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.
Xugana Lagoon is recognized as being the most spectacular permanent water camp in the Okavango Delta. The lodge, on a wooded island in the Xugana Lagoon, nestles beneath the shade of old wild ebony and African mangosteen trees facing and overlooks the lagoon. This exclusive reed and thatch structure blends seemingly with the surrounding landscape. Xugana prides itself on offering exceptional service, comfortable accommodation, and sumptuous cuisine.
The lodge boasts eight reed and thatch Lagoon-Facing Chalets that are raised on wooden platforms to afford spectacular views of the lagoon. All of the chalets feature twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with double vanities and shower, overhead fan, in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities, umbrella, flashlight, air horn, hairdryer, and private deck.
The lodge facilities include a lounge, bar, various indoor and outdoor dining areas, swimming pool and viewing deck.
Xugana focusses on water-based activities that explore the delta. Tranquil mokoro trips provide a soothing way of viewing the multitude of water birds and pods of grunting hippos up-close. Motorboat safaris to lagoons and nearby islands offer exceptional game and bird viewing opportunities, and wilderness walks afford the opportunity to learn about the wonders of the swamp and the smaller creatures that live there. Xugana also offers catch and release fishing experiences where guests can try their hand at catching bream and tiger fish.
Xugana Island Lodge borders the Moremi Game Reserve, which has diverse habitats supporting a wide variety of animals. As well as possible sightings of wild dog, leopard and cheetah, other resident species include lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, hyena, zebra, kudu, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope.
Bird-watching is excellent throughout the year with species such as reed cormorant, African darter, eastern white pelican, African spoonbill, goliath heron, egrets, glossy ibis, sacred ibis, storks, geese and ducks only but a few to be spotted in the area.
Xugana Island Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples and families looking for a tranquil yet rewarding safari experience in the delta.
March 28, 2024
A superb experience
Dear Jayson, You are a star. The very professional pieces of advice and the optimal design of the schedule that turned our holidays into an extraordinary experience. Thank you so much! Leopard Hills are indeed the boutique luxury camp that you recommended. People there are incredible friendly and knowledgable. The guide was excellent. And the cook, she was a friendly star too. The flight connections went well, despite that rather long drive, and the very early morning start. Wake up calls at 4 AM should be forbidden :) Mauritius was great, Club Med The Plantation Albion was the perfect choice. (The other Club Med @ Cannonier we visited only and were glad we didn’t chose that one…) Thank you again for the superb organisation.
January 23, 2024
First organized trip to Africa.
Booking an entire trip is a new experience for us. Our first contact with Shamiel was pleasant and wanted to know what we wanted out of the entire experience. As the planning moved forward Shamiel brought in Jayson to assist. As they listened to what we wanted and our concerns they brought together a package for us. Both we always accessible and extremely interested to provide us with a great experience.
December 20, 2023
I am so grateful and blessed to meet…
I am so grateful and blessed to meet this wonderful, beautiful soul Jayson Sheffers he’s doing his job with such a passion and pleasure, giving so much energy love and make everything possible make me feel feel and treat me like a queen in the jungle and 🇦🇪SAfrica. Thank you very much. Merry Christmas in advance. Lots of love, blessings, healthy, happy, fulfilled life!
Mar 28, 2024
Safari.com was helpful start to finish
Safari.com was helpful start to finish. The sign up process was clear, the support was great as we tailored our experience. Directions were perfect to get there. Everything in the safari was as we thought it would be and even better. It literally was the trip of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations.
Mar 28, 2024
Heleen 's service was superb
Heleen 's service was superb: prompt, friendly and efficient. She altered my reservation promptly and efficiently. She warned me that SAN Parks might not be able to accommodate my wishes, but all is well.
Mar 28, 2024
A superb experience
Dear Jayson, You are a star. The very professional pieces of advice and the optimal design of the schedule that turned our holidays into an extraordinary experience. Thank you so much! Leopard Hills are indeed the boutique luxury camp that you recommended. People there are incredible friendly and knowledgable. The guide was excellent. And the cook, she was a friendly star too. The flight connections went well, despite that rather long drive, and the very early morning start. Wake up calls at 4 AM should be forbidden :) Mauritius was great, Club Med The Plantation Albion was the perfect choice. (The other Club Med @ Cannonier we visited only and were glad we didn’t chose that one…) Thank you again for the superb organisation.
Mar 28, 2024
Shamiel was very helpful with advice on…
Shamiel was very helpful with advice on our trip and responded promptly to all my queries.
Mar 27, 2024
I have enjoyed working with Safari.com
I have enjoyed working with Safari.com! We are bringing a big group, and they have been amazing coordinating the different changes we have had to make. We will work with them in the future!
Mar 26, 2024
This is the second trip we book with…
This is the second trip we book with Candis from safari.com. Candis is super knowledgable, is extremly customer service and experience focused and did everything possible to organize the trip as we wanted it. I can highly recommend booking a safari with Candis and safari.com
Mar 25, 2024
These will be mine second time going to…
These will be mine second time going to Africa, the first time I booked everything with safari.com and pascal helped. He was amazing everything went perfect. Now going back to Botswana and pascal did everything again very fast and perfect. I had the best time and everything was super vip, and can’t wait to be back.October can’t come soon enough.
Mar 25, 2024
So far, great service
This review is for the booking only as we have not taken our trip yet. Safari expert Sara Van Coille has been great to work with. We booked later than we planned and she was able to come up with an itinerary that was perfect for our group. Sara has responded to all our questions and was very quick to get back to me. From our experience so far, we would definitely recommend Safari.com
Mar 25, 2024
Shamiel from Safari.com was awesome as…
Shamiel from Safari.com was awesome as everyone says. He got us exactly what we wanted at a very reasonable price. We will be back.