

Xugana Island Lodge
A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Xugana Island Lodge rises out of a canopy of ebony and mangosteen trees, sitting on one of the world's most incredible natural wonders in northern Botswana. A place where reed frogs leap and starlings perch, red lechwe and sitatunga graze in the wetlands and lions share the floodplains with buffalo and elephants. Disconnect from the world for a while as you glide in a mokoro canoe across the Okavango Delta and sleep restfully in a thatched chalet with your feet facing out towards the Xugana Lagoon. There's a pretty swimming pool nestled in lush gardens, a central boma for shared stories over drinks, a lounge filled with sofas and treasure chests and a wildlife viewing deck stretching out over the water for more of those stunning views. Bush walks, boat cruises and guided mokoro canoe trips bring you closer to nature. Elephant, zebra, giraffe and lion are just some of the species you may see here. Scenic helicopter flights are also available from Xugana.
Disconnect from the world for a while. Glide in a mokoro canoe across the Okavango Delta. Sleep restfully in a thatched chalet under fine viridian lace, feet facing out towards the Xugana Lagoon. Xugana Island Lodge rises sylvan style out of a canopy of ebony and mangosteen trees, sitting on one of the world's most incredible natural wonders in northern Botswana. A place where reed frogs leap and starlings perch, red lechwe and sitatunga graze in the wetlands and lions share the floodplains with buffalo and elephants. A magical lodge that's rustically elegant, this is a rare chance to stay in a one-of-a-kind water camp. Fish by day and dine communally with fellow guests by night in the open-sided restaurant. Enjoy sundowner South African wines in the enchanting bar and for a matchless experience take a candlelit dinner on the floating pontoon. Attention to detail is divine. A pretty swimming pool nestled in lush gardens, a central boma for shared stories over drinks, a lounge filled with sofas and treasure chests and a wildlife viewing deck stretching out over the water for more of those stunning views.
Expect day and night game drives (seasonal: usually September to June), bush walks, bird-watching expeditions and mokoro trips along the tranquil waterways. With only eight lodges you're guaranteed a serene and solitary time. Your thatch and reef bedroom cabins are all well-dressed safari style; khakis and creams with teak flooring, double beds, storage trunks, en-suite bathrooms, flashlights and even an air horn. Each comes with a private verandah accessed by sliding doors, opening up onto the breathtaking Xugana lagoon.
Discover a remarkable water camp of thatched roofs and reed set amongst a wild world of eagle owls and hippos.
A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.

If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie

An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”


The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.

Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”


Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Food & drink
Continental breakfast is served on the deck every morning with cereal, toast, muffins, cheese and cold meats. Later there is a hot brunch and high tea is served around 3pm. For dinner, everyone eats together on one big table while sharing stories from the day, tucking into a three-course meal with different menu options. For a matchless experience take a candlelit dinner on the floating pontoon.



A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.

Okavango Delta Safari By Foot and Mokoro
Motorboats take guests to one of the islands to embark on a hike with an armed ranger. As you cruise along the river you might spot hippos, crocodiles or occasionally the rare sitatunga antelope. The morning light on the papyrus plants and water lilies is always beautiful. Once on the island, you follow the guide in single-file, stopping to see wildlife while learning about the medicinal properties of the plants. It's a good opportunity to see the smaller things that might have been overlooked on a game drive, like the foam nest frog, which produces a fascinating nest in the tree. You can learn so much from even a pile of dung; you can see what the baboons have been scratching at and what the dung beetles have been busy at. Seeing big game on foot is always special too – it might be an elephant, a buffalo, a giraffe or even a lion. Occasionally you might be lucky enough to see a full pride. Being on foot gives you a completely different perspective of the size of these animals. The highlight of the delta for many is heading out on a mokoro trip – you’re ‘poled’ through the shallow waterways in a traditional wooden canoe, gliding through reeds and waterlilies as you pass elephants, hippos, crocodiles, fish eagle birds and other wildlife. It’s a really peaceful way to see the channels. Watching the sun set over the water is one of the favourite sights in the delta.
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Tailor-made
We book this hotel the way you want it
Room type, board basis, transfers and the length of your stay are all yours to choose. Tell us what you have in mind.
What’s in the area
In the area
Where the hotel sits, and what is within reach of it.

A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...


When to visit
When to visit
Temperature and rainfall through the year.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C |
| Average rainfall | 110mm | 60mm | 75mm | 125mm | 220mm | 175mm | 150mm | 175mm | 200mm | 195mm | 210mm | 215mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.

Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure

Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026

Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026

Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027

Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more

Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Build your holiday
Choose your dates, your room and where you fly from. Prices update as you go.
Your holiday so far
Flying from
Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Your Personal Travel Expert confirms the final price.
May 2026
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June 2026
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Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Niva Kuramathi Maldives reviews
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A haven in the heart of the Okavango Delta
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