Botswana to Welcome Rebuilt andBeyond Xaranna Lodge in 2027 with Luxury Suites and Wildlife Safaris

Botswana, andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge is scheduled to reopen to guests in August 2027 after a major redevelopment that will see larger luxury rooms, family-friendly safaris and specialist wellness facilities. The new-look lodge aims to complement Botswana’s existing premium tourism collection and introduce visitors to new perspectives on the country’s world-renowned wildlife, wetlands and landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta.

A roughly 90,500-hectare concession, this property is situated in one of Africa’s most unique safari terrains. The rejuvenation will blend modern lodge design with indigenous architecture, and private wildlife experiences and activities that inspire guests to venture outside the traditional bounds of a game drive in Botswana.

Why Is Botswana’s Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge Reopening in August 2027

Its reopening is the first major upgrade to andBeyond’s Botswana safari offering in nearly a decade. The current Xaranna camp was not just refurbished, but entirely rebuilt, and the new camp will feature new guest tents, larger eating areas, new wellness areas and more family-flexible spaces.

The project is also a product of the increasing popularity in a more sophisticated type of safari holiday, focusing not just on sightings of game, but on relaxation, comfort and other pursuits in nature.

Beyond that, the property will maintain its stand in the heart of the Okavango Delta, with the addition of amenities that will strengthen guest interaction with the watery environment. The property’s target date to reopen in August 2027 coincides with Botswana’s historic dry-season ‘safari’ period, when seasonal water levels and game drives influence guest experiences.

However, until the operator is able to confirm final operating dates and booking window then August 2027 should be taken as the announced reopening target.

What Makes the Okavango Delta One of Botswana’s Most Important Safari Destinations

The Okavango Delta forms one of the world’s largest inland delta systems. Seasonal floodwaters spread across channels, lagoons, islands and grasslands, creating a distinctive environment for wildlife and nature tourism.

UNESCO added the Okavango Delta to its World Heritage List in 2014, recognising its exceptional ecological processes and biodiversity. The wetland supports elephants, buffalo, large predators, antelope and numerous bird species.

Unlike coastal river deltas, the Okavango’s waters flow into an inland basin. This creates seasonal changes that influence animal distribution, vegetation and the types of safari activities visitors can enjoy.

For travellers, these natural cycles make timing particularly important. Some excursions depend on water levels, while others depend on local terrain and wildlife conditions.

The lodge’s concession provides access to a broad wetland landscape where guests can combine land-based exploration with seasonal water activities.

What Can Guests Expect From the Redesigned Luxury Suites

The restored lodge will comprise nine luxury suites of around 160 sqm. Each suite will benefit from its own lounge with outdoor seating area, double-sided fireplace, bar and private facilities.

Guests will have absolute panoramic views of the wilderness beyond thanks to private swimming pools and shaded seating areas. The architecture of the design takes cues from the weaving techniques used in Botswana and the reed beds and floodplains of the Delta.

The modern safari look is achieved with the help of natural timber, textured fabrics, green interiors and brass accents.

The lodge will also have a 404-square-metre two-bedroom Family Suite with a communal lounge and a shared deck area at the centre. Family suites allow for connected accommodation while still giving people separate private spaces.

How Will Wildlife Safaris and Family Activities Work

Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge will continue offering twice-daily game drives, guided walking safaris and seasonal water-based excursions.

Guests can explore the wetlands through traditional mokoro canoe journeys, motorised boat cruises and scenic helicopter flights. The lodge will also offer private safari arrangements and community experiences.

Families travelling with children can access andBeyond’s WILDchild programme, which introduces younger visitors to wildlife and conservation.

Age restrictions will apply to selected activities:

• Ages 6–11: Shared game drives with management approval.
• Ages 12 and above: Seasonal motorised boat excursions.
• Ages 16 and above: Guided walking safaris and seasonal mokoro trips.
• https://www.andbeyond.com/lodge-editorial/xaranna-okavango-delta-lodge/about/

Wildlife encounters depend on natural conditions, guide assessments and safety requirements.

What New Wellness and Dining Experiences Will Xaranna Introduce

The redevelopment will introduce a dedicated wellness centre with Healing Earth treatments, hammam facilities, Rasul therapy and hydrotherapy experiences.

Guests will also find rain showers, Vichy showers, an outdoor hot tub and a treatment tower. A fitness centre will offer Technogym equipment, dedicated exercise areas, a cold plunge pool and relaxation spaces overlooking the wetlands.

Dining will extend beyond conventional restaurant service. Plans include an interactive kitchen, al forno cooking experiences, outdoor dining areas, a traditional boma and a wine bodega.

A stargazing nest will provide another setting for enjoying Botswana’s night skies.

These additions aim to give guests more flexibility between wildlife activities, dining and personal relaxation.

What Should Travellers Know Before Booking a Botswana Safari in 2027

Visitors planning a stay at Xaranna should consider seasonal conditions, international travel arrangements and safari activity restrictions.

UNESCO confirms that the Okavango Delta experiences its annual flood cycle during Botswana’s dry season. This unusual pattern influences access to waterways and wildlife habitats.

Travellers should confirm their preferred excursions before finalising accommodation.

Botswana’s government advises visitors who require a tourism visa to submit supporting documents, including passport information, accommodation details and travel itineraries. The government lists a standard visa-processing period of seven to fourteen working days.

Guests should also confirm lodge transfer arrangements, medical travel requirements and insurance coverage.

andBeyond currently identifies August 2027 as Xaranna’s reopening period, although travellers should check exact availability and rates directly with the operator.

How Could Xaranna’s Reopening Strengthen Botswana’s Luxury Tourism Offering

The refurbishment will add to andBeyond’s lodge portfolio adjacent to Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp and its Under Canvas safari adventures.

The new centres will allow visitors more choice of places to experience wildlife, wellness, family entertainment and exclusive accommodation.

For Botswana, the project emphasises how the delicate handling of tourism in internationally designated natural areas can be of commercial value.

UNESCO has established a conservation framework which recommends the conservation of the ecological health of the Delta, while controlling tourism and other human uses.

Xaranna’s re-launch in August 2027 will therefore be more than just a upgrade, it will provide an additional high-end option for safaris in Botswana, with a fresh focus on wildlife, seasonal scenery and strategic conservation focus in the heart of the Okavango Delta.