Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Island Lodge sits on a private concession on Xugana Lagoon, a permanent body of open water in the Okavango Delta ringed by papyrus reeds and lily pads. The lodge holds twelve tents in total — ten standard luxury tents for two guests each, plus a single two-bedroom interleading tent that sleeps four — so the maximum number of guests at any one time is twenty-two. Each tent faces the lagoon and has an en-suite bathroom, an outdoor shower, a writing desk, and an enclosed deck with loungers that can be used for sleeping out under the sky.

The main area runs across several levels and includes dining, a lounge, a bar, a pool, and a fire deck that extends out over the water. Meals are served communally, with a mix of plated and buffet-style service across morning nibbles, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and three-course dinners.

On the water, guides take guests out by motorboat through the deeper channels or by mokoro — the traditional dugout canoe, poled standing — through shallower, quieter stretches. The lagoon and its channels hold tiger fish, and the annual Barbel Run draws anglers seasonally; all fishing equipment is kept at the lodge. Guided walking safaris run in small groups across the surrounding islands, each group accompanied by two guides. The Delta's birdlife is extensive, covering both resident and migratory species. Scenic helicopter flights over the Delta are available through a partner operator at additional cost.

Access to Xugana is by light aircraft into the Delta airstrip.