Location

• Okavango Delta, central east area
• Within the Moremi Game Reserve

Xakanaxa is located in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, rated as one of Africa’s most beautiful game reserves, about 50 kilometres to the west of the Khwai Gate and about 140 kilometres to the north of Maun. Situated on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, Xakanaxa boasts one of the prime locations in all of Botswana. Towering riverine forests, open savannah, seasonal floodplains, permanent lagoons, rivers and the intricate channels of the Okavango Delta surround the camp and makes for a varied habitat that ensures the safari traveller of the very best all-year-round Okavango Delta land and water experience.

The Moremi Reserve is rated as one of Africa’s finest game-viewing areas, offering sanctuary to abundant herds of elephant, sable, giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala and waterbuck. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena complete the picture.

Children aged 5 years and over are accepted in camp.

Children under age 12 must share with their parents or an adult and extra camper bed can be placed in double unit to share with 2 adults. Triples for adults (over age of 12) not permitted.

Parents must take full responsibility and supervision needed. The camp is open and game wanders through the lodge, also on the Khwai River.

Thirteen tents in total consisting of:

• 12 x twin bedded tents – can be arranged as single or double beds
• 1 x guide/pilot tent (same standard as guest tent)
• The camp can accommodate 24 guests plus tour leader
• Accommodation Amenities
• All canvas, Meru-style classic luxury safari tents on raised decks
• En-suite facilities within tent – shower, hand basin and ablution facilities
• Fans in all guest tents
• A unique water sprinkler system aids cooling in the midday heat
• Plug points for charging equipment
• Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each tent
• A hairdryer is supplied in each tent
• Camp has 220v generator, which runs from 05h30 to 19h00
• Battery charged reading lights
• Plug points are available in each tent, and the office for charging of equipment. Bring charging unit and adaptors.
• Gas heated water
• Gowns supplied in each tent
• Poncho with hood and warm lining provided in each tent for warmth/protection from rain
• Kist with a lock and key in each tent for safekeeping of valuables

Camp Description & Recreational Facilities

The stylish main buildings extend into the Khwai River and are set on raised platforms to maximize the views over the surrounding lagoons and islands. Constructed of local timber, reed and thatch they comprise of an elegant lounge containing a small but comprehensive library, dining room, expansive sundeck, plunge pool and sala with day bed as well as a fire-deck set under giant Jackalberry trees.

• Permanent flowing river in front of camp
• Superb site on the bank of the Khwai River overlooking the Xakanaxa Lagoon
• Thatched roof covered lounge and bar area
• An elevated thatch-roofed, reeded dining room and viewing deck
• Evening campfire on deck elevated over the river
• Wheel chair friendly
• Curio shop
• Plunge pool
• Game Viewing

Dining

The kitchen is renowned for its traditional safari fare served with a Pan-African touch, all accompanied by excellent South African wines. Meals are generally taken around the main dining room table where tales of the day’s exciting experiences are recounted and discussed in great detail. Guests wishing to dine in private are also catered for.

Teas, coffees, mineral water and soft drinks as well as a wide range of alcoholic drinks are available to guests throughout the day at no extra cost (there is a Reserve List of drinks that are charged for).

A full English breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner is included in the nightly rate, as are all safari activities and Park entrance fees.

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule(Summer/winter)

Activities are flexible and can be tailor-made according to guest’s requirements

05h30/06h30 - Wake up call. Light continental breakfast consisting of cereals, yoghurt, tea/coffee/juices/fresh fruit/toast and preserves/rusks and biscuits served in the lounge area.

06h30/07h30 - Depart on morning activity, returning to camp at approximately 10h00.

10h30/11h00 - Brunch is served consisting of a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From 10h30 / 11h00 until afternoon tea, guests will be at leisure.

15h00/15h30 - Afternoon tea is served consisting of a selection of sweet and savoury eats. Juice, iced tea, fresh fruit, beverages.

15h30/16h00 - Depart on afternoon game viewing activity – drinks and snacks are served for sundowners during the course of the activity. Sunset - Return to camp (depending on park regulations. Currently we have to be back in camp 30 minutes after sunset).

19h00/19h30 - Pre-dinner drinks will be served at the bar.

19h30/20h00 - Three-course dinner – generally the starter and dessert is served, whilst the main course is buffet style.

21h30/21h00 - Coffee and liqueurs served at the campfire.

• Camp has 220v generator, which runs from 05h30 to 19h00.
• Battery charged reading lights.
• Plug points are available in each tent, and the office for charging of equipment. Bring charging unit and adaptors.
• Gas heated water.
• It is important to drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day whilst on safari as dehydration can occur quickly, especially in the summer months.
• Bottled water is available at the lodge, but even the water from rivers and lagoons in the Delta is generally safe to drink.

All stocked drinks are included in the nightly tariff (there is a Reserve List of drinks that are charged for).

Laundry is done on a daily basis and inclusive in the nightly tariff with the exception of delicate items.

Major currencies such as Euro, British Pound, US$ and Botswana Pula are accepted. As well as Travellers’ cheques, credit cards , Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Tipping is not compulsory; however a guideline to voluntary tipping at lodges in Botswana is as follows:

Guides: US$5.00 per guest per day

General staff: US$3.00 per guest per day, and this should be handed into the communal tipping box, usually found in the Reception area.

Mobile phones do not operate in the remote areas of Botswana; however, all Botswana camps are linked with VHF radio with a backup HF radio system.

• As the custodians of one of Botswana’s very first safari camps the owners of Xakanaxa Camp (pronounced Ka-ka-na-ka) have gone to extraordinary lengths to preserve its original African bush camp character whilst providing guests with every comfort.
• Lettie Letsile, ably assisted by Timothy Hanks Damion create a camp environment in which guests experience a seamless service in the warm, friendly style for which Africa is famous.
  
  The emphasis is on discreet personal service, provided in an unobtrusive manner so as to ensure the maximum guest enjoyment. Like Lettie, who has been with the family since the early eighties, a great number of the camp staff have been looking after guests at Xakanaxa for more than ten years.
• All-year-round land and water based activities

Access to Xakanaxa Camp is by charter aircraft to the Xakanaxa airstrip from Maun (25 minutes) and Kasane (1 hour), both of which can be reached by Air Botswana scheduled flights from Johannesburg.

Road transfers operate daily between Kasane and Victoria Falls and Livingstone. Xakanaxa Camp transfers guests from and to Xakanaxa airstrip (15 minutes). The airstrip is suitable for single-engined aircraft only.

Closest International Airports

• Livingstone, Zambia
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Maun, Botswana
• Kasane, Botswana

Flying Times to nearest landing strip

• Maun to Xakanaxa Airstrip: 25 minutes
• Kasane to Xakanaxa Airstrip: 70 minutes
• A road transfer from Xakanaxa Airstrip to camp is approximately 15 minutes

Airstrip Details

• The Xakanaxa Airstrip operated by The Department of Wildlife is located 15 minutes’ drive from camp
• Return transfers are included in the nightly rate
• Licensed for aircraft up to a maximum weight of 2300kg MAUW (maximum all up weight), and can take aircraft from Cessna 206 to Grand Caravan
• Airstrip coordinates: S19.11..55 E23.26.37
• Airstrip length: 1000m
• Foreign registered aircraft are charged P250.00 per day by The Department of Wildlife

Luggage

In Botswana there is a 20kg luggage restriction per person for any charter transfers. Please note that the cargo pods on a normal light aircraft cannot handle suitcases and hard bags, so luggage must be packed in soft bags.

It is possible to make arrangements to have any extra luggage and/or equipment transferred or stored (at extra cost) provided sufficient notice is given at the time of booking.