Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge

Okavango Delta

Rating: Deluxe

highlights

Game drives, guided walks plus seasonal boat and mokoro rides
Secluded suites with attic hideaways
Remote, unspoilt setting
Learn survival skilss from a Bushman
Indoor and outdoor dining

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge overview

NOTE: Sadly Xudum was destroyed in a bushfire in May 2019 - watch this space for details on a rebuild.

With just 9 suites, Xudum is an exclusive lodge and has a priviledged position beside a lagoon in the Okavango Delta. The lodge is built among trees, which offer shade and privacy. Days are busy with boat trips, mokoro rides, game drives and bush walks, as you explore the varied scenery and search for wildlife. There is also time to enjoy the luxuries of the lodge, as you snuggle up on a sofa in the open-sided lounge with a ringside view of the delta landscape and swap stoies with felow travellers.

Food is freshly prepared in full view in the interactive kitchen - you can even offer to lend a hand if you wish, any help will be appreciated! Meals are served in the dining room, al fresco on one of the many decks or by the campfire, and you also have the option to dine on your own deck should you prefer.

The suites are superbly spacious, and each has an upper storey bedroom and deck with far reaching views. There's a second bedroom on the lower floor, leading to the en-suite bathroom with a shower and a large bathrub positioned to look out over the lagoon. There's a further outdoor shower, and a private deck with comfy seats and a plunge pool.

details

Open: Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge is open all year.

Location: Xudum is in a private reserve in a remote part of the Okavango Delta, on an island surrounded by permanent and seasonal waterways. The nearest airstrip is about a 2 hour drive away.

Rooms: There are 9 suites, all facing the lagoon and arranged to either side of the main area. Each has a downstairs bedroom with a sitting area, and a few steps down to the en-suite bathroom with a bath, shower, separate toilet and an outdoor shower. The lower deck includes a plunge pool. Steps lead up from the main bedroom to a further room with a large day bed and deck. Facilities include a minibar, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, insect repellent and a bag with a skipping rope, weights and an exercise mat.

Activities: Xudum offers morning game drives and afternoon boat rides (seasonal) or game drives. You can also accompany a guide on a nature walk. Mokoro rides and fishing are offered when water levels permit. You can take a half-day walk with a Bushman guide to learn how they have adapted to life in this region. Other activities which can be paid for locally include helicopter flights and horse riding. This is a good bird watching area.

Facilities: The main lodge has a number of decks and houses the dining and lounge areas. The dining room has the kitchen to one side, where you can see meals being prepared. There is a boma and camp fire, and a jetty from which mokoros are launched. The lodge has a gift shop. There is a complimentary laundry service.

Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables indoors and outdoors.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Xudum offers the WILDchild programme, with fun activities for youngsters. Children below the age of 6 years cannot participate in wildlife activities. Those aged 12 years and older are permitted on game drives, and those between 6 and 12 can take part at the discretion of the camp manager. Boat trips are available to those over 16, but children aged 12 and over may be able to take part at the discretion of the manager. The minimum age for bush walks is 16. Suites can accommodate 1 child in an extra bed.

Health: This is a malarial area.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in the main area of the lodge.