Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is a luxury tented river camp situated on its own Delta island within a 25,000ha exclusive wildlife concession, (the old hunting area NG29). It is built on the site of the old Rann's Camp. There are no permanent buildings at Xaranna, the facilities are all under canvas. Located in the same concession area is a sister residence, Xudum Okavango Delta Camp.

The camp island is located on an area of permanent swamp in the Okavango Delta. Islands can be formed in a number of ways, some originate from termite mounds, whilst others are formed as a result of raised channel beds. Not only do they contribute to the extraordinary impression of the landscape, they also provide a permanent dry environment, therefore adding to the diversity of life in the Delta.

Xaranna is set in a band of well-defined vegetation, but has been well-positioned to maximise the best views across the channels and surrounding tree lines. Wild date palm, sycamore fig, jackalberry and knobthorn are amongst the trees that form the forest behind.

Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge is accessed by a fly-in from either Maun or Kasane airports. A transfer by boat follows and after an exhilarating ride through a watery labyrinth of papyrus-bordered channels and floating islands of water lily pads, it's across the lagoon and on to the lodge. Passengers disembark at the dock and are greeted by a pod of carved wood hippos, standing guard on the stairs leading to a pale tented pavilion, that is the main lodge.

The spacious lounge is on an elevated wooden platform, opened on all sides to gape at the stunning patchwork of lagoons and channels that envelope the camp. The guest area has a spacious reading zone, ideal for post-activity relaxation. The gift shop situated within the main lodge area, displays Xaranna branded safari clothing, a variety of wood carvings, antique trinkets, local crafts and jewellery, and a small selection of safari-related books.

Although Xaranna doesn't have a dedicated spa facility, a licensed masseuse offers a range of treatment options including Swedish and aromatherapy massages in the guest tents.

A breakfast buffet is served before the morning game drive, consisting of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, freshly baked bread, fruit juices, tea and coffee. A full English breakfast is available on demand. Lunch is an assortment of cold meat dishes and salads, breads and a tray of cheeses. Afternoon tea is served around 16h00 just before the afternoon activities – a combination of savoury snacks and cakes with tea, coffee and juices.

Dinner is a 3-course affair, served plated with a selection of starters, followed by a choice of game meats or fish and vegetables. Delicious deserts are served afterwards, for example a rich chocolate fondue, complemented with branded alcoholic beverages, such as vintage wines, French champagnes and luxury whiskies.

Accommodation is in 9 luxury safari tents, designed and decorated in natural colours. The outer walls are made of mesh screening and canvas shades can be lowered for privacy. A sliding front door opens out onto a long foyer, separated from the bedroom by a wooden partition. At the far right of the foyer, a counter-height stand holds bar utensils and boxed snacks. An ice chest cools an assortment of cold drinks. A king-sized bed, remote-controlled overhead air-conditioning, writing table and chair, electronic safe, sala, private plunge pool, indoor bathtub and al fresco shower are standard. There is also an intercom handset to communicate with the main lodge.

Additional comforts in the bathroom include a hair-dryer, cotton bath and hand towels, wash-cloths, his and hers cotton sarongs, bathrobes, slippers and pool towels and a comprehensive supply of soaps, bath oils, shampoo and moisturizing creams. Mosquito and insect repellents, flash-lights, an emergency horn and two umbrellas complete the luxuries.

For the energetic, a wicker 'tote bag' comes complete with a variety of exercise equipment, including a yoga mat, elastic ropes, and 2 sets of weights.

Wildlife ss abundant, varied and very much in close attendance. Elephant and buffalo dominate and lion, cheetah, and the African wild dog are constantly on the look-out for unsuspecting red lechwe and the shy sitatunga. Their guides have a somewhat canny knack of finding leopard, especially in trees, although this is not guaranteed. The deeper lagoons and channels are home to pods of hippo. Look out for the painted reed frog, a tiny brightly coloured amphibian. It has a white body, streaked, spotted or blotched in red and black. They can be found in great numbers in reedbeds and flooded grass plains on the edges of lagoons and pans.

Birding highlights include Pel's fishing owl, Verreaux's eagle owl, bateleur, wattled cranes, green pigeons and various variety of kingfisher.

Although there is big game in the area, Xaranna is more of a 'Delta waterway experience'. Water and wildlife trips are their speciality.

Okavango Delta Lodges | Botswana

Boat trips

Cruise the Delta in their electrically powered 'eco-boat' or by the more traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe).

Game drives

Twice daily (morning and afternoon) game drives are conducted in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles

Birdwatching

The Delta is an ornithologists dream. Photographic opportunities are endless.

Bush walk

Ramble around the island on a guided bush walk. The chances of sneaking up on something big are excellent, and you don't disturb the animals game-viewing this way.

Although children are welcome at Xarrana Okavango Delta Camp there are some restriction

• Children under 5 years old can not join game drives and mokoro excursions.
• Children aged between 6 and 11 can participate on these activities at the lodge manager's discretion.
• For safety reasont those under 16 years old are not able to join any walking activities.
• It is sometimes possible to arrange a private vehicle for short game drives with younger children.