Xudum Delta Lodge: Our full report

Xudum Delta Lodge is a smart safari lodge newly opened in August 2008. It is built on an island in a 250km² private reserve in the Okavango Delta. None of our team has visited this lodge personally, but here is what we know about it.

Built overlooking a permanent lagoon, Xudum Delta Lodge has nine safari suites. Built over split levels, each suite has an en-suite bathroom with large bath, an open-air shower, a spacious bedroom, a plunge pool and a lofty hideout with great views over the waterways. This hideout can be transformed at night for a sleep-out under the stars. Each suite has a ceiling fan and an air-conditioner to help keep it cool over the hot dry months (Sep – May).

Xudum's main lounge and dining area is also built using multi-layered decks. These spaces have been designed to maximise views over the Okavango Delta wherever possible. There is also a well stocked safari shop here offering a range of souvenirs.

Activities available from Xudum Delta Lodge include day and night 4WD safari drives, guided bush walks, boat trips and mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions. Although none of the Expert Africa team has visited Xudum, based on our experience of its sister camps – Nxabega Safari Camp and Sandibe Safari Lodge – we would expect very good guiding here.

There is now also another new camp in this area, Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge, which was also built and is being run by “&Beyond" (which the new name for 'The Conservation Corporation Africa' – or 'CC Africa').

Xudum is a high-spec and beautifully crafted lodge set in a very pretty area of the Okavango Delta. Although there is a variety of wildlife to be seen here, this area has never historically been purely a game viewing destination. Don't come to Xudum Delta Lodge to search out big game, but do come for the chance to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta; for its spectacular birdlife including Pel's fishing owl and malachite kingfishers; and for its smaller creatures such as the pretty painted reed frogs.

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana

Directions: Xudum Delta Lodge is reached on a 20-minute light aircraft flight from Maun followed by a game drive lasting about 20-minutes depending on what you see on the way.

Key personnel

Owner: 'AndBeyond' – which is the new name, launched in November 2008, for what used to be 'CC Africa' – and was formally known at 'The Conservation Corporation Africa'.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Drinks included: Xudum Delta Lodge has a well-stocked bar where almost all the drinks are included in the price. Excluded are premium brand imported whiskies, French champagne and a selection of vintage wines.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Xudum.

Equipment: An extra bed can be arranged for a child to share with the parents. Note that only one triple room can be created in the lodge at any given time.

Notes: Xudum Delta Lodge is unfenced so dangerous animals do roam through the camp. Children must be under their parent's constant supervision.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Included