OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
Transformed by Africa’s life-enhancing beauty
The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of renewal. Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa’s wild spaces. The same spirit that inspired this remarkable reimagining, perhaps a complete reinvention, of an Okavango Delta safari.
This is Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’), named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve.
Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters.
But Xigera is equally a line in the sand. A raising of the bar. A bold statement in the realm of luxury safaris, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.
Embracing sustainability today, for a future tomorrow
Xigera Safari Lodge occupies a remarkable location in the heart of the Okavango Delta. On the surface, this UNESCO World Heritage Site may appear abundant with life, resilient to the impact of humankind, but this delicate ecosystem requires constant protection to safeguard it for future generations.
It’s why we take conservation and sustainability so seriously at Xigera Safari Lodge. From energy production to eliminating single-use plastics, caring for the environment and empowering our local community is a priority in every aspect of lodge operations.
Why Stay Here
Xigera Safari Lodge is located in the Moremi Game Reserve with private access to a 4, 500-hectare (11 120-acre) wetland paradise in the heart of the Delta. Situated on one of the Okavango’s key waterways, Xigera Safari Lodge is surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands and is renowned for its very high density of sitatunga antelope. The area is known for remarkable mammal sightings including red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, elephant, buffalo, reedbuck and tsessebe Predators include lion, spotted hyaena and leopard. Guests are sometimes treated to close-up views of lion or leopard using the footbridge connecting Xigera to the next island! This concession lies in an International Birding Area (IBA) with many ‘Okavango specials’ being present, including Pel’s Fishing-Owl, African Skimmer, Brown Firefinch, Greater Swamp Warbler, Wattled Crane, African Pygmy Goose and Lesser Jacana.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
We are proud to showcase a collection of extraordinary experiences that reflect our exceptional lodge and offer unique opportunities to explore this breathtaking location…
• Helicopter safari.
• Bush dining
• Baobab Treehouse
• The Art & Design tour
• Stargazing
• Private game drives
Xigera Activities
GAME VIEWING
Xigera is a water- and land-based lodge offering guests the opportunity to experience both aspects of the Okavango Delta. During the annual flood, guests can boat across floodplains and along channels to reach islands where there are regular sightings of buffalo, elephants, zebras, giraffes, lechwe and sitatunga as well as numerous other Delta species. Hippos can be spotted on mekoro and boating excursions, along with an abundance of birds.
EXPERIENCES
• Breakfast, lunch or an intimate picnic in the bush • Explorations by traditional mokoro boat with a glass-bottom and motorboats with an elevated deck for wildlife spotting • ‘Feet-in-the-water’ sundowners cocktails • Morning and afternoon game drives • Walking safaris with expert guides (outside of Moremi Game Reserve) • Seasonal catch-and-release fishing (outside of Moremi Game Reserve) • Photographic safaris • Private yoga sessions; Spa treatments; a 1-night Baobab Treehouse Sleepout for 2 adult guests at a surcharge, subject to availability and weather permitting and scenic helicopter flights (at additional cost)
ACTIVITIES
• While the emphasis at Xigera is on water activities, game drives are offered year round • No night drives due to Moremi Game Reserve National Park regulations • Day game drives in open 4×4 vehicles (four vehicles will be 4-seaters and two vehicles will be 6-seaters) • Private activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability, and need to be booked and paid for) • During colder or wetter weather, hot water bottles, blankets and lined ponchos are provided • Water-based activities; – in 2-seater glass-bottom mekoro; and – 6-seater motorboats, 2 of which have a glass-bottom and 2 have a super structure with roof seating available (seasonal water levels permitting)
The below pictures were captured by our seasoned guide Thuto Moutloatse at Xigera Safari Lodge
