Xugana Island Lodge is set in the heart of the Okavango Delta’s most breathtaking permanent water site. Accessed by motorboat, you weave through the channels and winding waterways before reaching the spectacular Xugana Lagoon—a vast, lily-dotted expanse framed by papyrus reeds. Here, primely positioned on a private concession, the lodge immediately impresses with its new […]
We at Desert & Delta Safaris proudly introduce our Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, an exclusive 4-night journey, from 28 November 2025, designed for those seeking deep connection and restoration in Botswana’s brilliant natural environment. Hosted by renowned wellness guide and certified yoga instructor Kerrith O’Fee, this immersive retreat at Nxamaseri Island Lodge blends movement, mindfulness, and […]
We at Desert & Delta Safaris, in partnership with 100% citizen-owned Savannah Expeditions, are reviving one of Botswana’s first exclusive photographic safari lodges, formerly Khwai River Lodge. Opening on 16 March 2026, the newly named Sediba Sa Rona is primed to be the most spectacular property in the Khwai Concession—what we call “The Meeting Point […]
Epic Experiences: The Ultimate Makgadikgadi Pans Adventure An Exclusive 3-Night Journey into Botswana’s Hidden Gem Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The Makgadikgadi Pans are waiting for you. Known for their haunting ethereal beauty and unparalleled remoteness, this unusual destination in Botswana offers a truly unique and immersive experience. Journey into the heart of […]
The sky’s the limit at Leroo La Tau, where epic experiences await in every season. Perched on the western bank of the Boteti River—a vital lifeline for wildlife—Leroo La Tau is where you can stroll from your bed to your private deck or to the photographic hide to see incredible wildlife, including one of Botswana’s […]
Xugana Island Lodge is set in the heart of the Okavango Delta’s most breathtaking permanent water site. Accessed by motorboat, you weave through the channels and winding waterways before reaching
We at Desert & Delta Safaris proudly introduce our Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, an exclusive 4-night journey, from 28 November 2025, designed for those seeking deep connection and restoration in Botswana’s brilliant natural environment. Hosted by renowned wellness guide and certified yoga instructor
We at Desert & Delta Safaris, in partnership with 100% citizen-owned Savannah Expeditions, are reviving one of Botswana’s first exclusive photographic safari lodges, formerly Khwai River Lodge. Opening on 16 March 2026, the newly named Sediba Sa Rona is primed to be the most spectacular property in the Khwai Concession—what we call “The Meeting Point …
The sky’s the limit at Leroo La Tau, where epic experiences await in every season. Perched on the western bank of the Boteti River—a vital lifeline for wildlife—Leroo La Tau is where you can stroll from your bed to your private deck or to the photographic hide to see incredible wildlife…
We at Desert & Delta Safaris are writing a bold new story for the safari industry. Empowering women is part of our DNA—a core value consistently woven into our daily work and shared by all who comprise our incredible team. Throughout our organisation, we celebrate the women who make us stronger, alongside our guests who teach, encourage and support us. From leading game d…
We at Desert & Delta Safaris have proudly partnered with Salt Pans Ultra for an unforgettable Makgadikgadi marathon! As the official Safari Host Sponsor, we’re offering participants exclusive post-race safari experiences, ensuring that every step of this challenge is met with an equally rewarding and life-changing adventure that …
Popularity Piqued by Plight: Pangolin Pressure & Rise to Fame Dubbed the “mammal you’ve never heard of,” the pangolin has risen from obscurity to become a global symbol of the illegal wildlife trade. On World Pangolin Day, we shine a light on what makes these creatures extraordinary, the threats they face, and why their plight has captured the world’s attenti…
The Ultimate Luxury Botswana Safari Experience: 9 Incredible Places to Stay & Explore Botswana is one of Africa’s most coveted safari destinations, offering extraordinary wildlife encounters, pristine landscapes, and activities that bring travellers to the desert and the delta, covering land and water-based…
Introducing Epic Experiences: Introducing our handpicked selection of specially designed mini-packages and enhancements, curated exclusively by us. Our selection of Epic Experiences are designed to offer unparalleled access to hidden gems and remote ancient landscapes hidden away from other travellers. This blog reveals our carefully crafted itinerary t…
Our Okavango Delta gem, Xugana Island Lodge, remains temporarily closed as renovations and rebuilding continue. Our muse is the lodge’s setting, widely recognised as the most spectacular permanent water site in the Okavango Delta region. Renders of what’s to come in May 2025 are here! Have you seen them yet?
Introducing Epic Experiences: Indulge your senses and ignite your spirit with our newly launched Epic Experiences, custom-crafted for mind-blowing journeys. These specialised mini-packages cater to travellers who value both the journey and t…
A Botswana Safari Should Be a Family Tradition Discover a ‘secret season’ – December in Botswana, a time when many overlook the beauty of Africa. This secret season bursts with vibrant colors and new life, making it the perfect backdrop for unforgettable family adventures. Instead of watching the snowfall from the comfort of your home, imagine your little ones beamin…
Custom-crafted for Mind-Blowing Adventure: Unleash your senses and awaken your spirit with our newly introduced Epic Experiences, tailored for unforgettable adventures. Led by expert guides with deep, insider knowledge of Botswana, these experiences are crafted with our signature blend of adventure and exclusivity, with the added pleasure of personalisation. These spe…
The sun blazes relentlessly. Even the air’s moisture cannot escape the season’s heat. A great, grey matriarch draws a dry breath and sweeps her lashes to clear the persistent dust.
Early starts are easy when staying at Nxamaseri Island Lodge. Your Delta-facing suite illuminates with the day’s first light and the birds are already well awake, welcoming the new day with a cacophony of melodies which Mother Nature seems to orchestrate herself.
The Spectacular Safari Renaissance in the Heart of Botswana’s Remarkable Savute Region Savute Safari Lodge, part of the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio of luxury lodges, has officially reopened after a complete rebuild. A highlight for travellers for the past 25 years, the new Savute Safari Lodge elevates the safari experience to new luxury stand…
Winter has blown its initial breaths over the region, and with the cooler weather has come a bounty of predator action. Milder weather is especially favoured by big cats who are usually most active at dusk and dawn. With the sun rising and setting later, the opportunity to witness them has expanded slightly—and we have not been disappointed. Mu…
Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Experience Unveiled by Desert & Delta Safaris – Opening September 15, 2024 Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary adventure as Desert & Delta Safaris, renowned for their luxury and responsible safari experiences in Botswana, introduces their latest one-of-a-kind experience: the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp. This exceptional overnight expeditio…
Come 15 June, you’ll have another epic adventure on offer when visiting us. Our Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Experiences will again be open until 31 October, solidifying the small yet brilliant window that allows us to bring you to what feels like the meeting point between Earth an…
Specialist Guiding adds an extra touch of privacy and exclusivity to our safari adventures, catering to the needs and desires of special interest travellers, celebrities, and families with specific goals in mind. At the heart of every adventure we undertake, it is you who gives life and purpose to our journey….
Mark Muller, an expert birder from Botswana, asserts that among avid birders in Southern Africa, there’s unanimous agreement on the most thrilling species to encounter: the Pel’s Fishing Owl, and we’re lucky enough to have a resident pair breeding at Camp Xakanaxa—a spec…
Come 1 June 2024, we’ll be welcoming you to a newly built and furnished Savute Safari Lodge. What you’ll discover is a refreshed haven from which to experience the best of the Savuti region.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge Unveils Refurbishment and Launches the First Wellness Spa in the Okavango Pan Handle Desert & Delta Safaris is delighted to announce the upcoming extensive refurbishment of Nxamaseri Island Lodge, reopening on the 1st May 2024. The revitalized lodge introduces a spacious and inviting main area that immerses guests in the tranquil wat…
Join us as we raise a glass to the magic of travel and the positive impact we can make together! As we welcome the holidays and start to say farewell to 2023, we find ourselves reflecting on the extraordinary moments and positive impact created by our incredible guests, we mean you. Thank you for the endless memories and making what we do truly matter, to those who chose to embark on a journey …
To guide you through the orchestration of your dream safari, we present a step-by-step guide that transforms the planning process into an adventure in itself—an exploration of your aspirations and an anticipation of the unexpected moments awaiting you. Step 1: Define Your Safari Goals Imagine standing amidst Botswana’s diverse landscapes, surrounded by wildlife in their natu…
A Mokoro safari with Desert and Delta Safaris is not just an adventure; it’s an invitation to a truly immersive delta experience. For those yearning for an authentic, unique and immersive encounter with nature, a Mokoro safari stands as the epitome nature’s immersion. In this blog, let the anticipation build as we delve into the unparalleled thrill of navigating the crystal-clear waters of the…
Embarking on a safari in Botswana is a thrilling adventure for any wildlife photographer. The landscapes are diverse, the wildlife abundant, and the opportunities for capturing unique awe-inspiring moments are endless. In this blog, we’ll delve into the art of wildlife photography, offering essential tips for those eager to document the untamed beauty of Botswana through their lens. Here are 12…
Join us on a trail of discovery in Botswana’s wild places and follow the footprints of its wildlife, our neighbours. Zebra Migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans: A Monochrome Mirage
Botswana beauty stretches beyond the big five and beautiful vastly different landscapes. The heart of Botswana is painted with strokes of feathered brilliance, a birdwatcher’s paradise. As the various seasons arrive, these landscapes transform and with this a new ensemble of wild winged wonders grace the skies. Come, let us help you learn about Botswana’s feathered friends with our birds-eye vi…
A Map to Botswana’s Watery Treasures: Barbel Run and Tiger Fishing in the Okavango Panhandle Are you an adventurous traveler…
INTRODUCING THE MAKGADIKGADI HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE In the heart of Botswana’s untamed wilderness, an u…
Our Namibian Escape under a star-filled Sky Experience the enchantment of our hidden gem nestled along the northern bank of the Chobe River in the Eastern Caprivi of Namibia. Chobe Savanna Lodge is your idyllic African retreat under a star-filled sky, where modern comforts harmonise with the untamed nature of Chobe National Park’s Puku Flats. If you’re seeking an African…
A Natural Symphony: The Annual Ballet of Water and Floods in Botswana’s Delta Welcome to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where nature choreographs an extraordinary annual spectacle. Nestled in the heart of southern Africa, this unique ecosystem transforms into a watery wonderland each year as the floods of the Okavango River breathe life into the landscape. Join us on a journ…
From the mystifying channel drying up to the incredible black and white striped zebra migration, the Makgadikgadi salt Pans, which can be experienced on our salt pans sleep out and the integral Boteti River – Leroo La Tau is a place that allows you to relax in luxury and enjoy the peace and tranquility of your own space where wildlife can be seen in abundance during the migratory months. Our ch…
Welcome to the Moremi Game Reserve, an oasis of wilderness in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Spanning over 5,000 square kilometers, this reserve is home to some of the wildest experiences you could imagine in the heart of Africa. This vast protected area is teeming with an incredible variety of wildlife, includi…
Botswana is a country that is often overlooked by travelers, we’re about to share a few reasons why it shouldn’t be. This Southern African nation is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are the top 9 reasons to visit Botswana in 2023. A Wildlife Wonderland for Safari Goers
Travellers are now seeking new off-beat destinations with an array of entirely new experiences, unheard of or overlooked places. A place to find meaning in their travels, authentic, real life and unsculptured. We call this place, The Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s greatest and most pristine wildernesses. If you’ve been staring at your Google browser and searching for keywords like “Best …
Gathering at the Waterhole or in this case, Lagoon We are always talking about the abundant herds of Elephants in Botswana, these gentle giants are everywhere. Their significance to us however is not their numbers, it’s about the imprint that an Elephant leaves on us. We have the fierce spirit that comes with being a pride of lions, like a pack of wild dogs we passionately clan toge…
THE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK HAS MORE SECRETS THAN SUNSETS, AND OUR FAVOURITE IS SAVUTE. We all love an enchanting sunset and the incredible shades and hues it casts over dreamy landscapes below. And in places like Savute in the Chobe National Park, there is more to each sunset and landscape than meets the eye. Did you know that sunlight is actually white in colour? At least, that is how astronau…
Ignite your love on an intimate romantic safari in Africa. Close your eyes and picture you and your better half on holiday. What is the first image that comes to mind? A kiss in front of the Eiffel tower, a paradisal villa in the Maldives or an evening gondola excursion in an Italian canal? Instead of following the flocks to the most Instagrammed destinations, sit back and imagine yourself i…
THE BIRDS MIGRATE TO AFRICA FOR CHRISTMAS, YOU SHOULD TOO Christmas continues in Africa beyond December. We celebrate the festive season with shimmering wetlands, rolling emerald landscapes and sun-hats, instead of white glistening snow and winter jackets. You might say we live in the Garden of Eden. Christmas in Africa is magical; a secret season filled with w…
Has Botswana been calling? Have the trumpets of Botswana been echoing in your dreams? It means Africa is call…
Today’s travellers are looking beyond their first impressions, they’re searching for truly immersive experiences and here’s why. The world is filled with magic and mystery. The only way to find it is by digging a little deeper instead of simply scratching the surface. This year we’re celebrating 40-years of discoveri…
Since its inception in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris has been empowering Botswana through tourism. In 2022, Desert & Delta celebrates their 40thAnniversary, and to commemorate the incredible journey, a stunning new book documenting an impressive and remarkable history marks the occasion. Titled ‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together.’ The 132…
Last week Chobe Holdings Limited (Desert & Delta Safaris Botswana Stock Exchange listed holding company) announced the appointment of Lempheditse Odumetse as Group Managing Director. The appointment is effective 24 February 2022. Mr Odumetse assumes the position of Group Managing Director from Mr Jonathan Gibson who remains the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman. Born and …
We would like to reassure our travellers and travel partners that Desert & Delta Safaris and destination Botswana is travel ready. Right now! We are now seeing the lifting of all travel restrictions and the rescinding of travel bans imposed on our region. This comes after the “knee-jerk” reaction from the UK government a few weeks ago and the other countries that followed subsequent to …
To celebrate the freedom to travel again we are launching an amazing competition. Travel in Africa has the ability to create so much positive change. Increasing conservation efforts and importantly uplifting and empowering local citizens. There is so much to be grateful for and to recognise this we’ll be sharing ten videos in the next 4-weeks showcasing the remarkable experiences on offer …
Desert & Delta Safaris is delighted to announce a new addition to its luxury lodge portfolio. The company which is based, owned and operated in Botswana, has purchased Nxamaseri Island Lodge, increasing its stunning range of lodges and camps to a total of nine. The addition of Nxamaseri Island Lodge truly complements the existing eight lodges and camps, which comprises of
Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s iconic parks. The Chobe River forms the park’s northern boundary, creating a vital water point during the dry season. Equally, it provides valuable grazing along the floodplains when the rivers annual floods recced. The riverine habitat which follows the river hosts a diversity of mammal species that are not be found in the more arid regions of Botswana…
In today’s climate, the most discerning luxury travellers are seeking privacy in their African safaris. That is why we have created a brand-new exclusive-use experience in the spectacular Okavango Delta with our intimate Xugana Island Lodge. A secluded sanctuary, Xugana Island Lodge a…
Desert & Delta Safaris sponsored student, Ngeepertjike Ngaruka from Tsodilo Junior Secondary School, has attained first place out of the whole of Botswana with his excellent exam results! We are proud of him for his outstanding achievements and we wish him all the best in his future studies and we can’t wait to see him continue to shine and be a part of your journey. As part of our
The global vaccine rollout is helping boost consumer confidence. Airline schedules around the world are ramping up and the road to recovery has begun in earnest. . We’ve heard of new terms like “Revenge Travel” pop up. The idea that after over a year in lockdown there is a massive pent up…
It is with great pleasure we announce the reopening of our beloved Chobe Savanna Lodge, on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. After a period of extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lodge will officially re-open it’s doors on the 15th of June 2021. In celebration of the opening of the lodge, we are offering an amazing opening special for any n…
Earlier this year we announced the launch of our new Salt Pans Sleep-Out at Leroo La Tau as an incredible new experience on offer in the Makgadikgadi region. Leroo La Tau is not the only lodge in our circuit that has been hard at work in the lockdown. We are delighted to no…
While travel remains limited, our operations team in Botswana has been hard at work refining our safari offering. We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of a new once in a lifetime experience: The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan Sleep Out. This extraordinary, experiential sleep out, under the stars on the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pan is a truly amazing encounter. Guests staying three nights or more …
Welcome to the next edition of our monthly update bringing you news and wildlife movements from the regions we operate in Botswana. Before we get into the latest updates, please take a moment to watch our final CARES Movement video – a message of thanks to you for the support…
The Desert & Delta Safaris CARES Movement was a remarkable success with over $20,000 raised for co-existence support for local communities and wildlife in Botswana! By June this year we realised the COVID crisis wasn’t going to be over anytime soon. The Desert & Delta Safaris team decided to get together to discuss how we could come up with a campaign that would not o…
Welcome to our new logo and Desert & Delta Safaris branding. A fresh, modern feel in keeping with the evolution of the company over recent years. When it comes to the luxury safari sector, our group has one of the largest proportions of local citizens in senior positions in Africa. We consider ourselves first and foremost an organisation empowering the people of Botswana, through wildlife-base…
Through the downturn of travellers in Botswana, our operations teams and camp staff have maintained a presence in our camps and continue to enjoy the prolific wildlife our guests would normally experience on safari. Walter Smith, our Operations Director recently spent quality time at Savute Safari Lodge. He got out on a game drive to check on the Northern Pride and sent us these specia…
Join the CARES Movement by booking a safari voucher now and help us raise $ 10,000 for local Botswana community projects. . The Covid-19 crisis has crippled the world economy and travel & tourism is one of the worst affected industries. In…
Silence. A crunch. A rustle. A grumble. A snarl. A growl. A bark. A snort. A splash. A yelp. A laugh. A call. Silence How many of these sounds did you hear while on safari? And how many of these sounds did you recognize as the possible presence of one of the fantastic animals you came to see? There are many ways for you to enhance your safari experience. One of them is learning what to liste…
INTRODUCTION TO THE MONTHLY CAMP UPDATES Welcome to the first post of our Desert & Delta Safaris monthly updates. The purpose of these posts is to bring you monthly updates and behind the scenes stories from our camps and lodges. We will focus on relevant topics such as water level updates in the Oka…
Mana Meadows recently visited Leroo La Tau and spoke to stalwart Desert & Delta Safaris staff member Action on creating a combination safari in Botswana. Here’s what he had to say.
If you’ve been to Xugana Island Lodge in the last year, chances are you won’t forget meeting “Slade” – the softly spoken giant with the serene smile who is as passionate about the Okavango Delta as he is about guiding. We know lots of you want to hear from Slade so we caught up with him recently at Xugana. Writer and photographer Mana Meadows met up with Slad…
Famed for being able to remember names and faces of all guests who pass through camp (no easy feat in a big and busy camp like Savute Safari Lodge) – Chef Maggie is shy but assertive – her bright smile warming you up as soon as you meet her. Margaret Makgetho started with Desert and Delta Safaris in October 2007 – moving from the laundry and housekeeping departme…
Botswana’s very own – Ghost and the darkness You may have watched or at least heard about the gripping story and movie of two man-eating lions in Kenya’s Tsavo region in 1898. Well, the two lions in the story to follow are certainly not famous for the same reasons but our Marketing Manager, Andrew, has nicknamed them after the movie title as a result of a few ‘bone-c…
Our business is all about the way Desert and Delta Safaris CARES. Today on International Women’s Day, we are focusing specifically on the ‘E’ from CARES: EQUALITY. Women play a pivotal part in the success of any business and we are so proud of our empowerment initiatives, we have Africa’s first and only all-women guiding team at Chobe Game Lodge. Our drive towards empowering women in th…
On the 10th January 2020 – Florence Kagiso (Chobe Game Lodge) and Ernest Chaba & James Wilson (Desert & Delta Safaris) headed for the United States on their first #ResponsibleTravelTour. Their mission was to spread the word about the real positive impact of tourism in Botswana when it c…
She’s in love with her job and the whole world can see it – her positivity is infectious. She’s also currently the first and only woman guide in the Desert & Delta bush camps, currently based at Camp Xakanaxa. Leeng Lynn Tebalo talks to us about her experiences of entering this male-dominated arena, and how your attitude is e…
We love receiving stories and photos from our guests who have travelled to Botswana with us. Below is a lovely account . from Kiley and Jennifer who did a five-night safari earlier this year. One of the reasons we chose Botswana as a destination was for the variety of environments and the opportunity to see different concentrations of animals in different places. The quality of the cam…
The Moremi Game Reserve is well known for its comprehensive protective measures in regards to the wildlife within its parameters. This has allowed for the co-existence of different species of predators such as wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas to name a few. On the 15th of May, the Desert & Delta Safaris guides team spotted a special sighting in the Xakanaxa area. Several different pre…
Ishmael Mogamisi is passionate about two things: guiding, and teaching – so we’re really glad he decided to combine the two and lead a new generation of Desert and Delta safari guides. He talks to us about guiding – and what it takes to be a great guide.
Ernest Chaba is always on the move. His flexibility and ability to think quick and on his feet have meant he’s an ideal candidate for moving between the Desert and Delta camps, problem solving, training new managers – and relief managing when needed.
Guest writer Mana Meadows goes on a walking safari with Camp Xugana’s head guide Batanani “Slade” Mmegwa and wonders if her Monday mornings will ever be the same again.
Meet Olepeng Maitapiso –or simply “Ollie” who hails from a town deep within the Okavango Delta and has been with Desert and Delta for over twelve years. By Mana Meadows. Ollie’s roots may be buried deep amongst the wetlands and lily pads of the Okavango Delta but his heart is with the dry scrubland of the Boteti region, a little-explored wilderness which he is proud to call ho…
A sighting you didn’t even know was on your bucket list until you see this! BB – the manager at Xugana Island Lodge recounts seeing a very special sighting of a Pel’s fishing Owl fighting off a baby crocodile for a fish. “Bird watching is like stamps collecting –you don’t really appreciate it until you already have some stamps in your collection to admire and compare(Rael and Helene…
Can a landscape make you who you are? Ngande Shimwe, more fondly known as “Baba”, the big man with the even bigger heart and one of Desert and Delta’s most well-loved guides says Savute has given him everything he has. Guest post by Mana Meadows “I feel I’m part of the landscape. I feel I’m part of the wildlife also.” Known for his special relationship with the Marsh pri…
At the annual We Are Africa travel show in Cape Town last month, which brings together the best and the brightest from the African tourism industry and worldwide partners, two of our people walked away winners at the Innovation awards. Gorata Nyame from Savute Safari Lodge and Albert Ndereki from Chobe Game Lodge won the Rise Africa and the Shape Africa awards, respectively. Gorata’s Rise…
Our latest guest blog feature is by Walter Smith who visited Camp Xakanaxa where he and his family enjoyed the sighting of a lifetime involving a lioness, her cub and a pack of wild dogs. This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the Moremi Game Reserve with my family and we enjoyed our stay at Camp Xakanaxa immensely. We took a drive to Paradise Pools as we …
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