Reviews of Xaro Lodge
Xaro Lodge, Okavango Delta, Shakawe, Botswana
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Reviewed: 31 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewAbsolutely everything. Scott and Casey were very caring hosts, the staff super friendly and efficient, exceptional meals. Tha chalets positioned overlooking the river. The morning walk with Thomas the guide was fascinating, excellent birder. Saw 3 Pells fishing owls. Met all expectations of what a lodge on the Okavango should be.
Having to leave.
So glad you enjoyed your stay at Xaro and thank you for your kond review. We hope you will be back to visit us in future. Regards from the Xaro Team
Reviewed: 24 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewIdyllic lodge at the Okavango river, superb location, great variety of birds to watch including the Pels fishing owl! We had a fantastic relaxing stay at Xaro and enjoyed the river cruises with our guide enormously. Thank you so much for this unforgettable stay!
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Thank you for your review. So glad that you had an unforgettable experience with us! Thank you so much for staying with us Greetings from the whole Xaro Team
Reviewed: 16 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 16 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 8 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 25 October 2024 · Stayed in September 2024
Verified reviewXaro Lodge was magical! The setting is amazing, right on the river. We saw hippos, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and many, many beautiful birds! The service was excellent and the food was good. We ate outside every night while watching the sunset. I recommend it highly!
Thank you for staying with us Judith, we are so glad your stay was magical! It was great to host you. The Xaro Team
Reviewed: 21 August 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewFood was great. Tiger fishing was super.
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Reviewed: 29 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewAll the staff and management were the best ever I expected in Botswana all the years we had
All was so safe and enjoyable
Johan, it was a pleasure hosting you! We would love to welcome you to Xaro again in future!
Reviewed: 25 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 June 2024 · Stayed in June 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 June 2024 · Stayed in June 2024
Verified reviewFantastic location teeming with bird and animal life. Great trips on the water with good guiding. Really nice communal areas.
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Sara, thank you so much for staying with us and for your kind review. Greetings from The Xaro Team
Reviewed: 9 May 2024 · Stayed in May 2024
Verified reviewLocation is ok.
Apart from the birds, you only see a few stray animals. The accommodation conditions are like in the 70s. They are army tents converted into lodges. At what money are they asking, there could be better conditions in the rooms. I slept in Namibia for the same money in luxury tents. And the breakfast leaves much to be desired.
Dear Mihai, thank you for your review. Our birds are indeed our biggest treasure at Xaro, and we love the huge variety we are able to offer - as our logo states we are a birding paradise It is a pity you didnt fully enjoy your stay with us We pride ourselves on our ‘in the bush’ experience, a great experience for real nature lovers on a unique location Enjoy the rest of your holiday The Xaro Team
Dear Mihai, thank you for your review. Our birds are indeed our biggest treasure at Xaro, and we love the huge variety we are able to offer - as our logo states we are a birding paradise It is a pity you didnt fully enjoy your stay with us… Show more
Reviewed: 5 April 2024 · Stayed in April 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 8 October 2023 · Stayed in September 2023
Verified reviewOne of the best places I have ever stayed, and that’s about location but especially the staff. All highly competent and very friendly But wow- what a location Stunning place
That we had to leave
Thank you Phillip we are so glad you enjoyed the 'Xaro Experience'
Reviewed: 25 August 2023 · Stayed in August 2023
Verified reviewIt’s on the water at a really beautiful location. The staff were all lovely and helpful and the food was amazing! A really special place.
There is nothing to not like about this place
Reviewed: 3 August 2023 · Stayed in August 2023
Verified reviewFirst of all good coffee at the lodge. Beef filet mignon for dinner. Hippo came at night, a lot of birds and crocodiles there
Need to come back
Reviewed: 3 August 2023 · Stayed in August 2023
Verified reviewBeautiful location
It was very cold and the chalets were cold. Water never got more than lukewarm
Dear Jenny, thank you for your feedback, it is very disappointing to read this feedback as none of this information has been conveyed to us at the lodge. When communicating with you during your stay you insured us everything was lovely and perfect. We do understand that it was cold however there was a cold front that brought the weather, and it was unfortunate that it was during your stay. Please note that unfounded negative feedback directly affects our business which as I'm sure you are aware is detrimental to privately owned small businesses. This could have easily been avoided had you communicated directly with us. Again we apologize for your negative experience, and we hope that you would give us the opportunity to show you that we are the highest rated property in our area for a reason. Enjoy the rest of your journey. Xaro Lodge
Dear Jenny, thank you for your feedback, it is very disappointing to read this feedback as none of this information has been conveyed to us at the lodge. When communicating with you during your stay you insured us everything was lovely and … Show more
Reviewed: 12 July 2023 · Stayed in July 2023
Verified reviewOne of the best surprise of our entire trip. Everything was perfect: location, lodging (tents), staff, game drive. Atruly unique experience.
Same as every single lodge on our trip, why have a swimming pool if it is not heated? A few solar panels and a small heat pump would do the trick.
Reviewed: 4 July 2023 · Stayed in June 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 26 April 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewBird lovers paradise! Great hospitality within an amazing landscape. Excellent food and service.
We had to leave after two nights :( The place might not be the best destination for someone who does not enjoy birding.
Reviewed: 14 November 2022 · Stayed in November 2022
Verified reviewThe location, the staff and how it is managed! Worldclass
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