XUDUM DELTA LODGE, BOTSWANA

               
Xudum Delta Lodge nestles on the banks of a lagoon on a permanent channel of the Okavango Delta. Discreet suites boast sweeping views of the intricate network of water that fuels the ever-changing ecosystems of this lush inland delta. Twice-daily expeditions by open 4x4 safari vehicles, mekoro or power boats, as well as walking safaris, offers guests myriad opportunities to explore and discover the abundant wildlife by land or water.

Situated in a private concession, a maximum of 18 guests can experience intimate encounters with a magnificent variety of animal and bird life, including such elusive species as Pel’s fishing owl and the seldom seen roan antelope. Exceptionally large herds of buffalo, often numbering up to 200 individuals from young calves to splendidly-horned bulls, are frequently encountered in the area 

Exclusive safari suites: Xudum Delta Lodge offers private safari suites designed to complement the tranquillity of the African bush with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

• Nine secluded safari suites
• Oversize bathtubs and al fresco showers
• Private plunge pool and lofty deck area with uninterrupted views of the Okavango Delta
• A Safari Shop stocks chic safari wear, as well as African art and jewellery
• Rooftop sleeping area for starlit nights
• Interactive kitchen

Xudum dining area

Dramatic decks in the guest area offer sweeping views of the resident herd of hippos cavorting in a permanent lagoon. Take refuge from the sheer scope of Botswana’s open spaces in the intimate design of the guest areas, with massive sofas promising instant relaxation. To complete your Okavango adventure, a vast variety of animal and bird life lies waiting to be discovered with twice-daily safaris on land or water. Explore the most intimate secrets of the delta on adventurous bush walks and get a glimpse into its busy nocturnal activities on a night drive.

Take a slow, relaxed mokoro trip to a private island on the delta, where a secluded picnic awaits you. In the evening, enjoy an exciting game drive before you return to a private dinner laid out on your open air roof top, with the soft glow of lanterns and the unassuming presence of your attentive butler on call for all your needs. Drift off to sleep securely nestled under your mosquito net listening to the evening chorus of the wetland frogs and the distant sounds of the bush night.

Xudum Delta Lodge is also known for its bush dining and delicious new take on an interactive food experience.

The Lodge is easily accessible by air, with a private air strip only a 20 minute flight from Maun, followed by a brief game drive to reach your final destination.

Xudum’s exciting safari activities: The Okavango Delta includes a wide variety of ecosystems; channels, lagoons, shallow wetlands, riverine forests, floodplains, open grassland, woodland, shrubland and palm savannah. The twice-daily game drives, bush walks or boat excursion, all guided by highly-skilled guides, allow you explore each of these ecosystems and their unique plant and animal life. Night drives provide an enticing glimpse into the nocturnal life on the Delta. 

Weather: The Okavango Delta has hot, wet summers(October to April). Temperatures can rise to over 40ºC/104ºF and usually drop to 25ºC/77ºF at night. Winters (May to September) are dry and cool, and the nights can be chilly.

Rainfall: The rainy season – generally in the formof magnificent afternoon thundershowers – is from late December to the end of February, sometimes continuing into March. Summer rains bring spectacular migrant birds to Botswana. Average rainfall per year isapproximately 500 mm. 

Best time to travel: All year round. 

Malaria: The Okavango Delta is a malaria area and necessary precautions should be taken. 

Children: Children are welcome. Regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in the regular game drives and mekoro activities. Children 16 years and older can participate in guided walks. Childminders can be booked at an additional cost. Children aged6 to 11 years are accommodated on game drives and mekoro activities at the Lodge Manager’s discretion. An extra bed can be arranged for a child sharing its parents’ suite. No more than 1 triple in camp at any one time. 

Airstrip: Xudum airstrip coordinates: S 19. 40’ 46”  E 022. 53’ 03” (subject to change due to flooding) 

Ratio of guests to staff: 2 to 5 

Camp closure: Open year round

Photo's courtesy of ccAfrica................