Xakanaxa Camp Botswana

The prime location of Camp Xakanaxa (pronounced Ka-ka-na-ka) on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, makes it one of the very few safari camps that offers guests an authentic, year-round Okavango Delta land and water safari experience.

In camp, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere together with personalised and caring service evokes a feeling of coming home. The stylish main buildings extend over the Khwai River and are set on raised platforms to maximise the views over the surrounding lagoons and islands.

The elegant lounge and dining rooms, built of local timber, reed and thatch, feature a small library, expansive sundeck, plunge pool and sala with day bed.

The fire-deck extends over the Khwai River and creates an enchanting environment in which to relax after dinner. There is also a larger pool with elevated sun deck in the expansive grounds.

The camp accommodates twenty-four guests in eleven spacious all-canvas, classic Meru-style luxury safari tents and one two bedroom family tent, each with en suite showers, hand basins and toilet facilities.

Situated around the fringe of the lagoon, every tent has a private viewing deck with comfortable loungers. Camp Xakanaxa is one of the few camps in Botswana which still offers the essence of a classic tented camp.

The ancient riverine forests, open savannah, serpentine channels and seasonal floodplains that surround the camp make for a varied habitat of exceptional fauna and flora. The camp is one of few offering a year-round land and water game-viewing experience, in open 4×4 safari vehicles or powerboats.

The diverse habitat ensures prolific sightings of Elephant, Buffalo, Hyena, Giraffe, Hippo, Wildebeest, Kudu, Lechwe, Lion and Leopard, among many others. Birding is spectacular, especially in the spring and summer months when the migrants are breeding.

Safari activities are conducted by licensed guides eager to share their in-depth knowledge and impart the treasured secrets of this great wilderness.

WINTER (APRIL TO SEPTEMBER)
The days are dry, sunny, clear and cool to seductively warm, while in the evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 25 °C, and may fall as low as 2 °C (and plummet below freezing in some areas) at night. Virtually no rain falls during the winter months.

SUMMER (OCTOBER TO MARCH)
The summer or rainy season begins in October and ends in March. In October the weeks preceding the coming of the rains tend to be the hottest, with temperatures soaring up to 40 °C or more.

Cloud cover and the arrival of the first rains towards the end of November or in early December cool things down considerably, although usually only for a short period.

BIRD ENTHUSIASTS
The arrival of summer sees the influx of a large variety of migrant birds from the northern hemisphere which use Botswana – and more specifically the Okavango Delta – as preferred areas for breeding and feeding.

The first migrants arrive during September. They will all have arrived by December, which increases Botswana’s bird population by 20% compared to the winter months. The period from December to March is very active and the colours, especially with the birds in breeding plumage displaying, are spectacular.

The Okavango Delta is a birders’ paradise, which entertains both the experienced ornithologist and the eager amateur. One of the highlights of the birding calendar takes place during September–October, when the Carmine Bee-eaters arrive from Central Africa and are often seen in their hundreds on the Savuti Marsh.

Interestingly, they make use of the large Kori Bustards, by riding on their backs as they move through the grass of the marsh and kick up fleeing insects, which are then caught by the bee-eaters.

Another highlight is the heronry at Gadikwe Lagoon, which provides nesting sites for hundreds of birds. (The Gadikwe Lagoon is situated between Camp Moremi and Camp Okavango and/or Xugana Island Lodge, and is a highlight for guests taking the boat transfer between the lodges.)

Owing to the heronry being shared by a variety of species it is active from July to March and is busiest from September to December, when breeding colonies of herons are joined in the shallows and among the low trees and swamp-fig thickets by Marabou, Yellow-billed and Saddle-billed Storks, Sacred Ibis and several species of egret.

Flapping, noisy and colourful breeding displays can be enjoyed at close quarters (although we maintain a 50 metre exclusion zone).

LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE
After the first rains, the landscape in Botswana transforms into a subtle green blanket. Grasses shoot and leaves appear on what seem to be dead plants and it is a wonderful time of the year to experience the magnificent springing of life in Botswana.

The vegetation is lush and green and most of the plants are in bloom. February is peak flowering time for water lilies and the landscape is decorated with wild flowers.

Savuti, in particular, and the area between the river and the wooded dunes in Chobe, break out in bright yellows, whites and purples among the green blanket that covers the ground. The sweet smell of fresh grass and Wild Sage at Savuti fills the air and adds to the powerful effect on the other senses.

When the summer rains begin towards the end of November the barren-looking earth of Savute comes alive. Its rich new grasses are a magnet for herds of Burchell’s Zebra and Wildebeest, which can be found on the Savute marsh where they foal before making for the lush grazing grounds of the Mababe Depression further south, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Large herds of Buffalo gather from the Okavango and move through toward the mainland of Moremi, where there are now sufficient pools of water to sustain them.

As the rains cease towards the end of February and the pans evaporate as the dry season looms the herds gather once again. Closely followed by predators, they make their annual journey from Savute to the Linyanti to arrive around April.

During the winter months the banks of the Chobe River and the Xakanaxa area of Moremi become the livelihood of the wildlife, as there is no surface water in the surrounding bush.

Elephant and buffalo are also migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 km from the Chobe River, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the Mopane woodlands in the south near Savuti, where the grass is very nutritious.

November to March are great months, as the air clarity is unparalleled, trees begin to burst into life, the new grass is green and lush, skies are dramatic as big clusters of clouds precede the rains and animals are giving birth. It’s a wonderful time for the photographer, as there is plenty of action, colour and visibility.

April to October bring cooler morning air along with warmer water, which can lead to wonderful early-morning misty magic, especially over the Okavango. The Buffalo begin to gather into large herds and visit the rivers more often as the seasonal pans begin to dry up.

Along the Chobe River, breeding herds of Elephant increase in density daily as they visit those rivers and pans containing permanent water. African Wild Dogs den in June and it is possible to witness exciting hunts in the Savuti and Moremi areas.

Herbivores begin to concentrate at the permanent water sources, as do their predators. Soft early-morning and evening light combined with dust provides many dramatic photo opportunities. In July the bush is bare and the dust pervasive, but there is plenty of action and with patience and perseverance the rewards are great.

At first small family groups of Zebra move closer to the Boteti River, but they are soon there in their thousands as winter turns into spring and the first rains fall. These are generally followed by exciting predator activity and spectacular raptor sightings in the Leroo La Tau area.

EIGHT NIGHT / NINE DAYS – MAUN TO KASANE
This eight night Desert & Delta Safaris Ultimate Family Safari allows for the family to experience a choice and combination of four key ecosystems and environments within Botswana on a fun filled adventure of discovery suited and focused on the specific needs of the family.

Your days will be spent on safari exploring the wild, pristine wilderness of Botswana and there are also opportunities to engage culturally with local communities and their children.

Desert & Delta Safaris have intimate, small and exclusive lodges, allowing for personalized service and attention to detail. Our passionate lodge staff are committed to making your dream African family adventure a reality that will be cherished for a lifetime. Your children will not forget this experience!

EXPLORE THE BOTETI RIVER VALLEY & THE MAKGADIKGADI PANS NATIONAL PARK
On arrival at the Maun airport, your family will be met by a representative from Desert & Delta Safaris who will assist you with boarding your light aircraft transfer to Leroo La Tau.

Landing at the Leroo La Tau airstrip, your guide will meet you and transfer you by road to Leroo la Tau where you can settle into your luxurious family room – consisting of two bedrooms and two bathrooms, overlooking the Boteti River.

Your family will spend the next two nights at Leroo La Tau enjoying daily game drives along the Boteti River to witness the prolific wildlife that frequent the region. Option excursions to the nearby Khumaga village are also available for a chance to experience Botswana’s unique culture.

ENJOY THE PROLIFIC WILDLIFE ON THE MOREMI GAME RESERVE
After your final morning activity at Leroo La Tau, you head back to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Camp Xakanaxa in the Moremi Game Reserve.

Your light aircraft flight will offer you an introduction to the Okavango Delta as you witness the vastness of the world heritage site from the air.Landing at the Moremi airstrip, your guide will meet you and transfer you by road to Camp Xakanaxa where you can settle into your luxurious family tent.

You will spend the next two nights at Camp Xakanaxa enjoying game drives and boating excursions as you search for the prolific wildlife that inhabits the Moremi Game Reserve.

DISCOVER THE OKAVANGO DELTA – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve before your light aircraft transfer to Camp Okavango, a remote lodge on a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Here you will spend the next two nights exploring the intricacies of the Okavango Delta from a variety of activities including mokoro excursions, boating safaris and guided bush walks.

If your family is keen on fishing, optional fishing excursions are available in season. A helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta is also available (additional fees apply) for those interested in discovering more of the Okavango Delta by air.

TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF THE CHOBE RIVERFRONT
Your final stop on your Ultimate Family Safari Package is Chobe Game Lodge. After your morning activity at Camp Okavango you will transfer by light aircraft to Kasane Airport where your guide will meet you and transfer you to Chobe Game Lodge where you will spend the next two nights.

With daily game drives and exciting river safaris on offer, Chobe Game Lodge is the perfect end to your vacation. The lodge offers a variety of luxuries allowing you to take the necessary time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

At the end of your stay you will be transferred by road back to Kasane Airport for your regional flight out of Botswana. Alternatively, we recommend you add an extra few days at nearby Victoria Falls.

Website: www.desertdelta.com

Rooms: 12

Price: from 1.080 EUR per night