Name: Xobega Island Camp
Address: Gcobega Island, Okavango, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Okavango Delta, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Rating: 8

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Xobega Island Camp

Okavango Delta

This was the "real" Okavango delta experience - in a very basic, but well-maintained camp on an island with 3 resident elephants... which we did not meet, however (there were there the night before we arrived). Tents were clean, but indeed, a bit worn-out. Very friendly staff, though some were not that fluent in English. Food was fine - what we needed to get used to is the idea of ordering your hot water for the bucket shower (which is not a lot - on the first attempt, one refill did not do it for my son & me, so I was left with soap all over, and no water! Luckily, as we were 3, I could continue in my wife's neighboring tent)... The island is full of birds and vervet monkeys - thus the formal interditcion to leave anything outside, or the tent open (we left a breach open, and our biscuits were promptly stolen). Unfortunately, when confined to the island there is no way to walk around - exit the camp and you're in bushland where encounters with elefants or even predators are likely. And boat safaris won't take a lot of the day - especially when the same boat is needed to take people from/to Xakanaxa - thus, well, bring a good book! There is no perspective view from here either, as you're fully surrounded by trees (except for the boat pier) behind which you can hear hippos grunting (but can't see them). Watch for the big fat green African pigeons in the sausage trees - and for beeeaters in the bushes after tent 10 (but don't push too far out there, camp personnel says).True, once you're on the boat, surise and set make for magnificent shows. All in all - the true, no-frills experience of the Okavango.

Of the five camps we stayed in during our trip to Zambia and Botswana,  this was the least impressive. That does not imply that it was not enjoyable in itself. 

The drive down from our previous night stop (Thobolos) was longer and more arduous than expected, so knowing that it would be impossible to arrive at the Xakanaxa boat station by 1500 as planned, so we phoned ahead to say we'd arrive by 1700.  This was very efficiently and pleasantly dealt with and the boatman/guide SK was there to meet us just before 1700.  He helped us with the bags and off we went on a magical tour of the Moremi swamps, about 45 minutes.

I marvelled at his skill in manoeuvering the power boat through the swamps, taking the best line through each corner smoothly, and spotting and stopping for us to take photos of the wildlife we encountered.

We were greeted by the staff singing on arrival and shown around and then taken to our tent.  The tent was clean and well appointed, with insect repellent and nets,  but the zips showed signs of significant wear.  The water supplied for the outside shower was adequate but only just.

Dinner was good but not of the very high standard that we enjoyed in other camps. The lady who asked us for drinks had difficulty understanding what a gin and tonic was.   Considering the price of the camp, I was a little surprised that not even a glass of wine or a beer with dinner was included.  They weren't expensive, but that is not the point.

We slept well and had a good breakfast in the morning.  The staff to whom we chatted at meals were pleasant, but this did not match the experiences we had elsewhere on this trip.

We were told about wildlife but, apart from on the boat ride from and to the boat station, saw very little.  

I would have loved to have written a more positive review but this camp just lacks the special something that we found everywhere else.

Not as special as the other camps we stayed in.

I cannot say enough good things about the wonderful staff at Xobega. Our guide SK was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, pointing out various animals and plants and providing history or information on things that we never would have been able to figure out for ourselves. The camp manager Sega was so funny and easy to chat with. I left the camp feeling as though I had made friends for life. The rest of the staff was very polite, friendly and helpful. The food was good but humble and rustic. Everything was made with care, despite the fact that the camp is in the middle of nowhere and there is no running water. The outdoor shower and toilets get a little getting used to, but there's something really magical about being able to shower outdoors with the monkeys jumping around in the trees above you. Truly an amazing experience- I know I'll be back. 

Perfect Okavango camping experience!

An amazing eco experience close to Nature in the Delta. We had 3 nights at the camp and had a wonderful time. Our guide Sam had incredible spotting skills and all of the staff were delightful and very accommodating. While it is a basic camp, it is more than one could expect with the logistics of getting supplies in. Learning about the country, animals and the people made a very memorable holiday.

We would love to visit again!

I stayed here for three nights and truly enjoyed myself.  The staff were lovely and the food was extremely good.  The tents are rustic with chemical toilets and bucket showers but I did not have a problem with this.  I enjoyed showering outside with monkeys overhead!  The tours through the Delta were amazing and they give you a good variety of experiences especially the lovely mokoro ride.  It is a long journey to the camp but well worth it.

Xobega Island Camp

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