Xaro Lodge

Xaro Lodge

Traveler (145)
Our comfy haven
Room & Suite (43)
Baked specially for me.
Dining (10)

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Avg. $360 /night, 2/15 - 2/16
$373
per night
$348
per night
$323
per night

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About

#1 of 3 lodges in Shakawe
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.7
Value
4.7
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
5.0
Sleep Quality
4.9
Luxurious and tranquil, Xaro Lodge is situated on the banks of the Okavango River, where Africa is still wild. Here you awake to the call of fish eagles, share your meals with robin chats and babblers, and watch skimmers shear the smooth surface of the river while you enjoy some of the most magnificent sunsets Africa has to offer. While its remote location makes for total peace and quiet, every element of guest comfort is seen to in meru-styled luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms. Lounge in bed while absorbing the view through the glass sliding door, enjoy your early morning coffee on your own private patio, or stroll along the riverbank to the open air dining area, where all meals are served. Grab a book from the library and relax in the lounge overlooking the river, while local fishermen drift by silently in a Mokoro, hoping for their daily catch.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Boating
Hiking
Foot massage
Gift shop
Parking garage
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Fishing
Walking tours
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Massage
Neck massage
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Wardrobe / closet
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Okavanga River, Shakawe 0000 Botswana
Traveler rating
  • 123
  • 11
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Detailed Reviews
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
joachim p wrote a review Sep 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Super nice managers, the location is great, a peninsula that is mainly reached by boat.
Very nice lodge tents with a terrace overlooking the Okavango.
Evening outside in the middle of the lodge, great evening illumination and delicious food from Shawn (manager and very good chef). Romy is also a very nice person and always tries to make sure everyone is happy. The facility makes a very good and well-kept impression.
Rooms are treated with insecticide in the late afternoon so that you don't experience any surprises in the evening.
Very good service (laundry, wifi, credit cards accepted (VISA, Mastercard).

Thank you for the hospitality
Romy & Shawn
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Google
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Nicht ins Wasser gehen, Krokodile und Hippos im Fluss
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia D wrote a review May 2024
Monaco
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A place not to be missed!
Pleasant boat transfer from the parking lot to the lodge. It feels like time stops. We are welcomed with a welcome drink in a calming and fabulous setting.
The chalets are nicely decorated with a little welcome note and the terrace allows you to contemplate the delta, a magnificent sunset where the only sounds are those of the birds. The place is magical.
In the evening, enjoy a nice moment of relaxation near the brazier facing the delta. We could stay there for hours. Dinner is served either in the open restaurant room or in the garden a few meters from the water. The decor and atmosphere are magical.
The meal is of very good quality. The staff is very attentive, attentive, present. A big thank you to them for making this stay an unforgettable one.
We would have liked to have stayed longer.
I recommend without any hesitation!
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Google
Date of stay: April 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Verobuis wrote a review Nov 2023
Simiane-Collongue, France
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Little paradise lost among birds and plants. Very caring manager and staff. In addition, there were only 4 of us in this magnificent Lodge. The tents are very comfortable and well equipped with mosquito nets and products to keep mosquitoes away. Delicious and refined meal. The guide arranged a walk for us in the savannah and a boat trip where we were able to see crocodiles, elephants and hippos. In short, two unforgettable days in the middle of our safari!
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Google
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
126EriktheGreat wrote a review May 2023
Constantia, South Africa
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent two very enjoyable nights here. Xaro got the mix right - relaxed, comfort and price. The lodge is located in the most beautiful peaceful property on the water's edge. The tented rooms set in the trees were abuzz with birds. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and very private with views over the delta. We were spoilt by the attention to detail at meal times but it was not too fussy. The drinks around the fire very special. The service and the staff and the owners were incredible! Xaro, like most other lodges, is still in the process of getting back on its feet after Covid and they are busy putting in improvements that will make the experience even better - the pool for example. There is not a lot of game around and thus if you not a birder you may not get the most out of this lodge
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiny Podisa wrote a review Feb 2024
Gaborone, Botswana
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I just took a leap of fate and trusted the reviews I got online about Xaro Lodge, and that was one of the best decision I ever made. I wanted to go on a birthday vacation for my 40th and googled through the internet to choose a destination. By luck or fate, Xaro Lodge popped up and with the incredible feedback about the Lodge, I decided to go for it. To say I was happy with Xaro is an understatement, the place is great in all aspects. Adventure starts from a boat ride to the Lodge and I arrived to a nice crocodile surprise by my luxurious tent. The rooms are neat, very comfy bed, wonderful food, and what stood out for me is the wonderful host Renske and her incredible staff Matty, Fly, Poster,Nata, the Chefs everyone! What a great team you guys are!. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy travelling solo but the Xaro Team ensured I enjoyed it beyond expectations. I was treated like a real birthday queen, with few surprises that includes a SPA treatment, and they even baked a special birthday cake for me. What also caught my attention is how organized Xaro Team is in ensuring that my travel was hustle free. From the pick up at Shakawe landing strip to them confirming my departure time with Mack Air, everything was coordinated perfectly! I feel the 2 nights I stayed at Xaro were too short and a second visit to this paradise is on the cards.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Günther B wrote a review Aug 2023
Munich, Germany
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at the extraordinary Xaro Lodge. Romy and Shaun, their staff and guides made my stay a magical experience. The location of the lodge in the Okavango Delta is breathtaking and the proximity to Tsodilo Hills and the Caprivi Strip/Namibia make the spot a perfect starting point for exciting day trips, bird watching and bush tours. I was thrilled by the high quality food, which was prepared every day with a lot of love and at the highest level.
Many thanks to Romy, Shaun and their team!!!
Words cannot adequate describe my breathtaking experience at Xaro.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Stay minimum 3 days or longer!!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ger wrote a review Aug 2024
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Very nice lodge which is controlled by boat. The lodge has tents which are in top condition.

In the evening there was an elephant near the tents.

Staff very friendly. Nature walks and boat tours are offered.

The food is excellent
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bstass550690 wrote a review Jul 2023
Brussels, Belgium
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This lodge was the most pleasant surprise of our entire trip (Namibia & Botswana). Fantastic location (possibly the best sunset I have ever seen), great facilities, great staff, great food. We had an amazing boat drive in the panhandle and a fun walk the next day. I would write these comments if I had paid double the price because this was also the best value for the money. A 10+
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay762988 wrote a review Sep 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you want to get away from technology and escape the world and totally relax... this is the place.
The service is outstanding and the staff are so friendly
The food is amazing, very impressive what they can produce in such a remote location.
The location is unbelievable and very secluded. Very private.
One tip I would give guests is to take a torch. :)
I would recommend it to everyone
I am going back already because i loved it so much.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Romy Berchtenbreiter, Guest Services / Front Office at Xaro Lodge
Responded Oct 7, 2020
Dear Stay762988, thank you very much for the positive feedback. We are so happy that you had a great time with us, and are equally excited to host you again at some point. All the best, Xaro Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gkotze132445 wrote a review Jul 2021
Stellenbosch, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From start to finish (sadly there had to be a finish), this was a magnificent stay! The staff went out of there way to accommodate us and make the stay a great experience (including office space for online studies and examination). The food were fabulous - cuisine, apart from the better portion size. If you want to relax with only the sound of birds and a hippo at night - this is your place. It is also one of the more affordable lodges in the greater Delta area.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Romy Berchtenbreiter, Guest Services / Front Office at Xaro Lodge
Responded Aug 20, 2021
Dear gkotze132445, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us, it was a great pleasure hosting you all with us. We sincerely hope we will be seeing you again, and until such time, take care. The Xaro Lodge Team
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fern G asked a question Aug 2019
Lewisburg, Tennessee18 contributions3 helpful votes
Can you tell me the best way to reach you? One guest would be coming from South Africa and one from America.
Answer from Shaun C
Hello there - I presume you will be coming from Maun. If so please travel from Maun heading towards Shakawe. 8 km before Shakawe you will reach Drotskys Cabins. go to Drotskys and they will call us to pick you up by boat. Please note that the last boat to the island is at 17h00. Please call +267 7280 74 76 if you have any further quires
Answer from lilla246
Pretoria, South Africa22 contributions7 helpful votes
There are no nets but the rooms are sealed and all the windows have netting. At night you burn mosquito coils and always spray yourself with Peaceful Sleep or Tabard in the early evening at about 5pm. The mosquitoes didn't bother us at all.
Answer from JensWindhoek
Windhoek, Namibia106 contributions30 helpful votes
I think they only offer morning or afternoon boat cruises, as Lilla said because of the light and the temperatures. Both great. If you do the transfer from Drotskys, have your camera ready!
Thierry H wrote a tip Sep 2023
19 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Stay several days, there so much to do."
Read full review
Günther B wrote a tip Aug 2023
Munich, Germany7 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Stay minimum 3 days or longer!!!"
Read full review
Evelyn wrote a tip Feb 2023
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Speak to Shaun or Romy if you are uncertain about anything. They are very obliging and very helpful.great management couple."
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matthias450 wrote a tip Aug 2022
3 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don't miss it."
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Kelly P wrote a tip Nov 2021
Southampton, New Jersey23 contributions6 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"All rooms have excellent views! You see and hear birds all around your rooms."
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Shakawe area.
PRICE RANGE
$369 - $429 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictShakawe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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XARO LODGE

Frequently Asked Questions about Xaro Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Xaro Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Xaro Lodge?
Top room amenities include blackout curtains, a desk, and a view of a nearby landmark.
What food & drink options are available at Xaro Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Xaro Lodge?
Yes, free parking, a parking garage, and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Xaro Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Xaro Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Xaro Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Xaro Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, German, and Afrikaans.