Nxamaseri Island Lodge Unveils Refurbishment

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 waters of the Okavango, embraced by the shade of ancient Jackalberry and African Mangosteen trees, imparting the essence of a true island oasis.

A highlight of the refurbishment is the introduction of the first-ever Wellness Spa in the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio. The serene and tastefully constructed spa is situated over the waters of the Nxamaseri channel, nestled within the enchanting papyrus beds. Guests will be treated to a harmonious chorus of bird songs as the backdrop to their spa treatments on the over-water deck.

To enhance the spa experience, each guest will be invited for a complimentary “treatment of the month,” further elevating the sense of luxury and relaxation. Adding to the uniqueness, guests can arrive for their treatments by traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe), ensuring a serene start to their wellness session.

The incorporation of local culture is a key theme in the new developments at Nxamaseri Island Lodge. Matthew Johnson, Managing Director of Desert & Delta Safaris, explains, “We want guests to understand the spiritual significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Tsodilo Hills before they visit. We will bring a range of images, books, paintings into the new camp and incorporate ingredients still used in the ancient San Culture as part of our wellness treatments in the Spa.”

The lodge will offer guests the opportunity to engage with both ancient and modern African culture through activities such as learning the art of basket weaving—a practice still employed by local fishermen. Menus at Nxamaseri will undergo a transformation, focusing on inspired dishes featuring healthy juices, meals, and using freshly sourced herbs and vegetables from the camp’s garden plot.

In a region without game drives or busy safari schedules, Nxamaseri Island Lodge stands out for its individually crafted activity schedules and interactive experiences. The lodge provides the perfect setting to slow down before or after a bustling safari trip, offering opportunities to explore the ancient culture at Tsodilo Hills or partake in activities such as fishing.

Guests can wake up to the symphony of prolific birdlife and enjoy a gentle mokoro ride for a full-body massage at the new Wellness Spa without feeling like they missed out on a safari activity.

Other enhancements include the relocation of the swimming pool to the edge of the Nxamaseri channel, creating a more shaded swimming area surrounded by the papyrus of the Okavango Delta.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge brings wellness to the Okavango Pan Handle – Botswana

Nxamaseri Island Lodge recently closed for an extensive refurbishment, reopening 1st May 2024. A new spacious and welcoming main area will bring guests closer to the soothing waters of the Okavango, sheltered by a canopy of ancient Jackalberry & African Mangosteen trees, creating the feel of a true island oasis.

A serene and simple spa will be tastefully constructed in a tranquil setting over the water of the Nxamaseri channel and nestled into the papyrus beds. A chorus of bird songs will set the scene for treatments on the over-water deck.

Each guest will be invited for a complimentary “treatment of the month”

To make this SPA experience even more unique, guests will be invited to arrive for their treatment by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) making the whole process one of pure serenity. The new developments taking place at the lodge will weave local culture into the look and feel of the experience.

“We want guest’s to understand the spiritual significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Tsodilo Hills before they visit. We will bring a range of images, books, paintings into the new camp and incorporate ingredients still used in the ancient SAN Culture as part of our wellness treatments in the Spa.” Matthew Johnson (Managing Director Desert & Delta Safaris)

To blend both ancient and modern African culture guests will be able to learn the art of basket weaving where local fisherman still practice this method to trap their fish or use grass baskets to sieve the sorghum.

Inspired menus will also be reimagined at Nxamaseri with a focus on healthy smoothies and juices, unprocessed meals and freshly sourced herbs and vegetables from the camps garden plot.

In a region without game-drives or busy safari schedules, Nxamaseri Island Lodge is about individually crafted activity schedules and interactive experiences. The perfect destination to slow down before or after a busy safari trip. Engage with the ancient culture on a visit to Tsodilo Hills to witness some of Africa’s most impressive ancient rock art.

Or take a morning to enjoy a spot of fishing or simply wake up to the sound of the prolific birdlife and take a gentle mokoro for a full body massage at the new SPA.

Other changes include relocating the swimming pool to the edge of the Nxamaseri channel to enjoy a more shaded swimming area amongst the papyrus of the Okavango Delta.