Xugana Island Lodge
XUGANA ISLAND LODGE - OKAVANGO
DELTA, BOTSWANA
Xugana means “kneel down to drink” in
the local dialect. Xugana Lagoon has, for thousands of years, been a safe
haven for the Bushman people who lived in this pristine water world. Xugana
Lagoon is in the permanent Delta, a world of crystal clear waterways winding
through vast reed and papyrus beds, opening unexpectedly onto tranquil
lagoons, home to bream, catfish and the fighting tiger-fish and fringed
by secret wooded islands, haven for the magnificent bird and wildlife
that inhabit the Delta. The lagoon is widely accepted as being the most
spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. Xugana
Island Lodge is owned and operated by Desert & Delta Safaris.
Accommodation 
For images of Xugana Island Lodge, click Xugana
Images
Xugana Island Lodge, situated
on a wooded island abutting the lagoon, takes full advantage of this
magnificent site. The thatched common area, comprising cocktail bar,
lounge and curio shop, is still the original building put up in 1974,
when Xugana became only the second tourist lodge ever built in the Okavango
Delta. Meals, for which the lodge is justly famous, are taken alfresco
on the edge of the lagoon, except on those rare occasions of rain when
the lounge doubles as the dining-room. Tea is often served in the garden
inside the island, where quiet, secluded reading benches can also be
found. The lodge swimming pool is a unique construction, allowing guests
to swim in the clear fresh water of the lagoon protected by a heavy metal
cage, designed to deter “fat Albert” the crocodile, a long-time
lagoon resident.
The lodge accommodates a maximum
of 16 guests in raised reed and thatch “Mesasas” situated on the
shaded fringe of the island, each with a lagoon view through the artfully cleared
lagoon-side vegetation. The tastefully decorated “Mesasas” have twin
or double beds, en-suite facilities, walk-in showers, ceiling fan and a private
deck, ideal for bird watching. Accommodation includes all meals, local brand
drinks, game viewing activities, park entrance fees and laundry service.
Activities
Mokoro trips in eco-friendly
dugout canoes built to the traditional design, boat safaris to lagoons
and islands and wilderness walks each give guests the chance to see the
Delta denizens such as the Sitatunga and Red Lechwe antelopes, Crocodile
and Hippo, as well as the other big game that frequents the islands and
riverine fringes. Bird-watching opportunities are outstanding, and the
Bream (Tilapia) and Tiger Fishing can be excellent at certain times of
the year. The peaceful boat ride back across Xugana Lagoon during the
spectacular African sunset provides a lifelong memory. All activities
are conducted by our experienced naturalist guides, who, as well as ensuring
that guests come to no harm, are keen to impart their vast knowledge
and love of this unique area.
Wildlife
Xugana borders the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and, as
such, includes a diverse habitat that supports a wide variety of animals,
with possible sightings of Wild Dog, Cheetah and Leopard being highlights.
Resident species include Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Giraffe, Hyena,
Zebra, Kudu, Red Lechwe, Sable and Roan Antelope and many more. Birdwatching
is excellent throughout the year. Guided nature walks to the Delta's islands
afford an opportunity to track the larger species that inhabit this wilderness
area.
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