Remote and beautiful, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp sits under a canopy of ebony trees in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana.
Overview
Rugged and comfortable, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp consists of a shared area and nine tented suites, alongside Burnished teak floors, a steeply pitched thatch roof, and comfortable living and dining spaces.
Made from local timber, reed and thatch, there are indoor and outdoor dining areas, a safari shop and a swimming pool with an expansive viewing deck. There is no TV, radio or cell phone reception, but there is Wi-Fi in the main areas. The camp office has radio communications with Maun and between guides during the activities.
Food & service
With a menu of traditional African and barbeque dishes make the most of the location, and guests can enjoy private bush dinners, breakfast in bed, cocktails on a river island or a walking safari with an al fresco picnic. The evening meal often includes traditional favourites such as pounded beef (seswaa), grilled chicken or kudu steak, and sides of creamed spinach, rice, rosemary baby potatoes, halloumi or vegetable kebabs.
Rooms
Raised on wooden platforms, each of the nine en suite tents are linked by a foot path. Though essentially under canvas, the rooms’ décor and large beds provide a luxurious feel. Each tent has a front porch where two director’s chairs and a table sit overlooking the permanent floodplain, and each has a large en suite shower with teak floorboards. A wooden door has been built into the front of the tent.
Activities
Meaning “place of the giraffe,” Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp offers the experience of water and wildlife on twice-daily wildlife-drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. Bush walks, mokoro (dugout canoe) and powerboat cruises also operate from here. The ‘green’ season, from December to April, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Nxabega also offers a range of massages including aromatherapy, Swedish and Indian head and feet.
Impact
Conservation
The lodges are annually scrutinised as part of a sustainability audit to determine their environmental impact. Water usage, electricity consumption, waste production, fuel and petrol consumption are all monitored. The camp uses a generator, which is turned off at night.