As you fly into Xugana’s private concession and land at its private airstrip, you’ll immediately notice that this is one of the most beautiful lagoons in all of the Okavango. As a permanent water camp, it looks over the delta from its decks and rooms, giving you an immediate sense of calm. Overhead, the old ebony and mangosteen trees provide not only shade but also roosting places for African fish eagles, kingfishers and Pel’s fishing owl.

One of the highlights is a motorboat trip to the Gadikwe Heronry, a year-round birders’ delight of not only herons but many types of storks, too. There are plentiful hippos, crocodiles, sitatunga, lechwe and elephants – and that’s before you head out on a game drive or nature walk!