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Safari Adventure Activities at Xaxaba Island Camp

Xaxaba Mobile Camp is a prime destination not only for game viewing, but also for water safari activities. The island brings you so close to the wild, and is a place in time never to be forgotten. The adventure lovers will never want to leave this remote spot of paradise.

Here are the safari adventure activities on offer at Xaxaba Mobile Camp:

Fishing and Swimming

Fishing is for the patient, and for those that crave that feeling of the first bite after plenty of waiting. Fishing requires skill way above merely setting the hook and casting your line out. It’s all about timing and quiet observation. The Okavango Delta is a fisherman’s delight, and the crystal waters laden with water lily’s hide plenty of tilapia, bass and bream beneath its depths. You will need to bring your own fishing equipment and ensure that you are there during fishing season (Sep/Oct) to enjoy a productive time on the water.

Swimming in the Okavango Delta?! Yes. There are certain areas of the Delta that are quite shallow, and safe. Guides know the area well and if the conditions are right and they deem the water levels acceptable, you will be whisked off to a section where swimming is possible.

Walking Safari on Chief’s Island

Guests will wake up when the sun rises, grab some much needed coffee, and then depart on the walk of a lifetime with local guides. The morning walk is roughly 3 hours and takes place on Chief’s Island, the neighbouring island to Xaxaba. This familiarity between the people and wildlife of Chief’s Island is the reason we walked without rifles. If the water levels are high, you will take a mokoro to the island, hop off and begin your walk. Discover the rare Pel’s fishing-owl, observe elephants, spot red lechwe and ogle over the remnants and carcasses of crocodile kills when the water is low.

Mekoro and Boating

Upon arrival at this immaculate destination at Xaxaba/Eagle Island Boat Station you will be whisked away across the open waters of the Delta to your isolated island. This 20 minute boating trip will provide ample opportunity to spot hippo, crocs and the lively world that dwells beneath the surface. Watch the huge herds of pachyderms wading across the water while you cruise through the expanse of crystal clear waters. Xaxaba mekoro trips offer something slightly different in that they aren’t used on the open waters, but rather the narrow reed-lined channels. These traditional dug-out canoes are used to glide through the water at sunset, and explore narrow waterways inaccessible on a boat.

Sundowners in a Special Location

The Xaxaba guides are experts in the field of wildlife and have an intimate knowledge of the island, which is their backyard. Evenings on safari are spent celebrating the much anticipated golden hour. Guides will transport you to a hidden destination on the banks of the Delta, where a makeshift boma with chairs, campfire and snacks are set-up. Sit with your feet in the water while enjoying you favourite sundower drink. A memory of a lifetime!

Week in Pics : Bushveld Solitude as December Descends

December is descending upon us faster than a leopard ambushes its prey. The silly season is approaching, and with it comes plenty of mass marketing, enticing jingles and manic behaviour from humans. This is the time of year to indulge in the solitude of the bushveld and observe the natural life that continues to unfold despite the frenetic mayhem displayed by humans. If you’re not in the bushveld, find a tranquil spot to sit and browse through our week in pics – your connection to the magic of the ‘veld.

Xaxaba Island Camp in Botswana

Xaxaba Island Camp is yet another new addition to our portfolio of lodges and camps in Botswana. The camp is a remote and rustic destination overlooking the famous Chief’s Island in the acclaimed Okavango Delta region, and offers plenty of water based safari activities. There’s fishing, boating, mekoro, walks and special sundowners on the sandy banks of the Delta. This is a community run island, and there are 3 different locations where camp is set up. It’s simple and basic, but the game viewing is unsurpassed!

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

The highlight from the Sabi Sand this week was the rare sighting of the Natumi female leopard , who is Little Bush’s cub. She was guarding her kill in a tree, and is clearly on track with her hunting skills gained from her mother. She is in the region of 12 – 18 months, which is when sub-adult cubs will begin their solitary lifestyle, occasionally meeting up with their mothers to conduct kills. There was also a sighting of a young, unknown leopardess who was clearly exploring new ground in an effort to establish home ground. There have also been wild dogs sightings, and abundant bird life with plenty of summer migrants.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have enjoyed a rare sighting of African wild dogs stealing a leopard’s kill, which enthralled guests and rangers alike. There have been a few sightings of Ross Dam leopardess, who was also recently spotted with a young wildebeest calf kill just outside Africa on Foot camp. The elephant and buffalo sightings continue, and the usual species of summer migratory birds have made a colourful appearance. The Ross Pride Breakaway Lionesses continue to go about their business in the Klaserie, providing us with the much needed stable sightings of lions. Game viewing is certainly at a high in this reserve.

Chacma Bush Camp

Our delightful camp in the heart of the Maseke Balule Game Reserve continues to tick over with an abundance of elephant and buffalo sightings – in front of camp. The waterhole is literally below the swimming pool, and provides an oasis for a wealth of wildlife. The Maseke male lions have been spotted yet again, and wowed us with a sighting of the coalition feasting on a giraffe kill. Ranger Luan even spotted an elusive leopard skulking in the thickets.

Tuskers Bush Camp and Xobega Island Camp

Our Okavango Delta and Kwatale Conservancy camps in Botswana have just hosted a few agents for an educational tour. While they were at Tuskers, they spotted a herd of elephants at the waterhole and a leopard on the outskirts of camp – that was the day they arrived!

Enjoy the week ahead. We look forward to bringing you tales from the bushveld.

Klaserie Wild Dogs Displace Leopard from Kill

Two species. One sighting. Both vastly different in their take down of quarry and execution of kill tactics. This is the story of how local leopardess Ross Dam had her fragmented carcass stolen by a pack of unscrupulous wild dogs. Only the marula tree where she sought refuge will know the true version of events that unfolded in this section of land that borders the confines of our traverse. Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp witnessed the scuffle as it began, but what happened before the untimely death of the impala kill will forever remain a mystery stashed into the vault of stories that the bushveld holds.

Trotting through the recently replenished bushveld, the endangered African wild dog seeks out potential prey amidst the dense shrubbery and knob-thorn thickets. Affectionately known as “painted wolves”, these nomadic dogs together with their gregarious packs will cover a wide range to find their ideal quarry.

Their hunting skills are like a well-oiled machine, but one that thrives on blatant behaviour. Dogs will simply identify a weaker or younger member in the herd, walk straight towards their target and a chase will ensue. Identify – pause – engage. A string of behaviour typical to animals that are classified as sighthounds. Wild dogs are coursers and will chase their prey until the point of exhaustion, after which they will attempt to disembowel their prey. Despite the kill method sounding rather sadistic, the prey actually dies quite quickly. Like most wild animals, if dogs come across a free carcass without having to conduct a kill, they will naturally attempt to eat it and displace other predators from the carcass.

The techniques and social lifestyle are in great contrast to our more aloof and mysterious leopard species; a cat that hunts with solitary craftsmanship. A leopard’s method of hunting is different to the wild dogs – they thrive on the art of camouflage and ambush, utilising their stealth and grace to conceal their presence. It is only the alarm calls from plains game and birds that alerts the target of a possible threat.

Once the kill has been made, a leopard will need to drag its prey to safety before the scavengers and other predators get wind of the fresh meal. They will normally hoist their kill high up in the tree, or hide it in dense bushes. Leopards can be opportunistic and will steal prey, provided the conditions are non-threatening – leopards are not normally confrontational.

In this frame we have two completely unrelated species vying for the same prey. Now that we’ve delved into the depths of how each species conducts kills, you can probably ascertain what might have happened prior to the arrival of our game viewers at the sighting.

Here’s how we ended up in this enviable position of our vehicles being slap bang in the middle of a leopard and pack of wild dogs.

Rangers had a glimpse of the wild dogs on the road and followed them onto traverse where only Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have access. The dogs stopped at the base of the marula tree where a leopard (Ross Dam female) was guarding and hovering over an impala carcass – she was probably about to hoist it up the tree. They chased the leopard and displaced her from the carcass, and Ross Dam sought solitude in the fork of the tree. The dogs tore at the remains of the carcass, while Ross Dam watched over them in anger. She could be heard hissing, growling and baring her teeth. The dogs eventually moved off, and Ross Dam descended from the tree, snatched the carcass and stashed it in the fork for safekeeping! Just another average day here in the Klaserie.

Week in Pics : Landscapes, Predators and Plains Game

This week we’ve enjoyed a slew of interesting photos emerging from our camps and lodges. The thunderstorms are rolling in, which is a clear indicator that summer is approaching. With the new season rapidly encroaching, the skies above beginning to shift; bringing in 3 dimensional cloud cover and backgrounds ideal for wildlife photography.

Needless to say, the natural setting and surrounds at the moment is picture perfect. The Klaserie has produced an incredible mix of sightings, from predators to plains and pachyderms. The Mbiri males, the Ross Pride Breakaways and lions from the eastern block – the River Pride, have been spotted on the traverse around Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. Hyenas have been active because of the many predator kills in the area, and the wild dogs have been spotted numerous times. The highlight has been ranger A.D. Van Zyl’s video of a pack of wild dogs trying to attack a hyena.

Chacma Bush Camp, our latest addition to the Kruger portfolio of camps, is heaving with sightings of buffalo and elephant. A recent highlight being the bovids joining the pachyderms for a drinking session at the waterhole in front of camp.

Mankwe Tented Retreat is the latest addition to our trails of Botswana route, and is ideally located on the outskirts of the Moremi Game Reserve and in its own private concession the Kwatale Conservancy. Botswana is renown for its prolific game, and a game drive excursion from Mankwe into the reserve will provide ample game viewing opportunity. Shorter game drives around the Kwatale Conservancy will allow for further scope of spotting wildlife.

Game Drives in Moremi : Wildlife Videos

Mankwe Tented Retreat sits on the outskirts of two prime game viewing destinations – the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. The Moremi juts into the water wonderland of the Delta, and is renowned for its phenomenal big cat sightings and prolific wildlife. If you combine a stay at Mankwe with an activity-based safari comprising day trips and game drives into the Moremi and the Delta, you’ll be sure to tick off a number of species on your game viewing list.

The low gradient alluvial fan and World Heritage site of the Okavango Delta offers the perfect water-based safari. Its papyrus reed-lined channels, lagoons and private islands contain a wild world of rare birds, water-dwelling beasts, swamp lions, menacing crocodiles and giant breeding herds of pachyderms. In the heavily wooded mopane trees surrounding camp, you will find plains game, hyena, honey badger and a colourful array of bird life.

Mankwe itself is considered the gateway to these areas, and while not located in a prime riverfront spot, it does rest in its own secret mopane woodland in the 300, 000-hectare Kwatale Conservancy. Located an hour from south gate Moremi and the central safari town of Maun, it certainly is the perfect halfway point for an activity-based safari.

While photographer Stewart Nolan was out on game drive inside the Moremi National Park, he spotted plenty of predators, significant birds of prey, waders, plains game and mammals living in harmony with the Moremi’s varied ecosystem. Tsessebe, lechwe and the rare sitatunga (marshbuck) antelope are found in abundance in these areas because of the abundance of pans and waterholes.

The three-game viewing videos below are highlights of the game viewing experience enjoyed while staying at Mankwe and indulging in activities on offer. A few moments that stood out included a lone leopard straddling a branch high up in a tree, elephants swimming and observing red lechwe bounding through the swampy regions.

Leopards generally conserve energy during the daylight hours by resting on elevated areas or on overhanging branches in tall trees. They also stash their kills in trees, which keeps them and their meal safe from other predators and scavengers.

The elephant sightings are always rewarding, because of their antics. Elephants will travel miles to seek out pristine water sources and spend hours soaking up gallons of water and mud bathing.

You most certainly won’t be disappointed with your game viewing experience in this part of the world!

Selinda Spillway Baobab Sundowners at Motswiri Camp

Golden hour is a much anticipated event while on safari. Sunset is the colourful divide between the tranquillity of blissful safari days and mysterious antics that occur under the canopy of star spangled darkness. It’s the bridge that links day to night, and always provides the picture perfect setting to discuss the day’s events and the potential of the night. At Motswiri Camp we go out of our way to take advantage of this time of day, so much so that it has become quite an event here at camp.

Our baobab sunset session marries harmonious scenic surrounds with bushveld elegance. You will be transported to a secluded spot on the breathtaking Selinda Spillway, a hideaway in a shallow waterlogged region favoured by guides Witness and Twoboy. A table laden with snacks and your choice of tipple is set-up, while you swap stories about recent sightings. The scene is quite surreal. To be enveloped in the sights and sounds of Africa with so much space and freedom at your feet is, well, simply refreshing.

A rather dignified baobab tree watches over the landscape below and provides the perfect safari element to an otherwise exquisite part the our concession. While elephants lumber through the waters on the horizon listen out for the gentle rustling in the reeds – it might be a shy waterbuck. Listen carefully to the sounds above, for you might hear the call of the African fish eagle – an iconic sound of Africa. This spot in the Selinda is ideal for sundowners, and is just one of the many activities on offer when you stay at RAW Botswana, Motswiri Camp.

Recent guests were treated to a famous sundowner sessions, and they certainly had no problem drinking champagne and tucking into glasses of traditional Amarula liqueur. Michelle, one of the guests, said, “There were dazzle of zebra in the background and array of birdlife hovering over the tranquil waters, which certainly added a touch of authenticity to the scene.”

Motswiri camp operates exclusively on 120 000 acres of a magnificent, world-renowned tract of land on the Selinda Spillway. We ensure that you experience the best of land and water based safari activities in a wild location. There are a host of unique activities on offer, where you have the option of experiencing horseback safaris, walking trails, game drives, boating, mekoro and canoeing. After a day spent indulging in the best that Botswana has to offer, you can relax on your private verandah that flows out from your suite overlooking the wilderness beyond. Watch the video showcasing the highlights of RAW Botswana.

Will it be sparkling wine, a beer or a traditional gin and tonic under the wise old baobab? The choice is yours – just get here. This is a sundowner session Botswana style. Your time to be cocooned in absolute safari bliss and wild Africa.

Mankwe’s Mopane Wonderland and Natural Surrounds

Mankwe Tented Retreat is centrally located in an accessible area for self-drivers, yet is surrounded by wild and untamed bushveld. The actual lodge sits among the evergreen mopane trees, which provide plenty of shade and a welcome recess from endless days of the harsh African sun.

The 12 tented suites and main lodge area occupy a flawless spot in a 300 000 hectare private concession on the eastern boundary of Moremi Game Reserve . This is a prestigious territory in the wild wonderland of Botswana, where the lack of fences allows for free-roaming wildlife, resident lions, an abundance of elephants, and incomprehensible room to explore.

The lodge is on the doorstep of the Okavango Delta, and is the perfect place to explore the surrounding region and periphery of the various concessions. Immediate surrounds give rise to the perfect habitat for a wealth of birdlife to thrive, and is a great place to spot woodland specials like the Levaillant’s cuckoo and fiery-necked nightjar.

On the concession itself, there’s plenty of activity from wild dogs, hyena, honey badger, and elephants. Being located on the outskirts of the Moremi means that you are only an hour away from Moremi South Gate, where you will have the opportunity to spot the big five, predators and plenty of plains game. Moremi and the Okavango Delta is where the magic happens.

One can expect a varied ecosystem and biome, with plenty of flora. Tall trees grow in areas where there is ample water supply, such as the swamps of the Delta and pans of the Moremi. The natural surroundings when you drive towards Khwai and the Delta, greatly contrasts the vegetation surrounding Mankwe. The mopane gradually changes to sightings of papyrus, real fan palms, sycamore fig trees, sausage trees, wild date palms and African mangosteens. You may also notice baobab trees dotted across our Kwatale Conservancy, and marula, acacia and camel thorn species. The varied habitat allows for many species of wildlife to thrive.

Mankwe Tented Retreat is located only 96km from Maun, and is easily and affordably accessed by self-drivers from Maun Airport. Although not within the Moremi and the Delta, it certainly provides easy access to major safari areas. We suggest pre-arranging your safaris to these areas in conjunction with enjoying game drives in our immediate conservancy. This will allow you to experience the best that Botswana has to offer.

Original Safari Accommodation at Mankwe Tented Retreat

Mankwe Tented Retreat is the latest addition to the Sun Destinations portfolio of authentic lodges and camps across remote wilderness areas in the prime safari destinations of Kruger and Botswana. Mankwe forms part of our Trails of Botswana route, a route that shies away from mass tourism, letting guests experience the unusual, the untouched and the unique. The trails’ route combines authentic safari experiences with luxury, adventure and tranquil times.

Mankwe is the perfect base from which to explore the Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta, the Khwai region and surrounding conservancies. Mankwe itself is in a prime location on its own 300 000 hectare concession, home to a wealth of wildlife. This lodge conducts its own drives on the network of private pans surrounding the lodge, but also offers daily safari excursions to explore the Khwai wetlands and Moremi’s diverse wildlife habitats.

Combining Mankwe with a stay at other camps along the Trails of Botswana route, will allow you to experience both the best of land and water-based safaris. Combine it with a stay at Mboma Island Expeditions in the Okavango Delta, a proper bushveld experience at Tuskers Bush Camp, a luxury Selinda Spillway experience with mekoro rides, horse riding and superb accommodation.

Mankwe offers original safari accommodation in 12 Meru-style tented suites on raised wooden platforms with decks offering views of the wild bushveld. Each of the tents is surrounded by forests of mopane trees offering welcome shade during the hot summer months.

Each tented suite sleeps two people and has an en suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and simple bathroom vanity complete with complimentary soap, shampoo and lotion. The bathrooms are private and separated by a canvas flap. Mattresses and linen are of the finest quality, and decor is muted tones with an African feel. There’s plenty of storage space, from bedside tables to wicker drawers and even a wooden cupboard; there’s a lot of places for all your gadgets.

Solar power heats the geysers for hot water in the showers and taps, and drinking water is provided in a flask and replenished daily, or on request. Towels and extra blankets are provided, as are insect repellents and complimentary bathroom cosmetics.

We love Mankwe because of its stylish simplicity, location to all the wild wonders of Botswana, proximity and easy driving route from Maun airport, and the flexibility of combining it with our other lodges.

Week in Pics : Arrivals and Departures

This week we see the arrival of a new lodge in Botswana, and the departure of the arid season. Greenery is sprouting and forcing its way through the bushveld, and there’s new life across all our reserves. Our team in the Klaserie have been upskilling themselves when it comes to creating safari cocktails, and our new camp in Botswana is a welcome arrival. So many varying facets of the safari lifestyle!

The highlight of this week has been the new addition to the Sun Destinations portfolio of properties. This new lodge is Mankwe Bush Lodge, located on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, a renowned World Heritage Site in Botswana. We look forward to the images and videos to emerge from this humble lodge forming part of our Trails of Botswana route.

Klaserie Camps, Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp, have enjoyed a spate of lion and leopard sightings. The Ross Pride Breakaway lionesses continue to reward rangers and guests with their presence, and have definitely found a permanent territory around these camps. The Mbiri males were also spotted, full of crimson encrusted fur from a recent kill! Amidst all of the wildlife sightings, the team from both camps managed to enjoy a lesson in gin pairing at the Bush Bar – a necessary skill to have to ensure guests receive the perfectly crafted cocktail.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge observed a pack of wild dogs taking down a bushbuck on the periphery of camp. They tracked the dogs to a waterhole, where they managed to get a close-up sighting of the dogs replenishing their thirst.

Chacma Bush Camp and Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails continue to enjoy game viewing success in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve. Chacma enjoys frequent elephant herd sightings at the waterhole in front of camp, but has just recently witnessed an influx of buffalo to the area. This is possibly because there’s plenty of new greenery about and grasses needing mowing!

Without further ado, here is our “Week in Pics”.

Romantic Safari Sundowners with Melvill and Moon

Melvill and Moon are safari outfitters providing classic yet contemporary safari gear for those wanting an authentic yet stylish safari experience. Bespoke furniture is constructed using simple designs with clean lines, exquisitely stitched heavy canvas adorns the finest wood and attention to detail is found in the finely crafted leather logos embroidered onto each item. Far from ostentatious, but oozing sophistication and authenticity, Melvill and Moon gear epitomises safari days from a bygone era. Natural hues are utilised throughout, ensuring campaign furniture and accessories blend into their natural environment.

When it comes to golden hour, a much celebrated time of day in the bushveld, we look at unique ways of paying homage to the brazen skies. Our Melvill and Moon sundowner bar set-up is where the wilderness and sophistication meet, and the Maseke Balule Game Reserve is certainly not short of sundowner spots. The natural landscape provides the romance, and we provide the set for a world of surprise “I dos” and “I love you” declarations to take place. After two of our guests enjoyed a rather strenuous 3 day hiking trail crunching through the bushveld in their veldskoen at the mercy of Africa on foot Wilderness Trails, they then decided to arrange a special sundowner session.

Upon request we can arrange for our sundowner set-up to take place at one of our camps in the Greater Kruger. This scene unfolded in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve, a rocky landscape dotted with koppies, boulders and hills giving rise to endless horizon views. We chose the perfect position, built a bushveld campfire and strategically placed the chairs in position. The field bar – adorned with brass fittings provided the perfect stand for our fine top-shelf whisky and craft gins.

We’ve arranged a Melvill and Moon set-up before at one of the Sun Destinations camps, and this time we decided the undulating rocky traverse of the Maseke was the perfect setting for a romantic occasion. If you have something special you want to celebrate, just let us know prior to arrival and we will set-up the carefully constructed mobile wooden bar, light the fire and create the mood. What you do with the mood, the words you speak and your actions are all up to you.

The setting sun has long since been the inspiration for poets penning their ink on parched paper, for romantic overtures and sweeping gestures. The one thing that remains constant amidst the mess of the modern living is the simplicity and beauty of the setting sun. The sun will always set, and so it will always rise again.

Backed African heritage spanning over 8 generations, Melvill and Moon mobile bar set-up combined with our expertise in identifying perfect spots and set-ups, provides the picturesque scene for a “yes”. Our Melvill and Moon special safari sundowners combine safari tradition and romance!