NXABEGA UNDER CANVAS

The camp is situated in the Pom Pom private concession in the western Okavango Delta, close to its luxury sibling and established Nxabega camp. The setting is particularly attractive, with the camp positioned beside a seasonal floodplain and surrounded by the waterways, islands, grasslands and woodland that make the Okavango such a remarkable wildlife habitat.

The three spacious canvas tents are positioned to provide privacy and broad views over the surrounding floodplain. Each tent has a comfortable super-king bed, en-suite bathroom with a hot shower and separate WC, private veranda, standing fan, safe, solar-powered lighting and Wi-Fi. The interiors use earthy tones, light timber, woven textures and simple safari-style furnishings, creating an atmosphere that feels refined without being overly polished. The emphasis is very much on allowing the sights and sounds of the Delta to remain the star attraction.

The communal heart of Nxabega Under Canvas is similarly intimate and relaxed. An open-sided shaded living and dining area provides somewhere to relax between activities, while meals can be enjoyed in camp, around the fire or beneath the stars. Dining follows the traditions of a classic mobile safari, with freshly prepared food, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and atmospheric dinners complemented by sundowners and campfire evenings. The camp also has a well-stocked bar, Wi-Fi and laundry service, while the small scale means that service can be highly personalised, with private dining and other special arrangements available on request.

Game drives are the principal activity, with the private concession offering opportunities to encounter elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog and a wealth of plains game. Guided walking safaris are available and, depending on seasonal water levels, you can head out by mokoro, gliding through the Delta's channels and floodplains for a completely different safari experience. Birding, fishing, photographic safaris and night drives further broaden the activities on offer.

What makes Nxabega Under Canvas particularly appealing is its small-scale, which may not be for everyone! It is less about elaborate lodge facilities and more about being surrounded by wilderness, enjoying excellent guiding and experiencing the Okavango at a slower pace. For travellers looking for an authentic Botswana safari with a strong sense of place, intimate accommodation and a blend of land and water activities, it offers a distinctive alternative to the larger luxury camps.

Open April - January