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Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Okavango Panhandle

Set on an island in the panhandle of the Okavango Delta, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas in the world, this lodge is one of the oldest in the area. It has been recently refurbished and is meticulously cared for by its staff. With a unique charm and atmosphere, the lodge has 7 double chalets and 2 family chalets all tented with with fans, en-suite bathrooms, room safe and a veranda. All the chalets are thatch covered with tented bedrooms and bathrooms made to a very high standard. Each chalet enjoys a view over the waterways and is unobserved by neighbours. There is a large deck with an open lobby and restaurant area, a bar-fridge and the food is simply delicious and plentiful.

The lodge offers water-based activities, including boating and mokoro trips among the network of beautiful channels that comprise the area. Nxmaseri is one of the few lodges which can guarantee Mokoro trips all-year-round, due to its location high up in the panhandle. These are conducted in the shallow and narrow channels, where the birdlife is in abundance but where the hippos don't go. From the steel bottomed speed boat, you can see hippos in the deeper channels and on shore. Take a boat and go fishing, sit on the shady deck and watch the birdlife passing, enjoy the pool or relax by having a massage overlooking the stunning Okavango panhandle.

Close to the magical Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Botswana’s greatest treasures, see "Our Offers" for an exceptional experience there.

Other activities include helicopter flights/flips (additional cost) over the delta, as well as cultural and natural history tours. Weather permitting, guests may also dine on the floating jetty, enjoying the most spectacular sounds and sights at sunset.

This is a magical and truly "away from it all" lodge, where you will enjoy spectacular bird and wildlife spotting and some of Botswana's most memorable sunrises and sunsets.

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Amenities

Activities, Game Drives, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Walking & Trekking, Spa, Safari Style All Inclusive

Inclusions

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Our Offers

Book 3 nights and stay at Nxamaseri's sister property, Tsodilo Hills Tented Camp, for an unforgettable experience; transfer both ways by road (1.5 hrs in airconditioned vehicle or, for a supplement, one-way by helicopter for a perfect view of the hills and the panhandle) to Tsodilo Hills, where a specialist guide will take you on either an easy, medium or difficult hike (entirely your preference) to explore the famous rock art, which is said to be anywhere between 30-100,000 years old. Then head for camp and enjoy authentic 'storytelling' by members of the local San people as the sun sets over the hills, followed by a sumptuous bush dinner under the stars and by a roaring campfire. Overnight in elevated and covered tents, with super-comfy beds and with your en-bush facilities (water toilet and sink with sun-warmed bucket shower) and wake up to a steaming pot of coffee or tea on your deck and enjoy a hot breakfast cooked on the embers of the fire from the Boma the night before. We highly rate this excursion to Tsodilo for both its cultural aspects (rock art and encounter with the San people) and the great outdoor and sleepout experience.

Single Supplement Waivers - ask us for details and applicable shoulder-season dates.

Other Options

The lodge is in a wonderful setting located in the Shaba National Reserve, which is part of the larger Samburu ecosystem in northern Kenya. The lodge is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, surrounded by lush gardens, Doum palms, and volcanic formations, creating an oasis in the rugged and arid landscape of the reserve. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard, and the rare species of the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. 
The lodge’s design draws inspiration from the natural environment, with its use of local materials, thatched roofs, and earthy colours that blend with the surroundings. The 85 chalets, each have a private balcony overlooking the river, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife right from your room. The chalets all have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. 

Enjoy dinner in the restaurant and swap tales of your game adventures with fellow travellers. Where possible the lodge uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy your meals in the open-air dining area, with views of the river and the surrounding bush.

There are a range of activities, including game drives, nature walks, and bird watching. The lodge's tranquil setting makes it an ideal base for exploring the unique landscapes and rich biodiversity of Shaba National Reserve.

Sarova Shaba

Shaba (Samburu)

This is a charming camp set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and shaded by Doum palms and other trees that make up this green belt of riverine forest in the Samburu National Reserve.

Samburu is an area of spectacular scenery; its dry plains are bisected by the meandering river, with the backdrop of Africa's dramatic mountains, including Mt Kenya. The 14 spacious tents have rustic and colourful African touches, offering all the comforts, including a private plunge pool on the deck. The lounge and dining area are decorated with in vibrant safari style. Elephants, monkeys, and impalas are among the camp's many regular wild visitors, whilst the reserve has a good number of lions, leopards and many other species endemic to northern Kenya.

There are plenty of activities on offer, from game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visits and lectures on Samburu culture. The lodge supports a local village by selling their beadwork and jewellery so do pick up a souvenir during your stay.

Elephant Bedroom Camp

Samburu

The lodge is situated in the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in northern Kenya, along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. It offers an authentic experience of the African wilderness, surrounded by rugged landscapes, dramatic hills, and a wealth of wildlife that includes elephant, lion, leopard, and the unique species known as the Samburu Special Five: the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. 

The lodge’s architecture reflects the traditional Samburu style, featuring thatched roofs and earthy tones that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Rooms are spacious with private verandas that offer breathtaking views of the river and the sweeping plains beyond. They are a comfortable retreat after a day of game viewing, and all have en-suite bathroom. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying panoramic views of the reserve. 

In addition to game drives, the lodge offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages, giving you a deeper understanding of the local culture and the diverse ecosystems that make the Samburu region so unique and enchanting.

Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu

How our Tent Ratings work

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These are based on our personal experience of the hotel, camp or lodge and should not be compared against ratings you find elsewhere. We intend to guide you and don’t be put off by a low tent rating as some of our favourites fall into the 2 and 3-tent categories.​

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It is also important to bear in mind that standards vary from country to country and a 4-tent hotel in South Africa cannot be compared with a 4-tent hotel in another part of the world. 

To summarise our grading system, we have considered the following.

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High in both quality and luxury of experience, and property must have ‘wowed’ us on many levels.

This is our benchmark for excellent service and experience, location and /or activities. 

Good relative value, excellent location and/or experience, and offering an ideal base for exploring the area.

Budget-focused stopover property, sometimes it’s the ideal location on a driving itinerary.

Don’t be put off, these stays are comfortable and a perfect pit stop on a journey where the choices may be limited. 

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Your Adventure, Your Way

All good things start with a conversation and planning your holiday shouldn't be like flicking through a catalogue. Email us, book a free consultation, or give us a call, to get your next bespoke adventure underway.

Phone:

+44 (0)7516 766404

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