A bush fire broke out on one of &Beyond’s concessions in the Okavango Delta on the evening of 17 May. Teams from &Beyond and neighbouring lodges worked tirelessly to control the fire, however, the prolonged drought in Botswana and the resulting dry conditions in the Delta contributed to the quick spread of the conflagration. On the afternoon of 18 May, windy conditions caused the blaze to jump our fire breaks and move through &Beyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge, destroying the guest areas, guest suites and staff village. All guests and staff were evacuated in good time and were safe and unhurt.
As a result, the lodge has been rendered unusable. Alternative arrangements at surrounding lodges or in Maun have been made for all guests who were at the lodge at the time of the fire.