&Beyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge

In the Okavango Delta, Botswana, Southern Africa

Experience the freedom and exhilaration of the Okavango Delta at &Beyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge, with its unique rooftop hideouts in each of nine private safari suites.

Overlooking a sparkling lagoon, the earthy glamour of this striking lodge provides the perfect counterpoint to the natural bounty of this riverside landscape. A strong but playful recycled theme provides unusual accents at every turn.

Explore the intricate watery canals by mokoro or traverse the golden grasslands in search of the Big Five by vehicle, retreating to the contemporary comfort of your suite by night. Cuddle up in the large outdoor cane lounger and watch the sun go down over the Delta.

Accommodation

An intimate refuge, Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge is designed with privacy in mind. Sprawled along the banks of a lagoon and guarded by a resident family of hippo, the Lodge flawlessly combines the best of this unique inland delta - the peace and serenity of gliding through waterways lined with lush aquatic plants and the excitement of searching for big game through endless miles of green grassland.

Rising high as the treetops, the open upper level of your suite entices you to while away the afternoon in a lofty hide or enjoy a private dinner under the stars. Dark wooden frames cradle another bed in a more conventional bedroom location just down the stairs. Two steps down, a deep, oversized bath offers comfort and warmth, and a choice of indoor and outdoor showers promises refreshment. Curl up in a large, round lounger big enough for two on your private deck and watch the tiny details of life in the Okavango.

Indulge in a playful moment or two on a big tractor tyre swing in the shade of the trees or gaze out over the lagoon from the quiet comfort of the massive couches in the warm guest area. Tease and tantalise your taste buds watching the chefs at work in our open, interactive kitchen or get involved with tastes and textures yourself! Savour the wholesome flavours of meals served in the dining room, with its sweeping views, or in a warm cluster around a crackling blaze in the open fire pit.

Wildlife at Xudum

Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the Okavango Delta and the areas surrounding &Beyond Xudum Delta Lodge are home to a large number of species, including a number of species adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Families of hippo wallow in the deeper channels and lagoons. The area supports the continent’s largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo, while roan and sable antelope roam the open woodlands. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog are occasionally also encountered.he Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, although sightings of this rare animal are relatively uncommon. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair, with a strict social hierarchy.

Lion may be sighted near Xudum and, although predominantly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopards are fairly common throughout the Okavango, particularly in dense riverine forest.

One of the most common antelope in the Okavango, the red lechwe is especially adapted for the swampy conditions. Its splayed, elongated hooves give it a sure footing in muddy conditions, allowing it to inhabit the outskirts of the permanent swamps. With an incredible wealth of species, the Okavango is also a haven for birding enthusiasts. One of its most sought after species is the huge but elusive Pel’s fishing owl, which roosts in the densest evergreen thickets. A quintessential African sound, the haunting call of the fish eagle can often be heard echoing over the channels

A Day at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge

Morning Game Drive

As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your guide will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Explore the floodplains and grasslands of the Delta in search of the Big Five, encountering large herds of elephant and buffalo or elegant sable and roan antelope.

Breakfast

Return to the Lodge for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options.

Lunch

If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near the Lodge, accompanied by your guide, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area. Lunch is served on dramatic decks with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Afternoon Tea

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the Lodge pool or indulge in an afternoon siesta. Then enjoy a late afternoon tea before you embark on your afternoon adventure.

Afternoon Boat Ride

Explore the crystal clear channels of the Delta on a mokoro or in a motorised boat. Dozens of bird species, frogs and other intimate details of the Delta lie waiting to be explored at eye level.

Dinner

Return to the Lodge for a mouthwatering dinner under African skies.

Rates

Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.

Rate Conditions

All rates are inclusive of VAT and in US Dollars.

Accommodation rates are per person per night sharing.
Single Supplement: A single supplement applies.
Long-Stay Rates: May be applied for a combination of &Beyond lodges in Africa (subject to seasonal availability of the offer), for the same guests on a single itinerary. These cannot be used in conjunction with any other &Beyond offers, including Signature offers.
Children under the age of 16 sharing with 1 or 2 adult are charged 50% of the adult rate. This is subject to the availability of triple rooms.
&Beyond Trading Terms apply

Activities at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge

Scenic Helicopter Flights

Thrill to an aerial view of the Okavango Delta as you soar above a vast maze of both permanent and fleeting waterways and floodplains that occupy an otherwise sandy corner of Botswana in a helicopter. Fly over rivers and pools dotted with lily pads, as well as a variety of wild animals that inhabit this unique habitat.
Additional costs apply

Mokoro Trips

The Delta is probably best known for its Mokoro rides. These are boating trips through the maze like channels and shallow lagoons of the Delta. They are conducted in traditional boats which are called Mokoros. These sturdy boats used to be hand crafted out of large Delta trees. Today most of the boats used in the Delta are fiber glass replicas, to prevent the cutting down and depletion of the Delta’s magnificent trees.

Mokoros are a great way to go game viewing. As they are not motorized, they allow you to glide silently through the channels. This allows you to approach the wildlife silently and you will see more, as they are not scared off by a motor. You will see many animals that feed on the grass and reeds on the palm islands such as lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, hippo and crocodile.
No additional cost

Fishing

Try your hand at catching the fierce tiger fish, or Tilapia in the Okavango Delta. Not all water based camps in the Okavango allow fishing, but some camps do allow fishing on a catch and release basis. Most of the fishing however takes place in the Panhandle region where the Okavango River enters the Delta. Deeper into the Delta, fishing is offered seasonally.
No additional cost

Boating

Game viewing is also offered in motorized boats. These trips allow you to cover more ground, and should allow you to see more of the landscape, although some of the wildlife may be scared off by the motor.
No additional cost

Horseriding

Immerse yourself in the unique landscape of the Okavango Delta on a half or full day horseback safari that explores this magnificent habitat, providing you with the opportunity to venture up close to the Delta’s spectacular wildlife and bird species. Set off on this extraordinary adventure, which allows for exceptional game viewing opportunities and an exhilarating experience as your expert ranger guides you through untamed Africa. All horses and tack are of the highest quality and safari guides are armed to ensure your safety at all times, with stringent safety precautions taken when dangerous game is encountered.
Additional cost apply

Game Drives

Game viewing in the Okavango Delta is remote and secluded, with very few vehicles sharing the private concession. Sensitive off-road driving practices allow our guests to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Afternoon drives continue after night, allowing for an opportunity to see the many animals that are more active at night, including leopard and serval. Lion frequently hunt at night and there is always a chance of coming upon them feeding on a kill. &Beyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting, getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.
No adittional cost

Children

Children are welcome at Xudum

Should parents wish to share a room with younger children, the lodge is able to accommodate a limited number of triple rooms, where an additional bed is set up in the parents’ room for children 16 years or younger.

Game drives are available to children aged twelve years and older. Children aged six to twelve are permitted on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion, while those aged 12 to 16 can enjoy mokoro activities on a similar basis.

Nature walks are limited to those over the age of 16. While children younger than six cannot participate in lodge activities, childminders can be arranged during activities and at meal times at an additional cost.

&Beyond's WILDChild Programme

Designed especially for children visiting &Beyond’s lodges, WILDchild is a filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. On arrival at &Beyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge, each child will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo. There is a personalised welcome note for every child, with those under three getting an African-themed soft toy as well.