Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp operates from the Pom Pom area concession (NG 27A) on the western flank of the Okavango Delta, immediately adjacent to the boundary of Moremi Game Reserve. The concession spans 25,000 hectares of mixed habitat: permanent and seasonal water channels lined with papyrus and riverine woodland, open grassland plateaus that flood seasonally, and mopane woodland that dominates the drier areas. The name "Nxabega" means "Place of the Giraffe" in Setswana, reflecting the species' presence across the concession. Unlike the Delta's central islands, the Pom Pom area transitions between Delta and dry land, creating a landscape mosaic that supports both water-dependent and terrestrial species in the same territory. Access is by charter flight from Maun to the camp's private airstrip, a flight of roughly 45 minutes across the Delta.

The concession carries permissions for game drives on uncontrolled routes, night driving, and walking safaris. Guiding is structured around twice-daily game drives, typically departing at sunrise and late afternoon, each lasting between three and five hours depending on sighting opportunities. The drives get around the network of sand roads and vehicle tracks crisscrossing the concession, following driver-interpreted game trails and concentrating on areas where recent spoor or movement suggests animals. Night drives run two or three times weekly, using spotlight and thermal imaging to locate nocturnal predators, hyaenids, and species like porcupine and genet. Walking safaris are offered seasonally or as guest preference allows, typically shorter walks (60–90 minutes) from the camp's immediate vicinity or as foot-based extensions to a morning drive. Water-based activities vary seasonally: mokoro excursions operate throughout the flood season (June–August, when water levels are highest), getting around the permanent channels and reaching the floodplain edge for wading birds and aquatic species. Motorized boat excursions operate year-round on deeper channels and are used for game spotting and fishing when water permits.

The camp consists of nine luxury en-suite tents raised on wooden platforms, each positioned to capture views of the floodplain and acacia-lined watercourse beyond. Tents are canvas-walled structures with thatch-covered wooden frames, not bell tents but rather traditional camp-style accommodations with a safari aesthetic. Each unit features a front porch with director's chairs for observation, indoor sleeping area with queen or twin beds, teak flooring in the ensuite bathroom, and an outdoor shower ringed by natural stone or canvas screening. Tents are positioned 50–100 meters apart, creating privacy while maintaining visual and acoustic connection to the main lodge and other guests. The main lodge is a high-thatched structure housing dining facilities, bar, lounge with a fireplace, and multiple wooden viewing decks. A swimming pool overlooks the floodplain. The camp runs on diesel generators and solar power, with water sourced from boreholes and purified through multiple stages. WiFi is available in the main lodge and tents. Electricity is 220v, accommodating standard plug adaptations and charging for cameras and devices.

Seasonality drives the character of the landscape and activity options at Nxabega. Winter (June–August) is the flood season in the north, when water tables rise and the floodplain becomes a shallow lake; this is when mokoro trips are most extensive, channels are deep enough for motorized boats, and birds concentrate along water edges. Temperatures are cool, visibility is excellent, and elephant herds migrate into the area to access forage and water. Spring (September–November) sees water levels dropping, grass greening up from the first rains, and predators ranging wider as prey disperses across expanding vegetation. Summer (December–March) is hot and wet; the landscape becomes lush, water is abundant everywhere, and small predators are harder to locate in dense bush, though birdlife peaks. Autumn (April–May) is a transition with variable rainfall and consolidating animal populations as water sources dry. The lodge remains open year-round, adjusting activity focus and timing to the season. The shift from vehicle-dependent viewing in dry months to combined vehicle and water-based activity in wet months significantly changes the guest experience across seasons.

Nine tents mean a small guest capacity, the camp typically accommodates 12–20 guests at occupancy depending on party configurations. Two vehicles are usually in operation simultaneously for game drives, each carrying six to seven guests plus a driver-guide and often a tracker. This results in manageable group sizes and flexibility in route selection; if one vehicle encounters big cats or wild dogs, the second can pursue a different area or activity, so not every guest experiences the same drive twice. Dining is typically communal in the main lodge, though private arrangements can be made. The staff-to-guest ratio is high relative to tent count, with dedicated guides, trackers, housekeeping, and kitchen staff ensuring close attention to guest needs and safety. The communal setup encourages interaction among guests, creating a camaraderie common to smaller safari camps.

AndBeyond operates Nxabega as a conservation-integrated property, with guiding staff trained in wildlife identification and ecology. The lodge participates in ongoing wildlife monitoring and habitat assessment, contributing observations to broader Delta conservation networks. Local employment and procurement are prioritized; the camp sources fresh produce from surrounding communities when available and employs staff from the region, particularly guides and trackers who grew up in and around the Okavango. Community-based tourism revenue supports local conservation initiatives and wildlife education programs. Guests are welcome to engage directly with guides about their families, villages, and connection to the landscape, and the lodge facilitates conversations about conservation challenges and successes in the Delta. The approach is integrated without being prescriptive; conservation is woven through the experience rather than presented as a separate educational agenda.

Arrival at Nxabega requires a charter flight from Maun. Most guests book through tour operators, travel agents, or directly through andBeyond, and flights are typically coordinated as part of the package. Light aircraft based in Maun (operators like Northern Air or Delta Air Tours) service the route regularly. There is no road access to the camp; helicopter transfers are available at additional cost if preferred. The flight from Maun is slightly longer than to central Delta camps due to the western location, typically 45–50 minutes depending on weather and routing. The camp can arrange extensions to other Delta properties or Moremi via charter, though multicamp itineraries tend to require booking through a travel agent for unbroken logistics.

Nxabega appeals to guests seeking authentic tented accommodation in a productive game area without the intensity or predator focus of some central Delta properties. The combination of vehicle-based driving and water-based activity (mokoro in particular) is a draw for those wanting landscape variety, and the concession's location adjacent to Moremi gives it a slightly different wildlife profile than more central camps. The accessibility via charter without self-drive option suits guests who prefer logistics handled entirely by the lodge. The smaller group sizes and educated guiding are good for photographers and wildlife naturalists. The relatively modest price point within luxury Delta operations makes it a pragmatic choice for families or groups combining multiple nights with other Botswana destinations.