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OVERVIEW ON NXABEGA CAMP IN OKAVANGO DELTA
Nxabega Camp is located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in a 8000 hectare exclusive wildlife concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Meaning “Place of the Giraffe,” Nxabega is ideally positioned to explore the magnificence of the Okavango. The camp is known for its elegant tented accommodation with breathtaking views of the ever-changing Okavango Delta. It is a skillful combination of luxury and integration with the environment. Nine exclusive tented suites on raised wooden platforms are tucked under a canopy of African ebony trees, featuring en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the reeded molapo (floodplain). The heart of Nxabega lies in its handsome living and dining areas – burnished teak floors underfoot and windows and doors frame a lofty space crowned by a steeply pitched thatch roof. The guest areas, made from the local timber, reed and thatch, include indoor and outdoor dining, a Safari Shop and a swimming pool with expansive deck overlooking the floodplain. From this springboard of comfort, guests are able to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the Okavango Delta. Private bush dinners, breakfasts in bed, lamplit cocktails on a river island or a walking safari with al fresco picnic are provided with pleasure by Nxabega’s warm and friendly staff.
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Location Of Nxabega Camp
Nxabega Okavango Delta Camp is set in a private concession of 8000 hectares (19800 acres) to the southeast of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve in the center of one of the most unique regions in the world, the Okavango Delta. Renowned for its lush waterways and abundant wildlife, the Okavango is home to a number of aquatic and land species. Located in northern Botswana, the Okavango River is a unique natural phenomenon – flowing more than 1 000 km (620 miles) from its source in Angola, this river disappears beneath the sands of Botswana, creating a lush inland delta in the midst of this otherwise arid country. The Okavango Delta is in a constant state of flux, expanding and contracting according to the rainy season. While some parts of the Delta remain permanently flooded, others only experience high water levels from May to September, when rain waters from Angola reach the outer stretches of the Okavango. Covering approximately one third of the Delta, permanent swamp areas are lush and green, with groves of wild date palm, papyrus and water lilies growing around deep lagoons lined with riverine forest. Seasonal swamps, on the other hand, contain a network of small channels cutting their way through papyrus and reed beds to create islands of all shapes and sizes. Nxabega is located in riverine forest on the channels and lagoons of the southern, seasonal part of the Delta.
Safari Experience At Nxabega Camp
The abundant water in the Okavango’s permanent channels sustains a dense forest of tall trees, which are forced upward in the race for ample sunlight. Little grass survives among the shrubs and creepers in their deep shade. Among the trees in this forest, the sausage tree is notable not only for its pendulous fruit and large, crimson flowers, but also for the fact that traditional mokoro (dugout canoes) are frequently made from its boughs or trunk. The riverine forest is home to prolific birdlife, including the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, and fruit bats are attracted to the abundant fig trees, feeding on the juicy fruit after dark. Nxabega is situated in an area that boasts a number of permanent river channels that flow throughout the year. The steady water supply creates a distinctive layer of vegetation, with lush beds of tall papyrus, miscanthus grass, evergreen figs and ferns. This is another good birding area. A pair of Pel’s fishing owls are regularly seen near Nxabega, attracted by the large variety of fish found in the channels. Clear lagoons are created where channels open up, dotted with floating rafts of water lilies, water chestnut and other aquatic plants. Families of hippo bask in the open water and Cape clawless otter may be spotted. Although dry for two thirds of the year, large areas of the Okavango Delta are inundated during the winter months, creating a maze of marshes, small wooded islands and shallow lagoons. Water lilies and other aquatic plants flourish in the shallow water, with water birds such as the wattled crane on the prowl for any of a variety of frog species. The semi-aquatic red lechwe antelope can be spotted around the outskirts of the marsh. When the floodwaters evaporate, these lagoons turn into broad expanses of grassland, where herds of buffalo, tssesebe and blue wildebeest graze. Wildlife generally seen during game activities are baboon, jackal, mongoose, elephant, bufallo, giraffe, hippo, honey badger, hyena, impala, lechwe, leopard, lion, monkey, pangolin, porcupine, tsessebe, warthog, wildebeest, zebra and many more.
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Activities At Nxabega Camp
Twice daily game drives guests can explore the rich wildlife surrounding Nxabega on early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open air safari vehicle, accompanied by an armed guide and tracker. The landscape traversed on game drives includes floodplains, as well as seasonal grassland, woodland, shrub-land and savanna. Game drives track the big game, as well as a variety of other animals, including the semi-aquatic lechwe and sitatunga antelope. Take a leisurely walk in the surroundings of the Camp to take in the sights, smells and sounds of the Okavango Delta, accompanied by an armed guide. Nxabega is situated in riverine forest, with tall trees and abundant shrubs. Learn about how elephant are vital to the survival of the fan palm, try to spot the elusive Pel’s fishing owl and keep a sharp eye out for the shy bushbuck. River cruises in an electrically powered ‘eco boat’ or mokoro – explore the waterways of the Okavango by boat in the company of our experienced guides. Learn the fascinating details of the Delta’s network of channels, fringed by dense reeds and papyrus. A good variety of fish can be found in the clear waters fishing trips can be arranged on request during fishing season (1 March to 31 December). Spot the nests of weavers and warblers in the papyrus beds and watch out for malachite kingfishers among the taller stems. Beautifully colored frog species, such as the painted reed frog, abound. Waterlilies brighten up the surface of lagoons, where sleepy hippo splash beneath the surface.
Summary For Nxabega Camp
- Situated near permanent channels of the Okavango Delta
- Nxabega Camp offers a water and wilderness experience with the excitement of viewing big game on land.
- Exclusive access to 70 km2 comprising six broad habitats and diverse bird, plant and animal species (birders might well see the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl)
- Mokoro (canoe) and power boat excursions
- The architecture and infrastructure is guided by the principle of a light footprint
- Delicious Pan African meals
- Scheduled Air Botswana flights to Maun or Kasane. Transfer by light aircraft to Nxabega Camp airstrip. Ten minute transfer from the airstrip to the camp, game viewing en route. Flights to Maun or Kasane. Transfer by light aircraft to Nxabega Camp airstrip. Ten minute transfer from the airstrip to the camp, game viewing en route.
- Nine East African-style safari tents on raised wooden platforms with private decks overlooking a floodplain. All tents have an ensuite shower and w.c, and are elegantly furnished with wardrobes, luggage racks, chairs, dressing tables and bedside tables.
- The lodge is not fenced off, and we request guests to be extremely vigilant at all times. Under no circumstances is a guest to walk around the lodge/camp at night, unless accompanied by a security guard.
- Magnificent elevated main building constructed in local timber, reed and thatch with sweeping views. The camp comprises a dining room, sitting room and expansive decks. There is outside dining and a swimming pool and Safari Shop.
- Morning, afternoon/early evening safari drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, boating and mekoro (dugout canoe) excursions. Birdwatching is excellent. Fishing is permitted between the months of March and December.
- Swimming pool
- Children are welcome. Regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in the regular game drives and mokoro activities. Children 16 years and older can participate in guided walks and mokoro activities. Childminders can be booked at an additional cost. Children aged 6 to 11 years are accommodated on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion. An extra bed can be arranged for a child sharing its parents’ suite. No more than 1 triple in camp at any one time.
