Waterways and Great Unknowns
Botswana's magnificent Okavango Delta is a maze of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 16,000 kmē in flood and shrinking to less than 9,000 kmē in the dry season. Explore one of the most spectacular permanent water sites in the entire Okavango Delta at Xugana Island Lodge, combined with two nights at Savute Safari Lodge. The beauty of this area, created by the silhouettes of the many dead trees which relied on sustenance from the water supply of past years, combined with the congregations of old bull Elephants, diversity of animals and abundance of predators makes Savute Safari Lodge a highlight destination for any safari traveller to Botswana. Geographically, Savuti is a place of mystery and great unknowns.
On arrival in Maun or Kasane, a representative will meet you and assist you onto your scheduled light aircraft for your transfer into the Okavango Delta. On arrival you will be welcomed by the lodge managers and given time to freshen up. Xugana Island Lodge will be your base for the next two nights.
Exploring the Delta by motorboat or canoe (mokoro), combined with walking on surrounding islands in the concession, gives you the chance to experience a classic Okavango Delta safari. Bird-watching opportunities are outstanding, and fishing for bream and tiger fish is also offered as an activity at the lodge.
The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in large raised reed and thatch lagoon facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks situated on the shaded fringe of the island.
After breakfast you will depart from Xugana Island lodge for your scheduled transfer to Savute Safari Lodge, situated on the banks of the dry Savuti channel. Savute Safari Lodge peers out from amongst the beauty of gnarled acacia camel thorn trees and is your base for the next two nights.
Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles are conducted in the Savute area, including the Savute Marsh, and a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills. You will most likely see nearly all the major species in the area, such as giraffe, elephant, zebra, impala, tsessebe, roan, sable, wildebeest, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, eland, as well as predators including lion, hyena, jackal, cheetah and possibly wild dog. The second biggest summer zebra migration in Africa can be seen at Savute. This starts around November / December when the rains fall through to March / April when they end - this is a sight not to be missed!
Savute Safari Lodge accommodates only 24 guests in local timber and glass suites with cool thatching, beautifully furnished in fresh colors. All chalets have private decks, a combined bedroom / lounge area and en-suite facilities.
After breakfast you will depart on a scheduled transfer to Maun or Kasane for your onward journey.
