Reviews of Nxabega Tented Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
38 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Nxabega Tented Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Sep-2018, 5 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Nxabega Tented Camp.
Lion
100% success
Leopard
80% success
Cheetah
40% success
Wild dog
80% success
Elephant
100% success
Dr & Mrs P
York
"Good - but not prefect"
2 nights Arrived 21 Aug 2014
"Had this been our first camp we'd probabaly have like it better but coming after Little Vumbura it seemed to us a little formal and over regimented. We'd wanted to try an &Beyond camp having been to a spectacular one in India but this one is probably ready for an upgrade - or perhaps we were just over picky after our first two camps.
The tent was fine, though the bathroom was just behind a canvas flap so you had to know your companion very well. We liked the outdoor deck with a big parasol. We had one extremely noisy night when elephants decided to investigate the fruits on the tree right outside our tent. Elephants, hippos and baboons were regular visitors round camp but we never felt at all worried by them. On our first night we were taken straight from our game drive to a spot near the camp which had been beautifully decorated with lanterns, for dinner preceded by singing and dancing by the staff. For this and other meals we all sat at separate tables which felt a little odd after the communal dining everywhere else. But as nearly all the other guests were families with children perhaps it was easier. The food was fine but again a little formally presented.
Megan had warned us that this wasn't really the camp for great game viewing but I think we were surprised at how little there was - and actually started to feel sorry for the guide and spotter who kept assuring us that there was usually more to see! The guide has to be the slowest driver we've ever had , though he did manage to get us there in time to see a group of wild dog puppies devouring an impala under the watchful eye of their parents. Even the mokoro and boat rides, whilst again very relaxing, were lacking in wildlife sightings. Perhaps not the best time of year for this camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia
The tent was fine, though the bathroom was just behind a canvas flap so you had to know your companion very well. We liked the outdoor deck with a big parasol. We had one extremely noisy night when elephants decided to investigate the fruits on the tree right outside our tent. Elephants, hippos and baboons were regular visitors round camp but we never felt at all worried by them. On our first night we were taken straight from our game drive to a spot near the camp which had been beautifully decorated with lanterns, for dinner preceded by singing and dancing by the staff. For this and other meals we all sat at separate tables which felt a little odd after the communal dining everywhere else. But as nearly all the other guests were families with children perhaps it was easier. The food was fine but again a little formally presented.
Megan had warned us that this wasn't really the camp for great game viewing but I think we were surprised at how little there was - and actually started to feel sorry for the guide and spotter who kept assuring us that there was usually more to see! The guide has to be the slowest driver we've ever had , though he did manage to get us there in time to see a group of wild dog puppies devouring an impala under the watchful eye of their parents. Even the mokoro and boat rides, whilst again very relaxing, were lacking in wildlife sightings. Perhaps not the best time of year for this camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr H & Ms S
Dorking
"High quality tented accommodation"
3 nights Arrived 19 Dec 2013
"Lovely location, fine main building, great guiding.
Rainy season: slightly damp in the tent generally and a small leak.
Bathroom design, with shower in the middle of the room, not very convenient." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Rainy season: slightly damp in the tent generally and a small leak.
Bathroom design, with shower in the middle of the room, not very convenient." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs C
Shropshire
"Nxabega third time around"
3 nights Arrived 15 Nov 2013
"After a short game drive from the airstrip we were soon being greeted by Goffa (manager) and staff and sitting down to brunch.
We didn't get the tent we requested but had a much better one overlooking the lagoon. Nxabega is excellent for birding and we had a brilliant guide (KD) and tracker(Fred). We had KD before when he was at Xaranna and he immediately recognised us. His bird identifaction was excellent and we did find three different leopards in three game drives (not bad considering we were looking for birds)!!
The food was very good and plentiful - including the bush BBQ where the whole camp staff had moved into the bush which was a memorable experience with the trees lit up by hanging lanterns.
Thoroughly recommended for birding especially when you have the game wagon to yourselves (which we were lucky to have for most of the time)." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
We didn't get the tent we requested but had a much better one overlooking the lagoon. Nxabega is excellent for birding and we had a brilliant guide (KD) and tracker(Fred). We had KD before when he was at Xaranna and he immediately recognised us. His bird identifaction was excellent and we did find three different leopards in three game drives (not bad considering we were looking for birds)!!
The food was very good and plentiful - including the bush BBQ where the whole camp staff had moved into the bush which was a memorable experience with the trees lit up by hanging lanterns.
Thoroughly recommended for birding especially when you have the game wagon to yourselves (which we were lucky to have for most of the time)." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms E & Mr J
Spain
"Great guides. Great location."
3 nights Arrived 13 Nov 2013
"A marvellous place with excellent guides and excellent personnel. We had a wonderful experience there.
The rooms are great, but the textile-walls need some thorough cleaning." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 10n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
The rooms are great, but the textile-walls need some thorough cleaning." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 10n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs M
Virginia
"Nxabega Safari Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 19 Apr 2013
"We loved this camp because the staff was so much fun--they enjoyed their jobs and their English was very good. This may be due to the manager, Patrick, who seemed like one of the family with staff and guests as well. He was always fun to socialize with whenever the opportunity presented.
At least four people greeted us upon arrival and departure for our treks, with one of the women making us smile with her wonderful ululating. Our tracker, T.T., even ran alongside the airplane waving goodbye when we left the camp. & Beyond still uses trackers which we think enhances the opportunity to find animals. With the tracker and the guide, K.D., we saw lots of animals., particularly lions. In fact, we almost ran over a pride resting in the tall grass, necessitating us to back up so the tracker could get in the vehicle.
The food here was exceptional and inspired me to try imitating some of the salads and egg dishes in particular. We even had a delicious meal served in the bush with romantic lighting of lanterns hanging in the trees overhead." See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana
At least four people greeted us upon arrival and departure for our treks, with one of the women making us smile with her wonderful ululating. Our tracker, T.T., even ran alongside the airplane waving goodbye when we left the camp. & Beyond still uses trackers which we think enhances the opportunity to find animals. With the tracker and the guide, K.D., we saw lots of animals., particularly lions. In fact, we almost ran over a pride resting in the tall grass, necessitating us to back up so the tracker could get in the vehicle.
The food here was exceptional and inspired me to try imitating some of the salads and egg dishes in particular. We even had a delicious meal served in the bush with romantic lighting of lanterns hanging in the trees overhead." See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Texas, USA
"Nxabega - Unique Facility & Great Staff"
3 nights Arrived 18 Oct 2012
"Good Contrast to Sandibe. Game and terrain a bit different. Wonderful service and food. ( Leg of lamb the last night a bit "gristly") . Guide Flame was terrific.
Long ride from Pom Pom a bit of a pain but view as an extra "game drive". At the very top of tented safari camps!" See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana
Long ride from Pom Pom a bit of a pain but view as an extra "game drive". At the very top of tented safari camps!" See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Newton Abb
"Nxabega Safari Camp review"
2 nights Arrived 28 Aug 2012
"18hr mains power with battery power after 11pm. 24 hr hot water. Hair drier in room.
Much too far from the airstrip (90 minutes). They claim to have plans for a nearer strip to be built but no date for this." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
Much too far from the airstrip (90 minutes). They claim to have plans for a nearer strip to be built but no date for this." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr F & Mrs M
Peru
"A good start for our trip"
3 nights Arrived 17 Jul 2012
"We enjoyed our stay at Nxabeja specially for the excellent staff and attention.
They catered to my special dietary needs from the first day. The tents were nice but very cold at night! The game tours were excellent, with very good and specialized rangers." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 4n in South Africa; 3n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in Zanzibar
They catered to my special dietary needs from the first day. The tents were nice but very cold at night! The game tours were excellent, with very good and specialized rangers." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 4n in South Africa; 3n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs O
Dorset
"Nxabega - the best food in Africa !"
2 nights Arrived 29 May 2012
"Accommodation - This was our second camp in the Delta (the others being Lebala, Kwara and Sandibe) and we stayed here for 2 nights. The tents are well appointed, with private verandahs to sit on and relax - and we also sat down by the pool area, which is beautiful.
Nxabega is set in a very picturesque area of the delta - coming from Lebala, the difference in the environment was quite striking as we drove through the concession to the camp, over some lovely rustic bridges!
Our first evening was spent taking a small motor boat cruise through the channels, and enjoying a glass of wine/G&T as the sun went down. Returning to dry land, we returned to the Jeep for a night drive, and had a fantastic surprise when we were taken for a Bush Dinner. I won't spoil the surprise for anyone else who happens to be staying at the right time (unfortunately, these dinners only happen once a week - and even that isn't guaranteed) - but if you are lucky enough to experience one, then it is a truely wonderful evening! I especially enjoyed the Astronomy Lessons that one of the Guides shared with us.
As I mentioned in the title, the food at Nxabega is fantastic - the team in the kitchen create the most wonderful dishes at every meal, and we would rate the food here as the best we've experienced in Africa (this is our 7th Safari trip in Africa, so we have experienced a few different lodges). Here, you dine at tables set up for your group - so if you are travelling alone, or as a couple, you will dine on your own table, rather than the communal tables approach taken by the Kwando group of lodges.
Wildlife - We were very fortunate to have two fantastic wildlife experiences here at Nxabega. On our first morning we headed out and stopped by the Hyena Den (there are currently 7 Hyena in the pack) to find the Alpha Female nursing 2 very small pups just at the mouth of the den. The pups had their eyes open, but were clearly far too young to be allowed out from the safety of the den - and to have the opportunity to glimpse them was a rare treat (you know you're seeing something unusual when your Guide is also taking photographs!)
Then that evening we found a Leopard Mother and Cub (approximately 5 months old) with an Impala kill. We watched them for a short while - but then returned the following morning, and found them still in the same place, and had the opportunity to watch as the mother finished eating, and then both were moving around and interacting. The cub is still quite shy, and for a while took refuge behind a log, before putting his front paws up and settling down to watch us!
Again, you will also find the usual array of Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Warthog, and various different Antelope species (including Red Lechwe and Tsessebe) - and we also found 2 different species of Frog whilst out on the Mokoro ride, and enjoyed watching the Kingfishers, Fish Eagles and other birds.
The wildlife sightings are often much closer than in other parts of Africa, as the Drivers/Guides and Trackers take you off road. Note - we had both a Driver and a Tracker on every Game Drive, so you need to consider that when estimating the amount of cash required for tips." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Nxabega is set in a very picturesque area of the delta - coming from Lebala, the difference in the environment was quite striking as we drove through the concession to the camp, over some lovely rustic bridges!
Our first evening was spent taking a small motor boat cruise through the channels, and enjoying a glass of wine/G&T as the sun went down. Returning to dry land, we returned to the Jeep for a night drive, and had a fantastic surprise when we were taken for a Bush Dinner. I won't spoil the surprise for anyone else who happens to be staying at the right time (unfortunately, these dinners only happen once a week - and even that isn't guaranteed) - but if you are lucky enough to experience one, then it is a truely wonderful evening! I especially enjoyed the Astronomy Lessons that one of the Guides shared with us.
As I mentioned in the title, the food at Nxabega is fantastic - the team in the kitchen create the most wonderful dishes at every meal, and we would rate the food here as the best we've experienced in Africa (this is our 7th Safari trip in Africa, so we have experienced a few different lodges). Here, you dine at tables set up for your group - so if you are travelling alone, or as a couple, you will dine on your own table, rather than the communal tables approach taken by the Kwando group of lodges.
Wildlife - We were very fortunate to have two fantastic wildlife experiences here at Nxabega. On our first morning we headed out and stopped by the Hyena Den (there are currently 7 Hyena in the pack) to find the Alpha Female nursing 2 very small pups just at the mouth of the den. The pups had their eyes open, but were clearly far too young to be allowed out from the safety of the den - and to have the opportunity to glimpse them was a rare treat (you know you're seeing something unusual when your Guide is also taking photographs!)
Then that evening we found a Leopard Mother and Cub (approximately 5 months old) with an Impala kill. We watched them for a short while - but then returned the following morning, and found them still in the same place, and had the opportunity to watch as the mother finished eating, and then both were moving around and interacting. The cub is still quite shy, and for a while took refuge behind a log, before putting his front paws up and settling down to watch us!
Again, you will also find the usual array of Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Warthog, and various different Antelope species (including Red Lechwe and Tsessebe) - and we also found 2 different species of Frog whilst out on the Mokoro ride, and enjoyed watching the Kingfishers, Fish Eagles and other birds.
The wildlife sightings are often much closer than in other parts of Africa, as the Drivers/Guides and Trackers take you off road. Note - we had both a Driver and a Tracker on every Game Drive, so you need to consider that when estimating the amount of cash required for tips." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Shropshire
"Nxabega Return"
3 nights Arrived 18 Nov 2011
"A short twenty minute flight from Maun brought us to the Pom Pom airstrip (Nxabega's airstrip is unuseable at present) then a 2 hour game drive to Nxabega where we were met and taken to our tent following the usual formalities.
The tent itself was in a very good position and spotlessly clean. At meal times the food was always plentiful and very well presented. Max and Flame were our guides and were always keen to find us birds as well as the animals.
We drove for miles one day just to seek out a leopard - Max positioned the vehicle in just the right place to get the best views.
This was our second visit to Nxabega and we weren't disappointed." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
The tent itself was in a very good position and spotlessly clean. At meal times the food was always plentiful and very well presented. Max and Flame were our guides and were always keen to find us birds as well as the animals.
We drove for miles one day just to seek out a leopard - Max positioned the vehicle in just the right place to get the best views.
This was our second visit to Nxabega and we weren't disappointed." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
