andBeyond has confirmed that its Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge in Botswana will welcome guests again from 1 August 2027, following a comprehensive rebuild. The property sits within a 90,500-hectare private concession in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most dynamic wetland ecosystems.
The reimagined lodge will feature nine expansive suites plus a new two-bedroom Family Suite, catering to couples, small groups, and families. The architecture draws on the Delta's floodplains and Botswana's weaving traditions, using natural materials throughout. Solar power will meet the lodge's energy needs, reinforcing andBeyond's commitment to low-impact luxury travel.
Design and guest experience
Guests can expect a deeply immersive stay, with the Delta's seasonal rhythms shaping daily activities. Game drives and guided walks are available year-round, while seasonal mokoro excursions offer a quiet, water-level perspective of the floodplains. The lodge's layout is designed to make the surrounding wilderness part of the guest experience, from the suites' open sightlines to the communal areas that blend into the landscape.
Jason King, Managing Director of andBeyond Southern Africa Lodges, highlighted the property's unique appeal: “What sets andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge apart is its ability to provide a truly multidimensional sense of place, held by the Delta.”
Wellness and dining enhancements
The rebuild introduces a dedicated wellness centre, offering treatments and programmes that draw on the natural surroundings. A new interactive kitchen lets guests engage with chefs as they prepare meals, using local ingredients and traditional techniques. These additions aim to deepen the connection between visitors and the landscape, positioning the lodge as a holistic safari destination.
The reopening aligns with a broader trend in luxury safari travel, where operators are investing in rebuilds and expansions to meet rising demand for high-end, sustainable experiences. andBeyond's move echoes similar investments across the region, such as Atlantis Dubai's 2026 upgrades and Alaska's new aurora lodges, as hospitality groups compete for discerning travellers.
For travel agents and tour operators, the 2027 opening provides a new product to sell to clients seeking exclusive, conservation-led safaris. The family suite is particularly notable, as multi-generational travel continues to grow. andBeyond's focus on solar power and local design also appeals to eco-conscious travellers who prioritise sustainability.
The Okavango Delta remains a top destination for luxury safari bookings, and Xaranna's rebuild strengthens andBeyond's portfolio in Botswana. The company operates several other lodges in the region, and the new Xaranna will complement those offerings with its emphasis on privacy and immersion.
Bookings for the reopened lodge are expected to open well in advance of the August 2027 date, giving agents time to plan itineraries. andBeyond has not yet announced pricing, but the lodge's positioning suggests it will sit at the upper end of the market.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, investments like this signal confidence in long-term demand for African safari experiences. For professionals in the sector, Xaranna represents a fresh option for clients who value both luxury and environmental responsibility.
