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 4 x 4 self-drivers, and also for guests flying into the Xakanaxa airstrip.

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. A bird lover's paradise in a World Heritage Site, this is a wild African experience.

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. 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. 

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; however, short, guided bush walks can be arranged. 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 Mboma 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.

CAMP FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES