Some places have a way of staying with you long after you’ve left. andBeyond lodges offer pure luxury and Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana is one of them. Deep in the Okavango Delta, this remote camp offers an intimate safari experience where nature takes centre stage. It is a place where you can wake to the sound of birdsong, spend your days exploring untouched wilderness, and fall asleep under a sky so full of stars it doesn’t seem real.
As Marula Hill Travel, we have stayed in many safari lodges, but there’s something about Xaranna that sets it apart. It feels exclusive without being over the top, luxurious without losing its connection to the wild. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveller looking for something extra special, this is a lodge that will steal your heart.
Where is Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp?
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is set in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife regions.This is a fine luxury safari lodge in Botswana. Notably, this vast wetland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Throughout the year, the delta transforms with the seasons, gradually shifting between dry floodplains and lush, water-filled channels.
Reaching the camp is an adventure in itself. You’ll fly from Johannesburg to Maun, before taking a light aircraft flight over the delta. The views from the air are breathtaking, with winding waterways stretching as far as the eye can see. After landing, you’ll glide through the delta by boat, watching elephants wade through the shallows as you make your way to the camp. The journey is seamless, yet it immediately makes you feel like you’ve left the real world behind.
One of the best things about Xaranna is how secluded it feels. With no other lodges nearby, it offers a true escape into nature. Here, you can unplug completely, far from crowds, noise, and city life. The only sounds are the gentle rustling of reeds, the distant roar of a lion, and the occasional splash of a leaping fish.
Why Stay at Xaranna?
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is a blend of modern elegance and authentic safari charm. With just nine tented suites, it feels incredibly private. The design is simple yet stylish, using soft natural tones that reflect the colours of the surrounding landscape. Large sliding doors open onto a private deck, bringing the outdoors in.
Without a doubt, sustainability is at the core of the camp’s philosophy. Every element, from the solar-powered energy system to the locally sourced materials, has been chosen to minimise impact on the environment. This is a true bastion of sustainable safari tourism. The team is passionate about conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this remarkable ecosystem.
The service is exceptional, yet completely unpretentious. The staff anticipate your needs before you even realise them yourself. From a perfectly timed sundowner to a surprise bush breakfast, everything feels effortless. The guides are among the best in the business, their deep knowledge of the delta bringing each game drive to life.
A Stay at Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
The tented suites at Xaranna offer the perfect combination of comfort and immersion in nature. Each suite has its own plunge pool, where you can cool off in the heat of the day while watching wildlife wander past. An outdoor shower allows you to bathe under the open sky, while a deep soaking tub offers the ultimate relaxation after a day on safari.
Inside, the rooms invite you to unwind. A plush bed draped in mosquito netting and a cosy seating area offer panoramic views of the wilderness. The minibar holds your favourite drinks, while thoughtful touches like warm blankets for chilly mornings enhance your comfort.
The pace at Xaranna is wonderfully unhurried. Mornings begin with freshly brewed coffee, best enjoyed on your deck as the first rays of sunlight hit the floodplains. Afternoons are for quiet moments—reading a book, lounging by the pool, or simply watching the ever-changing delta.
Evenings at the lodge are magical. After an exciting day of wildlife sightings, you’ll return to a candlelit dinner, often served under the stars. The flickering fire and distant calls of the bush create an atmosphere that is impossible to replicate anywhere else.
If you are reading this and falling in love with Botswana, then read this blog: Why A Botswana Safari Adventure Should Be On Your Bucket List
Dining at Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
Safari days are hungry work, and Xaranna does not disappoint when it comes to food. Safari days work.
The chefs craft every meal with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast offers a relaxed start, with homemade granola and eggs cooked just the way you like them.
Lunches stay light and refreshing, perfect for enjoying outdoors with sweeping delta views. Dinners, however, steal the show. Whether you savour a multi-course meal under the stars or gather around an open fire for a traditional boma dinner, each evening promises a unique culinary experience.
You can also arrange private dining, whether for a romantic meal on your deck or a surprise bush picnic in the heart of the wilderness. Whatever the occasion, the team at Xaranna ensures every dining moment feels unforgettable.
Safari Experiences at Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
A safari at Xaranna is unlike any other. The unique landscape of the Okavango Delta means you can experience both land and water-based activities, making every day different.
Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when the wildlife is most active. The region is home to an incredible variety of animals, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs are also frequently seen.
For something completely different, a mokoro safari is a must. These traditional wooden canoes glide silently through the water, allowing you to get up close to the smaller details of the delta. Watching the sun set over the reeds from a mokoro is a moment you’ll never forget.
Guided bush walks offer another perspective, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the little things that are often missed from a vehicle. Your guide will teach you about tracking, local plants, and the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
If you have found this blog intriguing, why not read our blog: Botswana Travel Bucket List Vacation—10 Reasons to Visit
Why We Recommend Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
In conclusion, at Marula Hill Travel, we carefully select lodges that offer something truly special. Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp stands out for its exclusivity, sustainability, and breathtaking location. The camp’s blend of luxury and authenticity makes it one of our absolute favourites in Botswana.
For those looking for an intimate safari that offers both adventure and relaxation, Xaranna ticks every box. Whether you’re exploring the delta by mokoro, enjoying a private dinner under the stars, or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape, it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re ready to experience Xaranna for yourself, get in touch with us at Marula Hill Travel. We’ll take care of everything, so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
Contact Us
For a bespoke Xaranna experience, contact Marula Hill Travel:
📩 Email: sian@marulahill.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +27 82 459 0648
📷 Instagram: @marula_hill_travel
🌍 Website: www.marulahill.com
Let’s plan your dream safari together!
