Set on its own private island within a massive private concession in the Okavango Delta, Xaranna is an &Beyond camp that feels wonderfully secluded and peaceful. With just nine tented suites accommodating a maximum of eighteen guests, this is genuinely one of the more intimate camps in the region. The location overlooks a seasonal lagoon, and depending on water levels, you'll often arrive by boat – greeted by staff singing and dancing on the wooden jetty, which sets the tone for the warm hospitality you'll experience throughout your stay. The whole design takes inspiration from the Delta's abundant water lilies, with a soft color palette of lily pinks, olive greens, and fresh yellows creating a light, airy atmosphere that's quite different from traditional safari camps.
What makes Xaranna unique is that it's primarily a water camp rather than a game-viewing powerhouse. When the Delta floods, dry land becomes limited, which means game drives take a back seat to water-based activities. This is the place to come if you want to slow down and truly experience the tranquil beauty of the Okavango – gliding through reed-lined channels in a mokoro, exploring lagoons by motorboat, and appreciating the incredible birdlife and smaller Delta creatures. There's still wildlife around, including elephant, hippo, and various antelope, but the focus here is more on the overall Delta experience than ticking off big game sightings.
The camp operates with impressive environmental credentials, with eighty percent of its energy coming from a solar system – the first of its kind in Botswana. There's also a sophisticated wastewater treatment system and an on-site bottling plant that's eliminated thousands of plastic bottles from the region.
