NXABEGAOKAVANGOSAFARICAMP, NXABEGARESERVE, CENTRALOKAVANGOFlying into the Nxabega Reserve, you see thedeep winding Bora River and twinkling channelscrisscrossed with a network of hippo paths.Though you won't spot it from the air, NxabegaCamp is tucked into the riverine vegetation,overlooking a shallow channel. There are tentents, spaced well apart in the trees, eachcontaining beds with fluffy duvets, desks withporcupine-quill lamps and big white candles forlighting at night. Food is particularly good atNxabega with dining outside under the stars.Whilst game drives are possible it's the boat andmokoro trips that are the highlights of a stay here,accompanied by an expert guide to help youexplore the Xou Lagoon and perhaps even try a spot of fishing.XIGERACAMP, XIGERARESERVE,CENTRALOKAVANGOXigera is built in one of the most beautifulcorners of the Okavango. The camp issurrounded by deep water and offers mokoroand boat trips as well as walks and drives onnearby islands. There are eight spacious tents withlarge beds, rush matting on the floors, woodenwardrobes and en suite bathrooms with indoorand outdoor showers. The rooms are built withina shady grove and overlook a floodplain and awaterhole which is frequented by elephant,lechwe, buffalo and lots of birds. Meals areenjoyed in an open-sided dining room with views of the river. There's a plunge pool for hotafternoons and a roaring campfire at night. In anarea with no other camps, Xigera is an ideal basein the heart of the Okavango.XUDUMDELTALODGE, XUDUMRESERVE, CENTRALOKAVANGOXudum Delta Lodge offers privacy and exclusivityand is one of the most luxurious properties in theDelta. The nine split-level safari suites have largebedrooms with king-sized beds and bathroomswith bathtubs and outdoor showers. A privateplunge pool and a lofty viewing platform offermagnificent Delta views. During your stay atXudum you can enjoy walking safaris and gamedrives. Night drives are good for spotting owls,civet, wild cats and bushbabies. As the lodge is ina permanent water area you can enjoy wateractivities all year round. Sit back and relax as you are gently poled through the lily and reedwaterways in a traditional mokoro.www.audleytravel.com/botswana ?01993 838 530 ?Botswana31Nxabega Okavango CampXudum Delta LodgeXigera CampFrog on a lily padBOTSWANA

SHINDECAMP, SHINDERESERVE,NORTHERNOKAVANGOFRINGESShinde Camp is situated on a large palm island inthe northern Okavango Delta. It is surrounded byclear waterways bursting with birdlife and plainswhere game can be found. The camp has eightspacious safari tents raised up on decksoverlooking a large plain. The open sided centrallounge is built on raised wooden decking onvarious levels, rising towards a bowed canvas roof,a little like an old ox-wagon. Shinde boasts a widevariety of activities, including game drives in open4x4s and walking safaris. Mokoro trips are also ahighlight and boat trips to Gadikwe Island heronrycan be enjoyed during the nesting season.DUBAPLAINS, DUBARESERVE,NORTHERNOKAVANGOFRINGESThe focus at Duba is game drives which followthe battle between the huge resident buffalo herdand prides of lion. The guides know every lionand can tell you about them in depth. This is anexcellent camp for photographers. The camp hassix tents situated on a shady woodland island,each with lovely views over the floodplains. Themain boma is raised up on stilts and houses asmall lounge and bar area. The adjoining diningarea has a communal dining table and there'susually a sociable and lively atmosphere at meals.At night the camp comes alive with noises of fruitbats, cicadas and reed-frogs. The Northern OkavangoFringesAt the northern fringes of the Delta the waters of the Okavango meet the dry plains and give rise to an area of both spectacular beauty andextraordinary game. The environmentencompasses sweeping floodplains, islands ofstrangler figs, forests of tall mangosteen and opengrassland where game congregates. Plains gamesuch as zebra, tsessebe, impala, giraffe, wildebeestand large herds of buffalo are found in largenumbers in the dryer areas. On one plain, knownas Duba, there are hundreds of buffalo that arehunted daily by large prides of lion. Lagoons such as the Kaparota are spectacular atsunset when herds of elephant come to drink,moving their feet to create waves that keepcrocodiles at bay. Forests are home to leopardand hyena, and jackal and wild dog can also befound. The seasonal channels and glassy pools are magical, with crystal clear water and tiny silverfish darting below. Pied kingfishers flit above thewaters and black crakes dart into the reeds. Thenorthern fringes of the Delta are shared by theMoremi Game Reserve and a number of privatereserves including the Shinde, Kwara, Vumburaand Duba. With seasonal flood waters flowing inand out of these areas, game drives are possibleall year round and boat trips begin when thefloodwaters have arrived, from May onwards. 32Buffalo on the Duba PlainsDuba Plains CampDining at Shinde Camp