Xobega Island Camp, Botswana Safaris

Xobega Island Camp is a piece of paradise in the great water wonderland that is the Okavango Delta. Just off the mainland of Moremi Game Reserve, Xobega (or Gcobega) Island is ideally located and easily accessible for self-drivers (4 x 4 only), and what it offers can’t be beaten. A bird-lover’s paradise, and an adventurer’s dream, Xobega has 10 light Meru-style canvas tents equipped with twin stretcher beds and en suite, open-air bathrooms. Everything about this camp is eco-friendly, from the solar-power, to bucket showers, and chemical toilets.

Guests arrive at the tree-filled island via boat and are welcomed to this simple safari. Hippos rule the waters around the island, lions are heard across the water, and a Pel’s fishing owl takes up residence in the trees.

AT A GLANCE

Located on a private island in the Okavango Delta, a 1.5 hour boat ride from Xakanaxa Boat station
Afforable Botswana safari experience in canvas tents with a rustic, simplistic style
10 Meru-style safari tents with en suite open-air bathrooms
Eco-friendly – solar power, heated bucket showers, chemical toilets
The many trees on the island offer each tent a shady, private position
Twice daily boat cruises through the Delta waterways
Professional guides and warm hosting making guests feel very comfortable at all times
Unfenced camp with wildlife free to roam throughout
Birder’s paradise
Fantastic destination for groups and families looking for wilderness and adventure

Simple Item 9 +
Location
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Xobega Island Camp is located on a small island in the Okavango Delta and the camp is accessed by boat from Mboma Island boat station in the Moremi Game Reserve. This location is easily reached by self-drivers (4 x 4 only) travelling from Maun Airport, through Moremi, and to Mboma boat station, where they will be picked up transferred to Xobega on a 45-minute boat cruise.

On arrival at Maun Airport, exit onto Airport Road and continue to the stop street intersecting Sir Seretse Khama Rd. Turn left onto Sir Seretse Khama Rd and continue straight out of town, crossing the Thamalakane River, until you reach a roundabout. Turn left (first exit) and continue from tar to gravel road, cross the vet fence and eventually keep left at fork, continuing to Moremi South Gate (aka. Maqwee).

From Moremi South Gate, drive straight towards Third Bridge, turning left 2km before you reach Third Bridge at a sign indicating to do so. Follow that road until a 3rd sign indicating a left turn, which you take, and finally a 4th sign approximately 1.5 km from the boat station. Turn right here and continue until you arrive at the boat station.

GPS coordinates:
1. Xobega Island Camp 19 10 13.28 S / 23 12 18.26 E
2. Mboma Boat Station 19 11 40.22 S / 23 16 16.96 E
3. Maun Airport to Xobega Island Camp
Maun Airport to Xobega Island Camp
Xobega Island Camp is located on a small island (Gcobega) in the Okavango Delta and the camp is accessed by boat from the Xakanaxa Boat Station in the Moremi Game Reserve.
This location is easily reached by self-drivers (4 x 4 only) travelling from Maun airport, through Moremi, and onto Xakanaxa BoatStation, where they will be picked up and transferred to Xobega on a 45-minute boat cruise.
On arrival at Maun Airport, exit onto Airport Road and continue to the stop street intersecting Sir Seretse Khama Road. Turn left onto Sir Seretse Khama Rd and continue straight out of town, crossing the Thamalakane River, until you reach a roundabout.
Turn left (first exit) and continue from the tar to gravel road, cross the vet fence and eventually keep left at the fork, continuing to Moremi South Gate (also known as Maqwee).
From Moremi South Gate, follow the sign post straight to Xakanaxa through the Mopane forest (42km). Drive straight at the junction after the Wildlife office (sign posted) to Xakanaxa boat station.

Moremi Park Fees
Guests self-driving (4 x 4 only) to Xobega Island Camp, will need to pay BWP120 per person per day, and BWP50 per vehicle per day at the gate that they enter the Park. Cash only is accepted.

Self Drivers
Please note that all self drive guests will need to present their Reservations Summary and Invoice for their Xobega Island Camp booking. In addtion the camp is only accessible via a proper 4 x 4 and preferably with prior 4 x 4 driving experience
Facilities
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» 10 Meru-style safari tents with en suite open-air bathrooms
» Bucket showers, standing canvas wash basins, and chemical eco-toilets
» Stretcher beds with swags and full linen in each tent
» Bedside table with insect repellent and water glasses
» Solar-powered lighting in the tents
» Two safari chairs under the small canopy forming ‘veranda’ at each tent
» Hammocks for siesta
» A dining tent with dining table, chairs, and a tea and coffee station
» Two lounge gazebos in camp, complete with wicker furniture
» A clearing with central campfire forming an open-air boma for evening relaxation
Activities
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SAFARI
Xobega Island Camp is a remote destination that is only accessed via boat, which becomes the primary game viewing activity. There are no game drives on the island; but mokoro excursions are offered into the lagoons at the boat station. A summary of activities is as follows:
- Morning and afternoon boat cruises around the Delta islands and through the hippo-filled channels
- Birdwatching from the camp and boat – Pel’s fishing owls are known to nest on Xobega Island, giving avid birder’s something very special to look forward to.
- Sundowners on the water – Guests can enjoy icy refreshments at the most beautiful time of day as the boating safari continues, or a stop off at an island for sundowners.
- Mokoro safaris – Optional at boat station on transfers in and out of Xobega Island.
- Photography – Whether out on the boat or relaxing on the island, always have a camera handy, especially if you are a keen birder.
Typical Day at Xobega Island Camp
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Boating safaris are the main attraction at Xobega Island, while mokorosafaris are easily organised. Daily routines change according toguests’ itineraries; however, the below is a guideline ofday-to-day activity:

06h00 Wakeup call followed by coffee and rusks at the dining tent

06h30 Departfor 3-4 hour boat cruise including a coffee stop

10h30 Returnto camp with hot bucket showers ready and waiting

11h30 Brunchis served in the dining tent, followed by afternoon siesta

16h00 Departfor afternoon boat cruise

18h30 Returnto camp with hot bucket showers ready and waiting

19h30 Dinneris served at camp, followed by campfire chatter
Wildlife
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Botswana is a wildlife paradise, with elephants roaming in high numbers, hippos occupying every waterway, buffalo gathering en masse to drink from the waterholes, zebra migrations, red lechwe bounding through rivers, giraffe touching the tree tops, and warthogs shovelling the earth.

Moremi is a known wildlife hotspot, and is a protected area of the Okavango Delta. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and spotted and brown hyena, are some of the top predator species that are frequently seen.

The birdlife in Botswana is no exception to the fantastic collection of wild creatures that call this country home. The many waterways of the Okavango Delta and Moremi create a habitat for many water birds, while raptors soar overhead, and melodious larks disguise themselves in the scrub.

Malaria

Before travelling, guests are encouraged to consult their local doctors on anti-malarial medication and preparation, however a repellent stick or spray is effective and should be utilised.
How to get there
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Xobega Island is accessed via 1.5 hour boat ride from Xakanaxa Boat station in the Moremi Game Reserve, easily accessible to self-driving (4 x 4 only) guests
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From Moremi South Gate, follow the sign post straight to Xakanaxa through the Mopane forest (42km). Drive straight at the junction after the Wildlife office (sign posted) to Xakanaxa boat station.

GENERAL TRAVEL INORMATION
Weather
The climate in Botswana brings very hot, dry periods (September, October), and also very wet seasons (December-February). Winter (June, July, August) packs cold nights and mild, dry days, while November to February is hot and wet.

Temperatures in summer soar as high as 40°C bringing warm nights and humidity levels fluctuating between 50% and 80%. The average annual rainfall is 450mm and most of it falls between December and March in the form of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. In contrast, the winter nights can drop to barely above freezing in the Delta and the desert, although daytime temperatures at this time of year are mild to warm.
What to Pack
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The climate in Botswana brings very hot, dry periods and also very wet seasons. Winter (June, July, August) packs cold nights and mild, dry days. Depending on what time of year you travel, you will need certain essentials.
- Throughout the year, we recommend packing lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing with short sleeves
- Bring sun protection in the form of sunblock, sun hats, and glasses.
- Scarfs, jackets and gloves are needed for early mornings on the boat, especially in winter.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as is sun protection in the form of hats, sunglasses and sun block.
- Bring along cameras, binoculars and recording gadgets to keep a record of the many wildlife sightings.

Rates
Terms
Accommodation
Game Drives

	1 Dec 2018 to 31 Mar 2019
Xobega Island Camp	US$ 295 per person per night
Children Aged 6-12	No children under age 12
Single Supplement	no single supplement
	1 Apr 2019 to 30 Jun 2019
Xobega Island Camp	US$ 395 per person per night
Children Aged 6-12	No children under age 12
Single Supplement	no single supplement
	1 Jul 2019 to 31 Oct 2019
Xobega Island Camp	US$ 450 per person per night
Children Aged 6-12	No children under age 12
Single Supplement	no single supplement
	1 Nov 2019 to 30 Nov 2019
Xobega Island Camp	US$ 395 per person per night
Children Aged 6-12	No children under age 12
Single Supplement	no single supplement

Rates are person per night and quoted in US$

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

No single supplement applies.

CHILDREN POLICY

We are unable to accommodate children under the age of 12.

RATES INCLUDE

All meals, game activities, teas & coffees, bottled water, park fees, taxes & Botswana bed levy, emergency medical evacuation insurance

RATES EXCLUDE

All drinks, Moremi Park fees if self driving, all items of a personal nature, gratuities, any item not described above.

NOTES

Rates are quoted in US$.
Rates are quoted per person sharing per night.
Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Rates include government taxes where applicable. If taxes increase, we reserve the right to increase the rate accordingly.

MOREMI PARK FEES

Guests self-driving (4 x 4 only) to Xobega Island Camp, will need to pay BWP120 per person per day, and BWP50 per vehicle per day at the gate that they enter the Park. Cash only is accepted.

SELF DRIVERS

Please note that all self drive guests will need to present their Reservations Summary and Invoice for their Xobega Island Camp booking. In addtion the camp is only accessible via a proper 4 x 4 and preferably with prior 4 x 4 driving experience.

The road transfer between Tuskers and Xobega is a 3-5 hour game drive through the Moremi Game Reserve along the Khwai River. A picnic lunch is included in the cost as well as coffee/ drinks stops.

LIGHT AIR TRANSFERS 2018

The below light air transfers can be booked through Xobega reservations in conjunction with a stay at Xobega Island Camp. The below flights don't include the Departure taxes payable out of Maun and Kasane airports. Please add Us per person departure Tax from Maun & Kasane airports

Maun to Xobega (Xakanaxa airstrip) USD220 per person
Xobega (Xakanaxa airstrip) to Maun USD220 per person
Kasane to Xobega (Xakanaxa airstrip) USD400 per person
Xobega (Xakanaxa airstrip) to Kasane USD400 per person

*Road transfer from Maun to Tuskers Bush Camp and vice versa

ROAD TRANSFERS

Tuskers to Xobega: US0 per person
Xobega to Tuskers: US0 per person

The road transfer between Tuskers and Xobega is a 3-5 hour game drive through the Moremi Game Reserve along the Khwai River. A picnic lunch is included in the cost as well as coffee/ drinks stops.

Notes

**Please add US per person Departure Tax from Maun & Kasane Airports**

**Please add US per person landing fees on take-off and landing when using the Xaxaba and Xakanaxa airstrips**

CHILDREN

Children pay the same rate as adults.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Rates will be subject to fuel surcharges if fuel increases more than 15% above current prices
Rates are subject to Government fee increases on Navigation fees, departure tax and VAT
Rates are subject to major exchange rate fluctuations
20kg luggage per person (including hand luggage) in soft bags (no wheels)
Passengers over 110kg may have to purchase an extra seat – please inform us prior to travel if this is the case
Passengers travelling on a seat in plane basis may have up to 3 stops enroute to destinations
We reserve the right to stipulate depature and arrival times of passengers being transferred between the various camps
Should a specific time be requested, we will try our best to accommodate but should we be unable to accommodate then flight will revert to a private charter and a new costing will be quoted on.

RATES NOTES
Rates are quoted in US$. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

ACCESS TO THE CAMPS ON THE TRAILS OF BOTSWANA CIRCUIT

The airstrip used for Xobega Island Camp is the Xakanaxa airstrip. Xobega is accessed via a short road transfer from the airstrip to the Xakanaxa Boat Station and then a boat transfer to Xobega Island Camp. So guests can fly and boat transfer into Xobega from Maun or they can road & boat transfer from Tuskers to Xobega. If guests overnight in Maun the night before, a combination of a road and boat transfer from Maun via South Gate to Xobega via the Xakanaxa Boat Station is possible.

Please note that guests that fly into Maun on the scheduled flights from Johannesburg & Cape Town are not able to road and boat transfer on the day of arrival, they can only access Xobega in time by flying to the Xakanaxa airstrip. Connecting between Xobega Island Camp and Camp Savuti and Camp Linyanti is done via their airstrips of Xakanaxa, Savuti and Saile respectively.

Accommodation at Xobega Island Camp has been likened to the concept of ‘glamping’, given that, in essence, guests sleep in tents, but these tents offer far more than what is expected from camping. There is no use of generators, so solar power is solely used to run the camp.

Ten Meru-style safari tents are inconspicuously located among the chaos of trees growing on Xobega Island. Each tent sleeps two people and has an en suite open-air bathroom with bucket shower and eco-friendly chemical loo.

The tents are situated short distances from the main area of the camp, and pathways lead between lush green vegetation, hanging vines, and tall trees creating a mysteriously beautiful African Eden.

ABOUT THE CAMP

Xobega Island Camp is unfenced in an area where wildlife abounds. It is a thoroughly wild paradise with canvas guest tents, a dining tent, and two lounge gazebos containing wicker furniture, perfect for outdoor relaxation.
The dining tent houses a coffee station, and a long family-style dining table. There is an open boma, which is essentially a fire pit under the trees surrounded by canvas chairs, creating an excellent spot for evening gatherings.
A small wooden jetty is the ‘doorway’ to the island and where guests are received by their Xobega host and staff as they step off the boat and are directed along tree-lined pathways to their tents.

Please note that game drives from Mboma Island will resume from the 1 March 2018 on a 2 or 3 night stay. Therefore activities now offered at Xobega Island Camp include:

Boating safaris from the camp
Mokoro safaris from Mboma Island Boat Station
Game drives from Mboma Island Boat Station

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Xobega Island Camp

Simple Item 9 +

Location
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Facilities
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Activities
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Typical Day at Xobega Island Camp
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Wildlife
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How to get there
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What to Pack
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IMAGE GALLERY

ABOUT THE LODGE

Mokoro Safari in the Okavango Delta

Ab Elephant at Xobega Island Camp

Watching Clumsy Hippos Mate While a Xobega Boat Cruise