AndBeyond Gives Xaranna Okavango Camp a Luxury Makeover

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is set to enter an exciting new chapter in August 2027 with an extensive rebuild that will see the intimate safari camp evolve and reopen as andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge. The complete transformation will reveal an entirely new lodge experience, with nine suites, including a two-bedroom Family Suite, redesigned guest areas, a dedicated wellness center, and expanded dining experiences. Located within an exclusive 223,630-acre concession in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the seasonal flood transforms the landscape into a shifting mosaic of waterways, islands and floodplains, the lodge will bring the landscape into every aspect of the guest experience while retaining the intimate character, exceptional guiding and wilderness experiences that have long defined Xaranna.

Overseen by award-winning multidisciplinary design practice LIFE Interiors Architecture Strategic Design, the redesigned lodge will reflect the ever-changing relationship between land and water in the Okavango. Creative inspirations such as the gentle movement of the floodplains, the linearity of reeds and Botswana's rich weaving traditions will be translated through the intentional layering of natural material and tactile finishes such as subtle rope detailing throughout the lodge. A softened palette of sage and forest green will accentuate the blonde linen and textured weaves, while timber and beaten brass bring warmth and depth.

Space and privacy drive the new design. Each of the lodge’s nine air-conditioned suites, measuring 1,722 square feet, feature a living area, personal bar and two-way fireplace, along with spacious outdoor seating areas, a private pool and shaded sala. A new two-bedroom Family Suite (4,348 square feet) will further enhance the lodge's offering for families and small groups seeking exclusive accommodation. The family accommodation will include two Suites, connected by interleading passageways to a central lounge and shared deck.

Whether arriving by boat or vehicle, guests will move through a series of light-filled spaces that reveal the Delta step by step, ending in lounge and living areas framed by uninterrupted views over the delta. The main guest area, inspired by the Setswana tradition of gathering, brings together lounge, dining and creative spaces as the social heart of the lodge. Indoor and outdoor dining settings will invite guests to connect over exceptional cuisine, while an interactive kitchen and al forno experience will create a more immersive culinary journey. Evenings will be spent around the fire in the traditional boma, the library, or the sculptural wine bodega, before heading up to the stargazing nest for views across the floodplains and night sky. Throughout, the lodge is designed to slow the pace and heighten the senses, encouraging guests to savor the quieter moments between adventures and connect more deeply with the shifting rhythms of the Okavango Delta.

With the understanding that restoration is an essential part of any meaningful safari, the new dedicated wellness center will offer another way of connecting with the landscape. It will combine tailored Healing Earth treatments, a bespoke apothecary, and a range of water-based experiences, including a hammam, a Rasul mud-and-steam therapy, both rain and Vichy showers, an outdoor hot tub and a hydrotherapy deck. A new fitness area also adds premium Technogym equipment, a cold plunge pool and a relaxation deck overlooking the wetlands, for guests who want to stay active between game drives.

This delicate ecosystem supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife, including approximately 450 recorded bird species. Each day will be shaped by andBeyond’s expert guides who respond to changing wildlife movements, seasonal conditions and the subtle signs of the landscape, ensuring that no two days are ever quite the same. Xaranna’s established offering of land-, water- and sky-based adventures will continue from twice-daily game drives and guided walking safaris to seasonal mokoro journeys, motorized boat cruises, and community experiences. Private safaris and scenic helicopter flights will also be available at an additional cost.

Xaranna will welcome children through andBeyond'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. Those 12 years and older can also join seasonal motorized boat cruises, and from age 16, guests can take part in guided walking safaris and seasonal mokoro excursions.

“What sets andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge apart is its ability to provide a truly multidimensional sense of place, held by the Delta. The lodge will introduce a more immersive and holistic approach to luxury safari travel, representing a significant step forward in our Botswana portfolio. Alongside Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp and our Under Canvas camps, it strengthens our Botswana circuit while offering a distinctly Delta-led perspective that showcases the depth and diversity of the Okavango experience,” says Jason King, Managing Director of andBeyond Southern Africa Lodges.

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge is set to reopen in August 2027. Bookings for andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge are now open. For more information, visit andBeyond.com or contact your preferred travel provider.