Discovering the Okavango Delta with andBeyond
An incredible trip threading Cape Town to Victoria Falls, with a jewel of time spent in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Rather than a single sighting, this journey delivers a succession of small, perfectly timed surprises: a double rainbow over a waking floodplain, a leopard drinking from a tent plunge pool, and the hush of a mokoro gliding through papyrus. andBeyond’s hospitality and local knowledge shaped those moments; thoughtful service, inventive dining and guide teams who read the land like a second language. Below is a polished account of the experience and practical notes for travelers considering a lodge-to-lodge Okavango itinerary.
The andBeyond experience, refined
andBeyond runs operations with choreography: transfers are synchronized, luggage moves smoothly between aircraft and vehicles, and local staff, from trackers to concierges, turn logistics into welcome. Airstrips are literal dirt runways where arrival parties await with cool towels, snacks and broad smiles. Guides and trackers possess a quietly intense expertise; their reading of the landscape makes wildlife sightings feel less like luck and more like earned discovery.
Standout elements included intimate tented camps with handsomely styled interiors; surprise sundowners (lanterns, local appetizers and perfectly timed toasts); and locally inspired meals served beneath trees or in private bomas. The combination of small-group comforts and generous service makes the Okavango especially rewarding for couples, families and small groups seeking wildlife intimacy without compromising comfort.
Where to stay: Xaranna & Sandibe
andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp: A tiny, romantic tented camp set beside a seasonal lagoon. With just a handful of tents and an open-air dining area, Xaranna reads like a private chapter of the Delta: hippos murmur nearby, staff welcome guests with song, and the camp’s scale is ideal for those seeking a personal safari rhythm — morning drives, mokoro excursions and close observation from camp decks.
andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge: Architecturally striking, Sandibe is inspired by natural forms and built for sweeping floodplain vistas. Raised suites resemble woven nests, each with private outdoor showers and plunge pools that place the landscape literally at the doorstep. Sandibe leans into luxury with larger public spaces, a standout culinary program and more staff attention — an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate refined design alongside big-game viewing.
Memorable moments
Mokoro & silence: Gliding through narrow channels at dusk, the water breaks only for reed warblers and the occasional hippo exhale; the silence is its own reward.
Leopard at camp: A leopard wandering near a tented plunge pool provided an improbable, private sighting that awed even seasoned guides.
Helicopter perspective: A short helicopter flight revealed the mosaic of lagoons and islands from above, transforming familiar tracks and channels into a living map.
Sundowners & songs: Pop-up sundowners: lanterns, chairs, a small bar and appetizers all framed by pastel African sunsets; evenings often closed with staff songs beneath lantern-strung trees.
Human moments: The quiet kindness of concierge teams, morning coffee delivered through a tiny cubby, and farewell songs that made departures feel like personal goodbyes.
A sample rhythm: what a typical day looked like
Pre-dawn wake-up with a hot drink and an escorted walk to the vehicle.
Morning game drive as the light softens, animals are active and the air is cool.
Return to camp for a long lunch, a swim, or a massage in a private sala.
Optional heli or mokoro in the afternoon, depending on water levels and lodge programming.
Late-afternoon drive leading to a sundowner and an al fresco dinner under the Southern sky.
Practical notes: need to know before you go
Timing & seasons: The Delta changes character with the flood: dry-season months (July–October) offer excellent road-based game drives and concentrated wildlife; green-season months (December–March/April) bring dramatic birding, newborns and more water-based activities. Choose a season based on whether boating or vehicle safaris are preferred.
Transfers: Expect multiple short bush-plane hops and dirt airstrips. Light aircraft transfers are both a highlight and a working part of the trip rhythm.
Family travel: Many lodges provide family suites and kids’ programs; confirm age restrictions for night drives, walking safaris and mokoro trips.
Sustainability: Several lodges in the Delta run solar initiatives and conservation programs; ask operators about lodge community and conservation contributions.
Packing: Layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons, binoculars, a sunhat, and a small daypack. Outdoor showers and plunge pools are common — include swimwear and a light sarong or robe.
Health & safety: Confirm vaccination and malaria prophylaxis requirements with a medical provider well ahead of travel. Always follow guide instructions during vehicle and walking safaris.
Who this safari is for
Couples celebrating milestones, families seeking a transformative first-safari experience, and travelers who want wildlife immersion paired with thoughtful service and refined camps. The Xaranna-to-Sandibe loop blends the intimacy of small tented camps with the architectural comfort of a design-forward lodge.
Final impression
The Okavango allows the ordinary rules of time to loosen: days expand around wildlife rhythms and quiet discoveries. andBeyond’s lodges weave service, design and deep local knowledge into stays that feel both safe and surprising. For travelers who want an immersive wildlife experience balanced with considered comforts, this route delivers moments that linger long after the flight home.
