice, knowledgeable and helpful. Greatly recommend safari.com for anyone heading to southern Africa.’

Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence

Feeling overwhelmed by the countless safari options? Trust Safari.com to simplify the journey and guide you with care and expertise every step of the way.

Whether you’re drawn to our expertly curated itineraries or envision a bespoke adventure, our seasoned travel advisors are here to craft a safari tailored to your preferences, budget, and travel goals. Rest assured, we’ll be there for you before, during, and even after your safari, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Take the first step by emailing helpmeplan@safari.com, clicking on the WhatsApp button at the top of the page to start chatting now, or calling us toll-free at 1-888-SAFARIS (available in the U.S. and Canada).

Let us help you navigate the choices and plan the safari of a lifetime with ease, trust, and unwavering support.

Written by Lorraine Kearney

Plan your trip

Itineraries and lodges from this article.

A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours. The same rates as booking direct, with one named specialist looking after every detail.

…and lodges

Camp Moremi

From $1,290 pps · per night

Camp Moremi

Camp Moremi brings true meaning to the word safari in the Xakanaxa area of the Moremi Game Reserve. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, both in the morning and late afternoons, offer frequent sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah as well as wild dog. Guest can explore the Xakanaxa Lagoon and surrounding Okavango channels by motorboat.

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Camp Okavango

From $1,290 pps · per night

Camp Okavango

Camp Okavango, a unique and exclusive African safari camp is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island. This hidden treasure, in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta, assures its guests of an unparalleled year-round water wilderness experience.

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Chobe Game Lodge

From $1,290 pps · per night

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent lodge to be found within the world-renowned Chobe National Park in Botswana. The lodge is situated in the northeastern corner of the park on the banks of the famous Chobe River that teems with wildlife. This incredible location enables guests to experience an amazing wildlife experience from the comfort of the lodge and to observe elephants silhouetted by the sunset whilst sipping on sundowners.

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Savute Safari Lodge

From $1,290 pps · per night

Savute Safari Lodge

Situated in the western corner of the world-renowned Chobe National Park; the Savuti region is one of Botswana's most exceptional safari destinations, offering unrivaled game viewing and up-close encounters with numerous predators inhabiting the reserve. Savute Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge situated on the banks of the Savute River channel in Chobe National Park, Botswana.

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Camp Xakanaxa

From $1,290 pps · per night

Camp Xakanaxa

Pronounced as Camp Ka-ka-na-ka, this authentic safari camp is positioned on the banks of the Khwai River in the prime game viewing reserve of Moremi. With year-round land and water activities, Camp Xakanaxa offers a well-rounded classic safari experience in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

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Leroo La Tau

From $1,290 pps · per night

Leroo La Tau

Leroo La Tau is a luxurious lodge nestled on the western bank of the Boteti River which derives flow from the world-renowned Okavango Delta. The eastern bank of the Boteti River forms the boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park - one of the largest salt flats in the world. The lodge's river setting affords guests an incredible safari experience with an abundance of wildlife frequently visiting the river for a drink.

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Nxamaseri Island Lodge

From $1,290 pps · per night

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a unique African experience on a private island in the permanent waters of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. A small, exclusive lodge, it is one of the oldest in the Okavango Delta.

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Xugana Island Lodge

From $1,290 pps · per night

Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Island Lodge is situated on a private concession within the world-renowned Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta braids across 15 000 km² of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, providing an oasis to an abundance of wildlife. In the permanent delta, the myriad of sparkling waterways coil amongst the reed and papyrus beds and open unexpectedly onto tranquil lagoons that are fringed by wooded islands.

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