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NXAMASERI
ISLAND LODGE
PANHANDLE
OKAVANGO
DELTA
LODGE
Nxamaseri
Island Lodge is one of the oldest camps in the Okavango Delta and is
small and exclusive, with only six double en-suite chalets, each
secluded in indigenous forest and each with a private deck overlooking
the water. This beautiful, secluded camp is built on a large shady
island hidden in the Nxamaseri waterways. As one of the most
experienced fly fishermen in Southern Africa, owner, PJ, pioneered
fly-fishing in Botswana from Nxamaseri Island Lodge. It remains
Botswana’s premier fly-fishing destination. Take a boat or mokoro
(traditional dugout canoe) trip in the cool Nxamaseri waterways to
relax and revitalise your soul.
GAME
VIEWING / ACTIVITIES
Fly
Fishing
Nxamaseri
Island Lodge is a prime destination for fishing throughout the year.
Tigerfish are indigenous to the area, and as one of the world’s most
dramatic freshwater game fish it provides thrilling angling for both
experienced and novice fishermen, particularly during the annual
catfish runs. The exact date of these runs differs from year to year
but generally lasts from early September to the end of October.
Although there are no catfish runs during November through February,
tigerfish are still in abundance. In addition to tigerfish, there are
another eight species able to be caught on line at Nxamaseri, creating
eventful and memorable fishing. Our lodge has boats made for fishing
and carries all the necessary equipment and specialist guides can also
be arranged.
Wildlife/Birding
The
surrounding channels flourish with water lilies, fish and wildlife
such as crocodiles, hippos, otters, swamp antelope and countless bird
species. Nxamaseri is renowned for spectacular birding trips and night
boat trips.
Nxamaseri
Island Lodge has spectacular birding throughout the year. Exceptional
birding months are from September to February, before the new water
arrives. This is when feeding conditions are at an optimum and most of
the migrants are present. Around 325 of Botswana’s approximate 500 bird species are
found at Nxamaseri, and on a three to four day trip one can expect to
see between 190 and 220 species.
Nxamaseri
boasts one of the densest concentrations of fish eagles in Southern
Africa. It provides unrivaled water bird viewing, having a large
variety of kingfishers, herons, storks and other water birds and also
has an impressive range of woodland and riverine forest species that
occur on the islands and floodplains. Sightings at Nxamaseri include
rare species such as the nearly endemic slaty egret, African skimmer,
Pels fishing owl, white-backed night heron, western banded snake
eagle, wattled crane and lessor jacana.
Walking
Guided
walks on nearby islands are also possible. The islands are accessed by
boat or mokoro.
Mokoro
Experience
the traditional method of transport along these mazes of beautiful
waterways and over flood plains. There is no other way to explore and
fully appreciate the stillness and beauty of the Okavango than being
poled along the water, silently gliding just inches above the crystal
blue surface, eye-level with dragonflies, reed frogs, and water
lilies, and within touching level of the myriad of fish just below the
surface.
The
mokoro was introduced into the Delta by the Bayei people in the early
18th century as was originally made from the trunk of a
single Ebony Ivory or Sausage tree.
Nowadays, with ever-increasing demand from tourism, almost all
new mokoro are made from fiberglass in an effort to protect the large
indigenous trees.
Tsodilo
Hills
One hour from Nxamaseri Island Lodge is one of Botswana’s
greatest treasures. The mystical and spiritual Tsodilo Hills rise out
of the flat desert landscape, forming the highest point in Botswana.
These hills are sacred to the San people of Northern Botswana and are
adorned with over 2000 ancient San paintings. The San believe that it
was from the backs of these hills that people first came to earth and
for them it is one of the only places one can reach the Great God in
the Eastern sky. A visit to these hills affords one the privilege of
being able to see and feel, however briefly, the essence of an ancient
culture, fragile and increasingly threatened in the face of pressure
from the Western world. Tsodilo is a place you will never forget. As
the hills are so easily accessible from Nxamaseri Island Lodge, we
offer fully catered and guided day trips to explore them, savour the
ambience and view the paintings. In contrast to the cool Nxamaseri
waterways Tsodilo is a dry, arid, Kalahari experience. A Tsodilo Hills
excursion should be booked in advance when making your reservation.
CLIMATE
Rain
falls in Botswana from late November through to February, with some
rain falling in March. Average daily temperatures are around 30º'C. Rainfall
usually takes the form of a short afternoon shower with plenty of time
to enjoy sunshine in between.
The
dry season extends from April through to October. The hottest and
driest month is October, just prior to the rainfall.
It
is during the winter months of May, June and July that the annual
floodwater enters Botswana from Namibia and makes its way down the
panhandle to the swamps and eventually dissipates into the Kalahari
sands. At Nxamaseri the water is at its highest and clearest in June
and July. Temperatures during these winter months average around 22º'C
but evenings can get cold.
During
the flood season (May – September) there is no access to the island
by vehicle or foot. Guests are transferred from Nxamaseri airstrip or
from the main road car park by boat.
AFRICA
MEMORIES TIP:
Take advantage of the opportunity to glide along the waters of the Delta
in a Mokoro – it’s truly a memorable experience. Take in all the
‘small’ things like insects on lilies, reed frogs clinging to
reeds, dragonflies dancing along the water… and close your eyes and
listen to the sounds of Africa… the call of the fish eagle, the song
of frogs, the grunting of hippo.
Mokoro memories ((Photograph
by Natalie Knibbs©)
Contact:
Africa
Memories Travel cc.
Natalie Knibbs,
Tel: +27 -31 7632427;
Fax: +27 -31 7631034;
email info@botswanaholiday.co.uk;
Cluster Box 5034, Augusta Country Estate,
Hillcrest,
3650,
Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
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