Not far south of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and east of the Okavango Delta, Nxamaseri offers the most enticing base to explore the wetland scenery, diverse birdlife and serene water activities of Botswana’s Panhandle. The small lodge has just six cosy en-suite chalets set amid the tangled woodland of an island in the Okavango, linked to the main lodge building by teak walkways under which the river flows during high water months. Each of the chalets has a private deck with river views, where the chance to while away the afternoon in such a tranquil setting is one of the highlights of your stay. The main building is a charming open sided thatched structure with river views, where the lounge, bar and dining area are found, and there is also an open air veranda with firepit for al fresco sundowners.

This is not a big game destination, but guests will certainly encounter hippos, crocodiles, water loving antelope and a colourful array of water birds. Fishing for tigerfish and bream can be tackled from the shore or a boat, while guided island walks and mokoro or motorboat trips in the Nxamaseri waterways will fill up the rest of your stay. It is possible to fly into Nxamaseri on a light aircraft but more likely that you will include it with a Namibian Caprivi Strip self-drive itinerary.