Positioned on the southern edge of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, this contemporary safari camp offers excellent game viewing in an open-air sanctuary that hosts an immense diversity of land and aquatic wildlife. Accommodation at this exclusive camp is limited to nine opulent en suite safari tents overlooking a permanent lagoon; much of its inspiration is drawn from the water lilies that flourish here. Xaranna Tented Camp’s location within a private concession makes it ideal for families looking to miss the crowds, with the access-restricted land for the sole use of Xaranna guests.

The incredibly lush Delta terrain, with its waterways, marshes, riverine forests, and salt islands, stretches from just outside your tent as far as the eye can see. The wetlands are home to plenty of thirsty elephants with hippo and crocodile sightings all but guaranteed, along with lesser-seen animals like red lechwe, sitatunga, dwarf and banded mongooses, serval, and ostrich. In summer, migrant birds flock to the Delta, making it a twitcher’s paradise.

Accommodation at Xaranna Tented Camp is not outshone by the landscape: the nine tents are large, and extremely comfortably furnished and each has a plunge pool and sheltered outdoor shower so you can relax in utter privacy as an African fish eagle calls nearby. Children are welcome and the staff has devised a special program for them: what could pique their young imaginations more than an Okavango treasure hunt?

Highlights

• Unfenced 272-000-hectare private concession with superb views
• Game drives, seasonal mokoro, and boat rides
• Catch-and-release fishing and excellent birding
• Private plunge pools and outdoor showers
• Wi-Fi and air conditioning

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• FISHING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• RIVER CRUISES
• SPECIALIST GUIDES
• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
• MOKORO TRAILS

Arriving by boat to Xaranna and being welcomed by the friendly staff was a great start to our time exploring the diversity of the area by boat, vehicle, foot & mokoro.

Rooms

Triple Tent

Accommodation comprises nine spacious, air-conditioned tents overlooking the magnificent Delta terrain, where you sleep in comfortable 4-poster beds swathed with mosquito nets. The en suite bathroom has a deep tub, double vanity, and hairdryer as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. The tents – which are decorated in restful tones - also boast a private lounge as well as an outside area with a plunge pool.

Because Xaranna is usually surrounded by water, much of the decor is inspired by the beautiful lilies that thrive here: rooms are Zen-like with muted pinks, light greens, and shades of white used throughout.

Facilities

The camp boasts a variety of comfortable communal areas ideal for relaxation. Sitting areas provide a cosy place to read, watch birds or socialize with other guests. The games area is ideal for family entertainment between outdoor activities, while the library is a great source of wildlife knowledge. The raised wooden living room, with charming local art pieces, provides a privileged perspective of the Delta that stretches out for miles below.

Aside from morning and afternoon game drives with experienced guides, the camp offers interpretive walking safaris which allow guests to get close to the smaller animals, including the adorable Little 5: ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, and leopard tortoise. River cruises - dependent on water levels in the Delta - are offered on either an open-air boat (ideal for photography) or dugout canoes known as mekoro, which provides a novel way to discover the Delta’s wildlife.

A beauty and wellness therapist is available should you wish to indulge in a massage or spa treatment with Africology products. A laundry service, Wi-Fi in the common areas, and a ‘gym in a bag’ are also available. Arrangements can be made for horseback safaris on advance request. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged. There is a small safari shop for essentials and tasteful mementos.

The airstrip is shared with the sister-camp Xudum.

Dining

Meals are served in the open-sided dining room or around a roaring fire in the open-air boma under the stars. At your request, any meal can be served on your private deck or in the comfort of your tent, and bush picnics can also be arranged for breakfast or lunch.