Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana in a Nutshell

Xugana can be accessed by light aircraft or boat – never by vehicle. It is therefore a truly remote and secluded delta lodge. Xugana lagoon might just be the most spectacular permanent water site in the Okavango. We like the fact that this lodge has remained small with space for only 16 guests. Xugana has existed for a few decades – it has some of that original charm left. That is rare these days. This is a “water camp” with water activities and we like the fact that there are no roads.

Fast Facts

8 raised thatched chalets
Camp accommodates 16 guests
Camp is not yet completely solar
Walks, mokoro activities and boats
Access by boat or light aircraft transfer
Stunning views from main area and rooms
Good location for tiger fishing

How to Get There

Most people fly into Xugana Island Lodge using the nearby airstrip. You can fly in from Maun (35 minutes) or Kasane (1 hour). Flying in to this lodge is an event in itself as your pilot judges his landing between a network of small islands. You cannot drive into this camp as it is surrounded by permanent water.

Game Viewing and Activities

Walking, mokoro and boating are the activities on offer here. This area, as would be expected, is strong on the aquatic species – hippo, crocodiles, elephants, birdlife-a-plenty and red lechwee antelope. These are best seen from the boats or even from mokoro. A highlight would be to see elephants crossing one of the many channels. The mokoro activities here are excellent giving opportunities to photograph water lilies and reed frogs.

Do not expect to see predators, as the types of activities on offer are not conducive to this (make no mistake, all the large cats are present here, but difficult to find). Walking guides lead guests on boats to nearby islands that are big enough for walking safaris.

The area is also excellent for birds – especially water dependent species.

Winter is the best time to visit the camp if walking is what you want to focus on. May through to August is best temperature wise and shorter grasses make walking more productive. However, all activities are on offer all year.

Camp Environment

Xugana has not seen a complete refurbishment, so by recent standards, it is not a modern camp. Having said this, we often like the camps with a slightly “older” feel as they retain charm. Recent “soft” refurbishment has retained the standards here – high standards in fact. Dining in front of the Xugana Lagoon is certainly a highlight, while the island’s huge majestic trees provide shade for the whole camp the whole day through. The chalets are thatched, again, keeping them nice and cool for siesta time. We like the sounds here – reed frogs at night and the constant chattering of busy birds.

Download Xugana Island Lodge Factsheet