Xudumela

Xudumela is a privately-run conservancy on the Xudum Channel, on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta, roughly 30 minutes from Maun. The 1,750-acre concession was converted from a former hunting reserve into a dedicated conservation sanctuary, with wildlife now protected rather than pursued. It’s brand new, and reachable by vehicle, so no need for an air transfer.

Accommodation consists of six raised canvas safari tents built into a line of leadwood trees along the channel, sleeping up to 14 guests, alongside eight self-pitch camp sites for guests travelling with their own tents. Both options share the same communal deck, pool and facilities, just minutes from where the Delta begins.

The restored sanctuary now supports an impressive 63 mammal species and 187 recorded bird species, with regular sightings of elephant, hippo, giraffe, leopard and lion. Every guest pays a conservation levy that goes directly toward anti-poaching patrols run through the Connect Trust, with thousands of patrol hours funded each year.

Activities are guided by local trackers who have walked this land for years, and include walking and tracking safaris, mokoro and canoe excursions, Bushman archery, birdwatching, and time spent at the camp’s elephant hide. The camp is open year-round.