Xaoo Safari Camp is a small luxury tented camp at Lot 955, Xuxau, Okavango Delta, NG35, Botswana, beside Xoxao village, approximately 17 kilometers west of Shorobe. Its six raised chalets place travelers on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta rather than in an urban neighborhood. The owners’ family visit in 2016 inspired the project, with wildlife conservation and local cultural preservation central to its identity. Come for intimate accommodation, marshland scenery, and time in one of Africa’s great inland wetland systems.
What to Expect at Xaoo Safari Camp
The accommodation consists of six widely spaced, raised tented chalets, each with en-suite facilities. Bedding options include a super-sized king bed or two three-quarter beds. Depending on configuration, a chalet accommodates three adults or two adults and two children; specify your party’s ages and preferred sleeping arrangement when booking. The separation between units favors couples and small groups seeking privacy between activities. This is an overnight wilderness base, not a conventional wildlife park with entrance gates, exhibit enclosures, or a self-guided visitor circuit.
The name Xaoo means “buffalo” in Sesarwa, reflecting buffalo visits to nearby marshes. Xoxao’s community includes Basarwa, Bayei, and Baherero residents, making cultural respect as important as wildlife etiquette. The wider Okavango system receives floodwater originating in Angola, and its seasonal inundation does not simply follow local rainfall. Water levels influence scenery and practical access, so choose dates around the experience you want rather than assuming identical conditions throughout the year. Discuss the camp’s current activity program directly before committing to particular excursions.
- Six-chalet scale: A small accommodation footprint keeps the setting personal rather than resort-like.
- Raised tented accommodation: En-suite chalets combine canvas construction with separation from the ground.
- Flexible sleeping arrangements: King or twin three-quarter beds suit couples, friends, and selected family configurations.
- Buffalo-associated marshes: Nearby wetland habitat explains the camp’s name; sightings remain unpredictable.
- Xoxao village setting: The camp’s story connects the Delta landscape with Basarwa, Bayei, and Baherero cultural heritage.
Xaoo Safari Camp at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Lot 955, Xuxau, Okavango Delta, Xuxau Shorobe, NG35, Botswana |
| Neighborhood / Area | Xoxao village area, eastern Okavango Delta; approximately 17 kilometers west of Shorobe |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: open 24 hours for overnight operations; arrange arrival and departure times directly |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid accommodation; $$$ luxury-camp tier. Request a dated quotation and activity inclusions |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Access via Shorobe from Maun; arrange the final transfer and vehicle parking with the camp |
| Official Website & Phone | Xaoo Safari Camp official website; +267 73 463 601 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book accommodation and transfers together, particularly for the popular dry-season safari months. Maun is the principal regional gateway; the approach continues toward Shorobe before the final approximately 17-kilometer journey west. There is no urban rail or metro connection to this wilderness address. Request current driving directions, road-condition advice, vehicle requirements, and parking arrangements before attempting independent arrival. Aim to reach camp in daylight, allowing time to settle in without navigating unfamiliar rural tracks after dark.
Raised chalets make access arrangements an essential booking question: travelers using wheelchairs should obtain entrance-step counts, ramp details, bathroom measurements, and transfer-vehicle access information directly. Do not assume paved routes between units. For nearby experiences, discuss a hosted visit around Xoxao and guided exploration of the marsh environment; Shorobe is a road-based pairing rather than a short stroll. This is not a setting for independent 5–15-minute walks between tourist landmarks. Follow staff guidance around wildlife, and ask permission before photographing residents or entering community spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best arrival time?
The camp operates around the clock for overnight guests, but that does not establish unrestricted check-in hours. Arrange a daylight arrival and agree transfer timings before leaving Maun or Shorobe.
How much does a stay cost, and should I reserve?
This is paid luxury accommodation in the $$$ tier, with only six chalets, so reserve ahead. Obtain a written quotation specifying meals, activities, transfers, conservation charges, and any child rates before paying.
How long should I stay?
Allow two to three nights to balance travel with unhurried time at camp. A single overnight leaves less flexibility for changing conditions and whichever guided activities you arrange.
Is Xaoo Safari Camp suitable for families?
Chalets can accommodate two adults and two children, making small-family stays possible. Confirm children’s activity eligibility and supervision requirements, and keep youngsters accompanied around camp because this is a wildlife setting rather than an enclosed playground.
When planning your Okavango Delta travel guide or browsing verified wildlife and safari park in Okavango Delta, pair this stop with standout local spots including OKAVANGO CAMEL RIDES, Maun Lodge, Okavango Craft Brewery, and Atzaró Okavango (10.2 km away).
