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.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 9 safari suites

Season: Open Year Round

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.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

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.

Age restrictions: Children aged 5 years and younger are not able to participate in game drives and mokoro excursions. Children aged 6 to 11 can participate on these activities at the manager's discretion. Children under the age of 16 years are not able to join any walking activities for safety reasons. It may be possible to arrange a private vehicle for short drives with younger children on request.

Activities: A child minder can be arranged when requested in advance and at an additional cost.

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

Accepted payment: US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euro are accepted forms of payment as are Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

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