Offering cosy, yet luxurious accommodation, Nxamaseri Island Lodge, is situated on a private island. Its lodges embrace the banks of the Nxamaseri Channel that permanently flows through the Okavango Delta.

This inland delta has long been renowned for its wildlife and in particular the birds that flock there at different times of the year. But, in reality, it is so much more.

Although sparsely populated this captivating mixture of reed-lined channels and marshes is still home to three tribes, the Hambukushu, the Bayei and the Banoka. Their cattle and donkeys graze on the island and splash through the shallows. And their songs and dances are a source of entertainment for guests in the lodge.

Gliding through the channels of the delta in either a flat-bottomed motor boat or a pole-propelled mokoro is a wonderful way to view the wildlife here. The eco-friendly fibre glass mokoro canoes were inspired by the traditional wooden mokoro that native local inhabitants use for fishing and as a means of transport.

Visitors to this area may be surprised to learn that the Big Five have been sighted here but their presence depends on the time of year and the ebbs and flows of water. It is not unusual to see a crocodile sleeping in the reeds or a hippo lumbering through the marshes to flop into a cooling pool. But the birds are always around – African Fish Eagles perched on the tree tops and the African Jacana scuttling across the ubiquitous lily pads are a common sight

Who for

Best for couples, singles, families(children six years old and over) and small groups.

Accommodation

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is the oldest lodge in the Okavango Delta and the first to achieve five stars. In 2024 it underwent a complete renovation, including refurbishing the lodges and adding new facilities.

Eight small lodges are scattered along the banks of the Nxamaseri Channel, overlooking the water. These include twin/double rooms, triple rooms and one family. Only children aged six and over are accepted.

Each lodge has a separate entrance and a private raised viewing platform. The beds are equipped with a generous mosquito net which acts as a good deterrent and the rooms have ceiling fans but no air conditioning. Toiletries are provided in the efficient shower housed in the en suite. Charging facilities for photographic equipment and a small safety deposit box are also available in the rooms. Extra luxuries include a hot water bottle slipped between the sheets while guests are dining during the chilly winter nights.

Food and Drink

Buffet-style three-course home-cooked meals are served in the outdoor dining area. Private dining can also be organised on request. Breakfast includes a continental-type buffet with cooked food on request. Lunch and afternoon tea are a daily event – sometimes the pizza oven is fired up then.

A fully stocked complementary bar is open all hours and a cooler box of drinks accompanies all outings. This is especially important on the daily sunset boat trip when it also carries nibbles to accompany a cocktail or two.

Facilities

The lodge has an outdoor lounge area with an open campfire to take the edge of the chilly mornings while enjoying the stunning views of the panhandle across the water. And a focus for pre-dinner drinks in the evening.

There is also a secluded swimming pool and a new spa offering treatments and massages plus its own landing jetty. In the curio shop (cash or card) guests will find a good selection of crafted souvenirs including baskets woven by the locals.

A demonstration of basket weaving is also available at the lodge. A daily inclusive laundry service is an added luxury here. Limited WiFi as available but there is no landline telephone communication  but there is a satellite phone and radio for emergencies.

Activities

Apart from the guided motorised boat boat safaris and guided mokoro excursions mentioned above the lodge offers guided bush walks on the islands in the delta.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is renowned for its lure fishing between March and December and its indigenous tiger fish will enthral both experienced and novice anglers.

For guests staying more than 3 nights a unique experience is on offer – a guided tour of Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO site featuring thousands of ancient rock paintings on hundreds of sites spread across the four hills. A local guide will introduce his visitors to the mysteries and wonders of these magical hills and the incredible display of drawings that depict life here over thousands of centuries.

How much

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is part of a portfolio managed by Desert&Delta Safaris who offer a variety of itineraries. Email them for a quote at [email protected]

What’s nearby? 

Maun airfield is nearby for arrivals by the small planes that operate across Botswana and to and from Cape Town in South Africa. There is also a grassy helipad and travel by helicopter to the Tsodilo Hills is an option available when booking this excursion. Guests can also request a visit to a nearby settlement to meet the locals.

VERDICT: Nxamaseri Island Lodge offers a unique safari experience with added touches of luxury that ensure their guests lack for nothing and leave with happy memories.

 

You may also like: Review of Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana 

The post Nxamaseri Island Safari Lodge review, Okavango Delta, Botswana appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

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