Okavango Delta, Botswana
Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a unique African experience on a private island on the western side of the Okavango Delta, in the permanent waters of Botswana’s Okavango Panhandle. A small, exclusive lodge, it is one of the oldest in the Okavango Delta.
Here you can experience two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills. Rising out of the dry desert landscape to form the highest point in Botswana, these hills are sacred to the San people of Northern Botswana and are adorned with over 4000 ancient San paintings.
Download Fact SheetLocally inspired, Nxamaseri Island Lodge celebrates the colorful vibrance of the Botswana culture. A small, secluded lodge with a total of nine chalets all set beneath forest canopy. There are five double/twin chalets, a honeymoon chalet, triple chalet, and a two-bedroom family chalet: all with en-suite bathrooms. Teak walkways link the rooms to the main area of the lodge.
Each of the thatched, tented chalets are quiet havens privately situated within the indigenous forest with a private viewing deck. Each evening will see guests’ beds turned down and if there is a chill in the air, hot water bottles are tucked in under the blankets as a welcome surprise for tired guests.
The lodge is designed to show off the area's breathtaking scenery. With decor handcrafted by local artisans and original Botswana artwork, its rustic natural charm is enhanced by the warm hospitality of our hosts. Teak walkways link the chalets to the lodge main area, providing an opportunity to witness – at close range – the remarkable birdlife that inhabits the tree canopy above. Enjoy incredible views of the panhandle from the lounge area which has comfortable seating and plenty of good books to browse.
Desert & Delta Safaris offers one of the most comprehensive fly-in safari circuits on Botswana and the inclusion of Nxamaseri in the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio adds a new attraction to our luxury circuit. Nxamaseri’s ideal location near the North-Western border makes it perfect for packaging together with stays in Namibia as well as other prime destinations in Botswana as it is both easily accessible by road and by air with its own private airstrip. For those travelling through Namibia to Victoria Falls, Nxamaseri is a welcome inclusion offering a complete contrast to Namibia’s desert environment.
The traditional method of transport along the waterways and over floodplains in Botswana is by mokoro (dug-out canoe). There is no better way to experience the stillness and beauty of the Okavango Delta than to be poled on the water silently, gliding just inches above the crystal clear surface, eye-level with dragon flies, reed frogs and water lilies and within touching distance of the myriad of colourful fish that swim just below the surface.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge has spectacular birding throughout the year. The most exceptional birding months are from September to February, before the new water arrives. The Lodge provides unrivaled water bird viewing, having a large variety of kingfishers, herons, storks and water fowl. The area also has an impressive number of woodland and riverine forest species that occur on the islands and the seasonal floodplains beyond the camp.
Guided walks are offered on nearby islands, accessed by boat or mokoro, giving you the opportunity to experience the intimacy and piece of unspoiled Africa. Exploring the islands on foot is an effective way of relaxing and finding the more timid forest-dwelling birds.
Experience the thrill of fishing in the deep waters for tiger fish and bream. Owing to its prime delta location, fishing is a one of the lodges primary activities from March – December. Tiger fish are indigenous to the area and, as one of the world’s most dramatic freshwater game fish, it provides thrilling angling for both experienced and novice fishermen. Basic spinning equipment is available at the lodge (guests interested in fly fishing will need to bring their own equipment).
Enjoy a day tour to the Tsolido Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site for an opportunity to see the ancient rock art of the San People as well as an opportunity to hike to the highest point in Botswana. A 1hr drive from Nxamaseri, the mystical and spiritual Tsodilo Hills rise out of the dry desert landscape. These hills are sacred to the San people of Northern Botswana and are adorned with over 4000 ancient San paintings. A visit to Tsodilo Hills affords one the privilege of being able to see and feel, however briefly, the essence of an ancient culture, fragile and increasingly threatened in the face of pressure from the Western world.
Discover Botswana’s best kept secret while staying at Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp in ‘pods’ drawing inspiration from traditional bushman dwellings. Available FOC for bookings staying 3 nights or more at Nxamaseri Island Lodge (subject to availability). Operates all year round.
The CARES philosophy is the foundation on which Desert & Delta Safaris is built, highlighting their sustainable tourism model of protecting natural heritage and developing the human potential of the people of Botswana.
CAREER & COMMUNITY
The company's pledge to create opportunities for promotion from within and guide young Batswana in carving a career in the travel and tourism industry.
ADVANCED HEALTH PROGRAM
The group company doctor plays a crucial role in conducting regular visits dedicated to fulfilling the advanced health care strategy of the company.
RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR ENVIRONMENT
To the environment, minimising impact on the eco-system with projects such as CO2 emission free safaris and protecting wildlife with the Rhino Package. Our solar projects have expanded, bringing the number of solar powered camps to 5 in our portfolio of 9, which are run entirely on renewable energy.
EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE
In the workplace, leading the way in woman empowerment in Botswana with the highest ratio of femail management and 100% citizen run camps.
SOUL & SPIRITUALITY
Staff wellness is key - a dedicated company spiritual leader and wellness co-ordinator ensures employees feel enriched and motivated.
The following camps compliment Nxamaseri Island Lodge well, and should be considered when extending an itinerary.
, Namibia
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Savute Region, Botswana
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana
Etosha National Park, Namibia
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 428 1166 / Fax: (757) 428 0554 / Toll Free: 1 800 322 3867