Xugana Island

Established in 1974, Xugana Island Lodge is one of the oldest and most enduring camps in the Okavango Delta, set on a permanent papyrus-fringed lagoon within the private Shinde Concession (NG21) in the eastern Delta. Following a complete rebuild, the lodge has a fresh new look while retaining the easy-going, island atmosphere that has drawn guests back for generations.

Accommodating just 22 guests in 12 spacious safari suites, the camp is intimate and peaceful, with suites positioned beneath the trees overlooking open water, reed-lined channels or lush Delta vegetation. Each suite has ceiling fans, an en-suite bathroom with double vanities and both indoor and outdoor showers, and two suites can interlead for families or friends travelling together. Meals are served family-style around a long communal table, and a swimming pool overlooks the lagoon.

Because Xugana’s lagoon holds permanent water year-round, boating and mokoro excursions are always possible regardless of the annual flood, and the surrounding larger islands support excellent walking safaris, an activity offered by surprisingly few Delta camps. Wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, hippo, crocodile and the elusive sitatunga, with lion and leopard also present; there are no game drives here.

Fishing for bream and tigerfish is available for most of the year, pausing only in January and February to protect fish stocks. Xugana is reached by light aircraft followed by a scenic 20-minute boat transfer through the permanent waterways. The camp is open year-round, with a minimum age of 6.