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Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge
Nxamaseri Lodge

About Nxamaseri Lodge

Floating down the narrow, lily-strewn channels that surround Nxamaseri offers a truly tranquil perspective on the Okavango.

As your boat glides up to Nxamaseri's wooden jetty, the lodge's island location comes into its own. Cast away for the duration of your stay, you'll be welcomed and looked after by staff drawn largely from the local community.

Spacious chalets of wood and canvas nestle into the thick riverine vegetation, most high enough to look over the water from their wooden decks and semi-open bedrooms – and deliciously cool even in the heat of the day.

Sharing that perspective are a comfortable lounge with handcrafted furniture, a solid communal dining table, and a firepit where guests gather to discuss the day's adventures.

Nxamaseri was founded as a fishing lodge, and remains a superb spot for both experienced anglers and those just wanting to have a go – in the expert hands of guides who have grown up around these waters.

Come, too, for the birds – the resident waterbirds, the occasional rarity such as the slaty egret or African skimmer, and those that flock here on migration, including the spectacular carmine bee-eater.

But most of all, come for the setting – both the river itself, and the nearby Tsodilo Hills, whose ancient rock art reflects a culture whose influence continues down the years.

Our view

There are several camps in the Panhandle area, but we regard Nxamaseri as by far the best of them. It is a relatively economical, offbeat and, in our opinion, under-visited lodge offering comfortable accommodation and hearty food. We have always been well looked after and made to feel very welcome. We recommend it to keen fisherman, birdwatchers, self-drivers visiting the Caprivi, and those who want to get to the Tsodilo Hills with their exceptional collection of San rock art. However, as with the rest of the Panhandle, this is not a prime game-viewing area.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Botswana expert

Accommodation

9 chalets

Children

Best for age 8+

Open

Mar–Dec

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Mokoro

Mokoro

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Nxamaseri Lodge

81 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


93%
81 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
58
Good
19
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs BfromAvon

Arrived 15 Sep 2024, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"... we enjoyed the boat cruises and particularly the mokoro …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

M & AfromS Oxfordshire

Arrived 27 Aug 2024, 3 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge: beauty and culture"

"extremely comfortable.. cultural trip to Tsodilo Hills.. multiple bird sightings …" Read M & A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms J.fromNorthallerton

Arrived 29 Jun 2023, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"The food, service and room were excellent...would love to return Nxamaseri!! …" Read Ms J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Alex fromAlgarve

Arrived 24 May 2023, 3 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"The staff are wonderful and made it a few days to remember. …" Read Alex ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms UfromIdaho

Arrived 19 Jan 2023, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"We went to Tsodillo Hills which I recommend. …" Read Ms U’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs GfromCottenham

Arrived 5 Dec 2022, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"The birdlife here is excellent. System was very knowledgeable. …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family PfromSheffield

Arrived 5 Aug 2022, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"What an amazing place - the most beautiful rooms and amazing location …" Read Family P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

JohnfromBraintree

Arrived 31 May 2022, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"Very good friendly staff and excellent guide. …" Read John’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

ExplorersfromOklahoma

Arrived 21 May 2022, 2 nights

"Nxamaseri Lodge review"

"certainly worth the visit …" Read Explorers’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr. L & wife fromDenmark

Arrived 16 Aug 2019, 2 nights

"Wonderfull place off-grid at Okavango"

"Wonderful place on a small island in Okavango Delta...Would love to return …" Read Dr. L & wife ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Nxamaseri Lodge reviews

Safaris visiting Nxamaseri Lodge

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Sable Self-drive Safari

12 days • 7 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.

Visiting Etosha, Chobe and 4 other areas

US$8,390 - US$9,300 per person

Read more about the Sable Self-drive Safari

Map

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

Visiting Etosha, North-west Kalahari and 7 other areas

US$7,400 - US$8,360 per person

Read more about the Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

Map

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas

US$8,720 - US$10,430 per person

Read more about the Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

Nxamaseri Lodge: Our full report

One of the oldest lodges in the Okavango, Nxamaseri Island Lodge stands on an island in the Okavango Panhandle.

It lies north of the Delta, about 37km south of Shakawe, and nestled among the deep permanent channels of the Panhandle. Cruise the waterways in search of birdlife among the papyrus, glide silently across the water in a mokoro, visit the Tsodilo Hills or enjoy a spot of fishing – fly-fishing for the prized tiger fish was pioneered here. Nxamaseri offers a prime deep-water Okavango experience.

The lodge's nine thatched chalets, including two triple chalets and one quadruple, are spread out around Nxamaseri Island making the most of the thick riverine vegetation for privacy and shade. This layout gives each chalet a feeling of isolation while also ensuring they stay cool in the hotter summer months. Most have a river view. The bedrooms are spacious with large twin or double beds, made up with crisp white linen and down duvets, and enveloped with mosquito nets. Each chalet has an open-plan en-suite bathroom, including a large shower and separate toilet.

All the chalets have large mesh windows and folding doors leading out to a wooden deck. This gives them an open, airy feel, really bringing the outside in and connecting guests with the sounds of the surrounding bush.

The furthest chalet from the main area is a little larger than the others. Known as the Tsodilo Suite, it provides additional privacy and is often used for honeymooners or those celebrating a special occasion.

All the chalets are linked to the main area by teak walkways raised above the river, which in high-water season flows beneath.

The lounge and dining area is an open-fronted, semi-circular, open-plan thatched building, built around a stand of jackalberry trees with views of the river throughout. Central to the building is the bar, where guests are welcome to help themselves to drinks should a member of staff not be around to help. However, do note that, unlike most of Botswana's lodges, Nxamaseri does not include drinks in the rates. To one side of the bar is the lounge area; to the other the dining area where group meals are served at a beautiful long wooden table.

In keeping with a lodge that has such strong community ties, much of the furniture has been handcrafted locally and the earthy décor is dotted with Botswana artwork. It's by no means ornate, but it is comfortable and offers beautiful views. Family-style meals combined with relaxed and friendly service gives the lodge a comforting, almost homely feel which we have thoroughly enjoyed on our visits over the years, most recently in 2017.

Outside, a firepit for post-dinner drinks under the stars is set on a large patio, which in turn leads down to the wooden jetty where guests arrive by boat.

A short walk from the main area is a small swimming pool. This is a wonderful place to relax with a book or cool off in the heat of the day – and is a great option for those travelling with children.

Nxamaseri's activities include boat trips, mokoro excursions, birdwatching, fishing and trips to the Tsodilo Hills.

Just an hour’s drive from Nxamaseri, the Tsodilo Hills were declared Botswana's first World Heritage Site in 2001. Sacred to the region's San people, also known as Bushmen, these hills have been sporadically inhabited for about 100,000 years. During this time, the hills have been adorned with over 4,500 rock paintings earning them the nickname “the Louvre of the desert”. Nxamaseri can arrange guided day trips from the lodge to this under-visited and spectacular site, where you'll be joined and shown round by a San tribesman. Typically, you’ll have time to explore one of the marked trails before having a picnic lunch and returning to the lodge. Trips are best booked in advance, so speak to us for more details.

Activities focus on exploring the area by boat; Nxamaseri isn't a lodge for big-game safaris. Though you may glimpse a sitatunga or the odd lechwe, and you're almost bound to see hippo and crocodile, other big game is scarce. Instead, the deep permanent channels and thick riverine vegetation make this a super area for birdwatching, with over 350 species
recorded here. Among them are rarities such as the African skimmer, slaty egret and Pel's fishing owl, on top of a host of storks, kingfishers, warblers and more.

Nxamseri is also one of the best spots in the Delta for fishing with both fly and lure fishing on offer. Tiger-fishing here is particularly good, particularly August–November, while bream is best from March to June. Note, however, that fishing in the channels during the first three months of the year can be challenging, as the combination of rain and new floodwaters is said to disturb the fish, which move out to the floodplains. While top-quality equipment is available for guests to use (lost fishing tackle may be charged), the lodge recommend bringing your own fly-fishing gear. Like most Okavango lodges, Nxamaseri operates a catch-and-release policy – except for the occasion bream for the dinner table.

If birding or fishing don’t appeal you can simply enjoy cruising the beautiful waterways, perhaps with the occasional island stop for a cup of tea or a sundowner. Depending on water levels Nxamaseri is also a wonderful place to enjoy a mokoro trip. Gliding silently though the reeds of the Delta in these traditional-style canoes poled by a local guide is an exceptionally peaceful way to while away the afternoon.

Finally, but no less important, Nxamaseri can arrange guided day trips to the under-visited and spectacular Tsodilo Hills, which were declared Botswana's first World Heritage Site in 2001. Sacred to the region's San people, also known as Bushmen, these hills have been sporadically inhabited for about 100,000 years, and over millennia they have been adorned with over 4,500 rock paintings, earning them the nickname “the Louvre of the desert”. After an hour or so’s drive from Nxamaseri, you’ll typically have time to explore one of the marked trails, accompanied by a San tribesman, before having a picnic lunch and returning to the lodge. Trips are best booked in advance, so speak to us for more details.

Geographics

Location
North-west Kalahari & Panhandle, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
2–3 nights here is ideal. A stay of three nights would make the Tsodilo Hills excursion possible.
Directions
Nxamaseri is approx 60km south of the Namibian border, taking around 1hr (including the border crossing time). It lies on the Shakawe–Sehitwa road, some 40km south of the town of Shakawe. For self-drivers, we will pre-arrange a pick-up time at the signposted turn-off to the lodge, where you will leave your car (guarded) for the duration of your stay. You will then be transferred by road and boat to the camp.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Breakfast is a selection of breads, cereals, fruits, and tea and coffee, as well as eggs cooked to order. Lunch is light – maybe a salad and fruit or a quiche. For dinner we tucked into butternut soup, followed by kudu stew with mashed potatoes and lentils, and finished by a chocolate mousse; it was all delicious!
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is not possible.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included, except for tea and coffee.

Special interests

Birdwatching
Relatively near the Okavango's main channel, Nxamaseri Lodge makes an excellent choice for a birdwatching holiday in the Okavango Delta, with a deep-water lagoon environment.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
Cultural Experiences
Botswana's first World Heritage Site, the Tsodilo Hills, are easily accessible from Nxamaseri Lodge, which offers guided and catered day trips here. Get a taste for this ancient culture, see the amazing density of historic San rock paintings and take in the stunning views.
See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children
Nxamaseri accepts children of all ages, but children must be sensible and well behaved. Parents need to supervise their children, and childminders are not available.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions here.
Special activities & services
The lodge doesn't offer any activities for children.
Equipment
There are some board games in camp, and the guides may be able to teach older children the difficult task of controlling a mokoro.
Generally recommended for children
The rooms are connected by high walkways – not ideal for small children – and there's not a lot here to keep children amused. We would recommend Nxamaseri for older children only.
Notes
Children should be supervised at all times by their parents.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Nxamaseri Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Nxamaseri Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Hippo

87% success

Elephant

38% success

Sitatunga

11% success

Communications

Power supply notes
24-hour power is supplied be a generator and batteries with an inverter. Batteries can be charged at any time in the main area of the chalets.
Communications
There is no cellphone reception or WiFi available here.
TV & radio
None – the camp is very remote.
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
Water is taken from the Delta and filtered/purified for drinking.

Sustainability

Nxamaseri Lodge sustainability

Relationships for a lifetime

Situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Nxamaseri Lodge prides itself on its dedication to the local community, allowing guests the opportunity to create strong bonds with the lodge staff.

Since its launch, the lodge's main aim has been to protect “a living culture” and to support the local community and traditions. Projects such as the adoption of Nxamaseri Village Junior School allow the next generation to benefit from the lodge. Donations, along with visits to the school, help support the project and provide visitors with an insight into the local culture. Guests can also purchase local crafts in the curio shop.

The hiring of local people at the lodge has encouraged skill development within the Nxamaseri communities, allowing them to benefit both financially and socially. The staff offer guests the chance to learn about their lifestyles and to understand a little of their culture.

See more great sustainability projects in Botswana

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The camp has a first-aid kit and staff are first-aid trained. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There are no guards because the camp is very remote. Elephants and hippos sometimes come through camp.
Fire safety
The main area has fire extinguishers.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Mokoro

    Mokoro

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A full laundry service is included.
Money
The lodge cannot change Namibian dollars, Zimbabwe dollars or kwacha, but other currencies are accepted (see below).
Accepted payment on location
Nxamaseri accepts cash in Botswana pula, US dollars, GB pounds and euros, plus Visa and Mastercard. No Amex or Diner's Club cards are accepted.

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Nxamaseri Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Nxamaseri Lodge.


Excursions from Nxamaseri Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Nxamaseri Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

More about Helicopter Flight
100% (2 reviews)

Other lodges in North-west Kalahari & Panhandle

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


The Lodge at Feline Fields

Feline Fields

In a remote corner of the Kalahari, Feline Fields offers guests a luxurious stay in a seldom-visited part of Botswana.


No reviews yet
Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp

Tsodilo Sleep-Out

Within walking distance of the region’s ancient rock art, the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-out Camp is an immersive overnight experience for guests at Nxamaseri Island Lodge.


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When to go to North-west Kalahari & Panhandle

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Nxamaseri Lodge in North-west Kalahari & Panhandle


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in January

The Okavango Panhandle is at the height of its rainy season, with short but intense evening showers creating a lush and vibrant landscape. Nxamaseri Lodge offers outstanding birding opportunities, as migratory species begin to arrive in large numbers. The swelling Okavango River provides perfect conditions for boat safaris, showcasing the area’s unique ecosystems. Fishing in the Panhandle picks up as water levels rise, attracting keen anglers.

At Tsodilo Hills, the rock art becomes more vivid against the green backdrop. Despite the rains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains accessible, offering a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural history. Rain-filled rock pools reflect the ancient rock paintings, adding an enchanting dimension to the experience.

In the Kalahari Desert, Feline Fields presents a more dispersed wildlife experience due to the abundance of water, but the vast landscape is breathtaking.

  • Warm days with occasional thunderstorms
  • Spectacular birdlife with migratory species arriving
  • Rising water levels ideal for boat safaris
  • Tsodilo Hills accessible but prepare for rain
  • Low visitor numbers and good lodge availability

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in February

Heavy rains continue in the Okavango Panhandle, sustaining the lush and vibrant landscapes. At Tsodilo Hills, the hiking trails may become slippery, but the vivid rock art framed by verdant backdrops makes it worthwhile. Water-based activities at Nxamaseri Lodge are at their peak, with mokoro trips offering intimate views of the Delta’s beauty. Fishing remains excellent due to the high water levels in the Okavango River.

Feline Fields provides a striking contrast between the water-abundant Delta and the arid Kalahari. Birdwatching throughout the region is exceptional, with many species nesting and breeding. The Panhandle’s lagoons and channels teem with life, creating unique photographic opportunities. Cultural experiences with local communities near Tsodilo Hills offer fascinating insights into traditional practices during the wet season.

  • Warm days with frequent thunderstorms
  • Birdlife at its peak, ideal for bird enthusiasts
  • Mokoro and fishing activities thriving
  • Tsodilo Hills rock art vivid after rainfall
  • Low-season rates available at Kalahari camps and lodges

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in March

The rainy season begins to taper off, and clear days become more common in the Okavango Panhandle. Drying hiking trails make Tsodilo Hills’ ancient rock art sites more accessible. Nxamaseri Lodge sees increased wildlife activity as animals re-emerge. The receding Okavango River concentrates fish, attracting predators and enhancing fishing opportunities.

The Panhandle remains lush, with birds and wildlife still raising their young. Fishing for tigerfish is especially productive. As the rains diminish, guided tours at Tsodilo Hills provide easier access and deeper insights into the region’s cultural significance.

  • Warm temperatures with occasional rains
  • Excellent conditions for Tsodilo Hills exploration
  • High Panhandle waters perfect for mokoro safaris
  • Birdlife still abundant, fishing opportunities improving
  • Fewer visitors and favourable rates at lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in April

April marks a transitional period in the Okavango Panhandle as the rains subside. Tsodilo Hills offers perfect hiking conditions with cooler evenings and dry trails. Water activities at Nxamaseri Lodge benefit from calmer waters and increased animal sightings. The stabilising Okavango River provides excellent opportunities for both boating and fishing.

Game viewing improves at Feline Fields as vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to spot. Birdlife remains diverse, with some migratory species still present. As surface water dries up, animals congregate around permanent water sources. The vivid contrast of Tsodilo Hills’ rock art against the drying landscape is striking. Cultural visits to San communities near Tsodilo Hills reveal traditional practices during this seasonal shift.

  • Cooler evenings with occasional showers
  • Mokoro trips at their best and good fishing
  • Tsodilo Hills trails ideal for hiking
  • Increased wildlife visibility in the Panhandle
  • Shoulder season begins with favourable rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in May

The dry season begins, bringing cool mornings and evenings to the Okavango Panhandle. Tsodilo Hills becomes a haven for hikers and rock art enthusiasts, with excellent conditions. Nxamaseri Lodge offers exceptional fishing opportunities as water levels drop and fish concentrate. Wildlife along the Okavango River becomes easier to spot as animals gather at its banks.

The drying landscape at Feline Fields enhances predator sightings, as hunting conditions improve. Birdwatching remains rewarding, particularly in shrinking wetlands. Mokoro trips in shallower waters allow for close encounters with Delta wildlife. The arrival of Angola’s floodwaters in the northern Delta signals a unique ecological transition.

  • Cool mornings, low chance of rain
  • Water-based activities thriving in the Panhandle
  • Ideal rock art viewing conditions at Tsodilo Hills
  • Excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for tigerfish
  • Shoulder season rates available

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in June

The Okavango Panhandle experiences cool, dry conditions. The clear winter light beautifully highlights Tsodilo Hills’ rock art, making it an ideal time for exploring this cultural treasure. Nxamaseri Lodge offers outstanding game viewing as wildlife congregates around water sources, and the Okavango River attracts a diverse range of animals, creating stunning scenes. Night game drives at Feline Fields take full advantage of the cooler weather.

The thinning vegetation in the Panhandle improves wildlife visibility. Fishing remains productive, particularly for tigerfish, and birdwatching is rewarding with many water birds in view. Mokoro trips offer tranquil Delta experiences, while Tsodilo Hills’ hiking trails provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy cultural exchanges with local communities, gaining insights into traditional winter practices.

  • Warm days, cold nights
  • Clear skies perfect for stargazing
  • Mokoro trips popular for serene wildlife encounters
  • Tsodilo Hills hikes comfortable in cool weather
  • Peak season begins, with higher rates at lodges

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in July

The Okavango Panhandle reaches its coolest month, providing perfect conditions for exploring Tsodilo Hills’ rock art and hiking trails. Nxamaseri Lodge offers peak game viewing as wildlife concentrates near dwindling water sources. The Okavango River becomes a vital lifeline, creating dramatic wildlife scenes. Early morning and night game drives at Feline Fields are rewarding but chilly - packing warm clothing is essential.

The dry landscape of the Panhandle enhances wildlife visibility. Fishing is at its peak, especially for tigerfish, while birdwatching remains excellent with large numbers of water birds. Mokoro trips allow for intimate encounters with Delta wildlife, and Tsodilo Hills’ spiritual significance is amplified in the crisp winter air. Local San communities offer cultural insights into traditional survival techniques during the dry season.

  • Comfortable days, cold nights
  • Excellent fishing for tigerfish in the Panhandle
  • Tsodilo rock art vivid in dry conditions
  • Wildlife concentrated around water sources
  • Peak season - advance booking for lodges is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in August

The Okavango Panhandle remains dry, with temperatures gradually rising. Tsodilo Hills’ rock art is immaculately preserved in the dry conditions, offering excellent opportunities for photography. Nxamaseri Lodge provides exceptional game viewing and fishing, as animals and fish concentrate around the shrinking water sources. The Okavango River attracts diverse wildlife, creating spectacular photographic moments.

At Feline Fields in the Kalahari, game viewing continues to improve as animals gather near water sources during the late dry season. The Panhandle’s parched landscape offers unobstructed views of wildlife. Birdwatching is rewarding, with species congregating around remaining water bodies. Mokoro trips provide serene experiences, while Tsodilo Hills’ trails showcase panoramic views of the arid surroundings.

  • Dry, warm days with cool nights
  • Panhandle fishing at its peak
  • Tsodilo Hills ideal for photography
  • Mokoro trips offer close wildlife encounters
  • High season with lodges often fully booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in September

Rising temperatures define September in the Okavango Panhandle. Tsodilo Hills offers warm yet comfortable conditions for exploring its rock art and hiking trails. At Nxamaseri Lodge, game viewing intensifies as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. The Okavango River becomes even more vital for wildlife, offering incredible scenes of activity. At Feline Fields herds gather near the scatted waterpoints in the Kalahari.

The dry landscape in the Panhandle enhances wildlife visibility, while on the water, September marks the start of the barbel run, attracting an array of fish and their predators. Mokoro trips provide close encounters with wildlife in shallow waters and birdwatching is exceptional, with migratory species beginning to arrive. Cultural experiences with local communities provide insights into traditional fishing and hunting techniques during this transitional period.

  • Warmer days, cool nights
  • Annual barbel run attracts tigerfish
  • Tsodilo Hills trails dry and easily navigable
  • Excellent birdwatching with returning migratory birds
  • Peak season continues, advance booking essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in October

October is the hottest month in the Okavango Panhandle, with Tsodilo Hills’ rock art and panoramic hiking trails best viewed in the early mornings or late afternoons. Nxamaseri Lodge continues to offer excellent game viewing near the remaining water sources. The Okavango River supports diverse wildlife, creating dramatic scenes as October also sees the peak of the barbel run. Birdwatching is at its prime with numerous migratory species arriving. Mokoro trips in shallow waters provide unique and intimate wildlife encounters.

At Feline Fields, the Kalahari’s stark, arid landscape offers unobstructed wildlife viewing. Cultural experiences with local communities offer insights into traditional practices for surviving this hottest period of the year.

  • Hot days, chance of rain late in month
  • Last chance for Panhandle fishing season
  • Tsodilo Hills hot but rewarding for rock art
  • Water levels low, affecting some activities
  • Final month of peak season at most lodges

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in October

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in November

November brings the beginning of the rains and the green season to the Okavango Panhandle. Tsodilo Hills’ rock art becomes even more striking against the greening landscape. At Nxamaseri Lodge, wildlife begins to disperse as new water sources emerge, shifting the dynamics of game viewing. The Okavango River’s rising levels signal the start of the Delta’s transformation.

The first rains breathe life into the Kalahari at Feline Fields, with the arid landscape turning green. The Panhandle’s ecosystem also begins to flourish, while fishing remains productive as the barbel run concludes. Birdwatching is outstanding, with both resident and migratory species present. Mokoro trips offer unique perspectives of the changing landscape. Cultural interactions at Tsodilo Hills include rain-welcoming ceremonies that celebrate the renewal of the land.

  • Hot days, increasing chances of rain
  • Water levels rising in the Panhandle
  • Tsodilo Hills best explored in early morning
  • Migrant birds arrive, excellent birdwatching opportunities
  • Shoulder season begins, offering lower rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

North-west Kalahari & Panhandle in December

The Okavango Panhandle is in full rainy season. The swelling Okavango River revitalises the Delta region, transforming the landscape into a vibrant, green paradise, criss-crossed with newly formed channels and lagoons, and teeming with new life. Mokoro trips navigate through newly flooded plains, and Nxamaseri Lodge offers unique wet-season safaris, with boat trips navigating fresh waterways. Birdwatching is exceptional with numerous breeding birds, and fishing is challenging but rewarding in the high waters.

Feline Fields provides contrasting experiences between the water-rich Delta and the greening Kalahari. At Tsodilo Hills, the rock art is framed by lush vegetation, creating stunning contrasts, and the hiking trails offer stunning views of the transformed landscape. Cultural experiences with local communities near Tsodilo Hills provide insights into traditional wet season activities and storytelling.

  • Warm days with increasing rainfall
  • Rising waters in the Panhandle enable unique boat safaris
  • Tsodilo Hills lush - prepare for wet conditions
  • Green season begins, transforming the landscape
  • Low season rates make December attractive for visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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