Nxamaseri Island Lodge

On a private island in the Okavango Panhandle, Nxamaseri Island Lodge sits hidden among towering indigenous trees on the edge of the permanent Nxamaseri Channel, where mirror-still waterways, birdsong and the gentle drift of lilies create an atmosphere of complete ease. Established in the 1980s, it’s one of the Delta’s oldest lodges. Its character is distinct, carrying the colours, textures and spirit of the local communities who have called this region home for generations.

Head out by motorboat along clear channels, glide silently in a mokoro or traverse nearby islands on foot in search of shy antelope and forest birds. Birding is exceptional year-round, but especially from September to February, with kingfishers, fish eagles, herons and woodland species filling the landscape. Nxamaseri is also one of Botswana’s most celebrated fishing destinations from March to December, drawing anglers eager to take on powerful tigerfish. A guided visit to the Tsodilo Hills – a site covered in thousands of ancient San rock paintings – explores one of the country’s most important cultural treasures.

The chalets sit beneath the forest canopy, each ideally positioned for privacy among the trees. Inside, rooms are simple, warm and inviting, with fans, en-suite bathrooms and private decks for quiet moments above the water. Evenings bring turn-downs, hot water bottles in cooler months and the comfort of returning to a space that feels personal and unhurried. Families with children aged six and older are welcome here. Thoughtful touches, forest views and the deep stillness of the Panhandle create a stay that’s as authentic as it is intimate.