This was our second visit to Xaranna and we had another amazing visit. There was more water in the delta than when we visited 2 years ago and we saw tons of wildlife. The highlight of our trip was reuniting with our favorite guide, Max, and getting to see the baby Rhino that was recently born on the concession. The andBeyond camps and their staff are by far the best!
This camp is in the Okavango Delta and is water based. It was fun to get to. both jeep and boat ride and the staff was waiting for us and sang to us as we approached. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. We were a bit disappointed in the tent. It needs to be updated compared to other AndBeyond camps we stayed at. But the food is great, the setting very tranquil and beautiful, the people incredibly helpful.
Very few rooms means you get very personal attention from the staff. The food was good without being the best of all the andBeyond's we visited. Our butler was very attentive and knew how to be available just when we needed her. The camp managers - a couple - were knowledgeable, but we had one experience which left us a little disappointed. We had heard there were wild dogs - which we really wanted to sight - on an island near the sister camp but were told that we couldn't access that area because of high water which couldn't be crossed by our jeep. Luckily, we had the staff of the sister camp give us a boat ride (long boats steered with a pole) and they told us the island was indeed accessible. Sure enough we persevered and the guides found the wild dog den where we witnessed some beautiful sightings including the cubs of the alpha female. Better communication between the camps to ensure customer delight is my feedback. Our cabin by the water was stunning and we loved the views. We could hear the Hippos at night. The boat ride mentioned earlier was awesome - and we also took a motor boat out and came close to a group of hippos (with babies). Having sundowner drinks on the boat in the middle of the delta was a real plus!
We've visited many AndBeyond properties in Tanzania, South Africa and now Botswana and this is at the top of our list. The experience, staff and game viewing is spectacular (June 2014).
We were blessed to be the only ones in camp amidst a group of AndBeyond employees/execs.
The stars aligned and we had the best African Wild/Painted Dog viewing of our life as we tracked the dogs two nights in a row and watched them battle hyenas for their kill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcRp2PtTMag
Xaranna will always hold special memories and although we were initially put off by the price, we got over that quickly.
I am a year late in posting this review but as we plan our next trip to Botswana, I have to give AndBeyond kudos!
Xaranna is simply heaven!
A good contrast to Jacks and Sandibe, being totally water based and fun to get to. Less wildlife on offer- although we chose to only do the water based trips. Gliding through the reeds in a Mokoro was good for the soul, as were the views of sunrise across the delta. 'Rooms' are tents in wooden platforms sleeping 2 each. Each had a mini unheated pool overlooking the delta- kids loved those- I dipped toes only. Staff are very friendly and have beautiful voices- the choir comes out often! Kids were entertained with card games, Jenga and watching the monkeys raiding the communal areas for food.
Our first stop (2 nights) on a 3-couple, 16-day safari through Botswana and Tanzania, Xaranna really set our expectations very high. Set on an island in the delta, it is truly beautiful. Tents are spacious and well-designed, with all areas looking through the trees to the water - bedroom (with added netting drawn at night), sitting area, twin sinks, bathtub and al fresco shower. We also had a private plunge pool. Tents are private and well-spaced. WiFi is available in the common areas. The staff are remarkable - nothing they wouldn't find to do to make it a wonderful experience. The common areas look down onto the water and jetty, where we received singing welcome and farewell from staff. Meals on the deck and around the fire were really gourmet, notwithstanding the logistics challenges with supply. Our Guide (KD) and Tracker (Action) were great hosts and teachers of all things in the bush. We had excellent game viewing from canoes and vehicles, as well as an educational 2-hour walk. On one occasion the staff surprised us with a lavish water-front picnic lunch across from the camp.
