The Delta revealed: &Beyond safari lodge to reopen in Botswana

Set within a massive, exclusive concession in Botswana's Okavango Delta, this redesigned lodge is immersed in one of the world's most extraordinary wilderness ecosystems.

Luxury adventure company &Beyond has announced the reopening of Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge (formerly Camp) in August 2027, after extensive rebuilding has been completed.

The 90,500-hectare (223,630-acre) concession is situated in the heart of the delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the seasonal flood transforms the landscape into a shifting mosaic of waterways, islands and floodplains.

This delicate ecosystem supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife, and approximately 450 recorded bird species. Guided by the rhythms of the delta itself, the new lodge – originally built as a camp – will bring the landscape into every aspect of the guest experience. 

Inland delta in a desert

The Okavango Delta is unique as one of the world's largest inland deltas, a seasonal wetland in the middle of the Kalahari Desert that supports extraordinary biodiversity and a dynamic ecosystem.

Unlike most deltas that flow into the sea, the Okavango River spreads into the Kalahari Desert, forming a vast inland wetland covering 6,000 to 15,000 square kilometres depending on the season. This alluvial fan creates a network of channels, lagoons, floodplains and islands, with water eventually evaporating or soaking into the sand rather than reaching the ocean.

The delta's extreme flatness, with elevation changes of only about two metres across its area, contributes to its unique hydrology and seasonal flooding patterns.

The delta experiences seasonal flooding from rainfall in the Angolan highlands, with water travelling over 1,200 kilometres before spreading across the delta. This flooding occurs during Botswana's dry season, creating a life-giving oasis that attracts wildlife from surrounding areas.

During peak season around 260,000 mammals including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes and antelope congregate in the delta. The seasonal water pulses also support over 400 bird species, including rare species like the slaty egret and Pel's fishing owl.

Conservation of diverse habitats

The Okavango Delta contains a remarkable variety of habitats within a single protected area. Permanent deepwater channels wind through papyrus and reed beds, opening into lily-covered lagoons. Seasonal floodplains alternate between dry and submerged states, while elevated islands, often formed from termite mounds, support dense woodlands and savannah landscapes. Chief's Island, the largest landmass, provides a core refuge for wildlife during floods.

Botswana's low population density and strict tourism regulations help preserve the delta's pristine condition. Limited safari camps and controlled visitor numbers ensure minimal human impact, maintaining both the ecological integrity and the exclusivity of the safari experience. This careful management has kept the delta largely untouched, supporting rare and endangered species such as cheetahs, African wild dogs, and black and white rhinoceros.

The lodge

At Xaranna Lodge, creative inspirations such as the timeless movement of the floodplains, the linear growth of reeds and Botswana's rich weaving traditions will be translated through the intentional layering of natural materials and tactile finishes such as subtle rope detailing throughout the lodge.

Arriving by boat or road vehicle, guests will be welcomed into the lodge's reception area before moving through a series of open, light-filled interiors that gradually reveal the delta, culminating in generous lounge and living areas framed by uninterrupted views.

The main guest area will serve as Xaranna's social heartbeat, bringing together lounge, dining and creative spaces in a setting inspired by the Setswana (major ethnic group in Botswana) tradition of gathering. Indoor and outdoor dining settings will invite guests to connect over imaginative cuisine, with an interactive kitchen and al forno experience thrown in.

Guests can spend evenings beneath the stars in the traditional boma, settle into the library, or enjoy carefully selected wines in the sculptural wine bodega before going up to the stargazing nest for panoramic views across the floodplains and night sky. 

The lodge has been redesigned to offer an even greater sense of space and privacy, featuring nine expansive suites, each measuring 160 square metres (1,722 square feet) and offering elevated comfort through thoughtfully designed living areas, a personal bar and two-way fireplace.

Each air-conditioned suite will extend outdoors to include spacious seating areas, a private pool and shaded sala, creating quiet places to relax between safari experiences. A new two-bedroom family suite of 404 square metres (4,348 square feet) will further enhance the lodge's offering for families and small groups seeking exclusive accommodation.

The family accommodation comprises two suites, connected by passageways to a central lounge and shared deck, creating a home-inspired sanctuary while retaining the flexibility for the suites to be used individually when required.

Managing Director of &Beyond Southern Africa Lodges, Jason King, said the lodge would introduce a more immersive and holistic approach to luxury safari travel, representing a significant step forward in the company's Botswana portfolio.

"What sets Xaranna Lodge apart is its ability to provide a truly multidimensional sense of place, held by the delta," he said. "It strengthens our Botswana circuit while offering a distinctly delta-led perspective that showcases the depth and diversity of the Okavango experience." 

Daily activities

Beyond the lodge, guests will be able to experience Xaranna's established offering of land-, water- and sky-based adventures, from twice-daily game drives and guided walking safaris to seasonal mokoro (dugout canoe) journeys and motorised boat cruises, with private safaris and scenic helicopter flights available at additional cost.

Each day will be shaped by expert guides who respond to changing wildlife movements, seasonal conditions and the subtle signs of the landscape, ensuring that no two days at Xaranna are ever quite the same.

A lodge for all generations

Thoughtfully designed to consider multigenerational travel, Xaranna will welcome children of all ages and offer &Beyond's WILDchild program, creating opportunities for younger guests to connect with the delta through adventures and hands-on discovery.

Children aged six to 11 years will be welcome on shared game drives subject to the discretion of the lodge manager, while those aged 12 years and older can also join seasonal motorised boat cruises. From age 16, guests can further deepen their connection with the landscape through guided walking safaris and seasonal mokoro excursions, allowing families to experience this remarkable wilderness together. 

Complementing these signature experiences, the renovation will introduce a collection of new wellness, dining and lifestyle offerings that create additional opportunities to engage with the destination beyond traditional safari activities.

Dedicated training areas and wellness spaces will offer premium Technogym equipment, a cold plunge pool and a relaxation deck overlooking the wetlands.

The new lodge is being brought to life by award-winning multidisciplinary design practice, LIFE Interiors Architecture Strategic Design, based in Johannesburg.

More information:

Bookings for &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge are now open at Luxury African Safaris | South America & Asia Tours | andBeyond.

Okavango Delta - For a soulful luxury safari in Botswana

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