Xigera Safari Lodge is the Tollman family’s love letter to the magic of the African bush. The culmination of a lifelong dream, this extraordinary lodge draws on almost seven decades of devotion to
unparalleled luxury in service.
It is an honour for them to be the custodians of this remarkable, untouched paradise. Everything about the lodge is founded on their cornerstone philosophy of protecting the land and its wildlife, while empowering and uplifting local communities.
Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile their guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative
interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. They have re-imagined the luxury safari, blending African
design with superlative comfort, outstanding cuisine with extraordinary wilderness experiences.
The Tollman family’s respect for the natural rhythms of life impels them to touch the earth lightly here, but it is their sincere hope that Xigera has an indelible impact on your soul.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Safari Lodge is deeply rooted in the Okavango Delta, a breathtaking landscape of seasonal floodplains and riverine forests, tawny grasslands and verdant papyrus wetlands. Drawing inspiration from its ancient setting, Xigera rests effortlessly within the wilderness of this World Heritage Site.
All but hidden amid a canopy of magnificent indigenous trees, Xigera Safari Lodge offers 12 spacious suites, each individually designed. For multi-generational guests, there is the impressive two-bedroom Family Suite.
All the guest suites are air-conditioned and include
a separate lounge, bedroom and dressing room area.
Positioned to offer complete privacy and uninterrupted views, each has its own wooden deck with outdoor gazebo for daytime lounging.
Built with sustainability in mind – Xigera is solar powered – the lodge is equally a unique celebration of African art, culture and creativity.
A Living Gallery: Xigera showcases an extraordinary collection of art and design, created by more than 80 of Africa’s most globally acclaimed designers. It is a collection that is bold in vision and ground-breaking in its scope, the first of its
kind on the continent.
The Okavango Delta provides the palette of inspiration for the interiors of Xigera Safari Lodge, with even the smallest details reflecting the natural world beyond the lodge. Meticulously crafted, in every sense the decor pays homage to both the human and natural heritage of this remarkable corner of Africa.
Conceptualized by Toni Tollman, Philip Fourie and
Anton de Kock – in collaboration with award-winning
South African gallery Southern Guild – the Xigera art and design collection features bespoke works made exclusively for the lodge by artists such as Porky Hefer, Andile Dyalvane, Dokter and Misses, and Botswana’s own Peter Mabeo.
Safari At Moremi Game Reserve
The Xigera’s guests can expect incredible wildlife sightings from the moment they fly into camp, with beautiful leopards and lions a regular sight in and around the lodge. As the seasons change, so too does the wildlife, with the floods bringing even more giraffes, elephants, wild dogs and buffalo.
Situated on the western fringes of the Moremi Game
Reserve, the surrounding islands and grassland promise some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities Botswana has to offer.
Elephants are arguably the stars of the show. Northern Botswana is home to the world’s largest population of Loxodonta Africana, and at last count more than 130,000 wild elephant still roamed free here.
On mokoro and motorboat excursions look out for the
area’s smaller inhabitants, like the tiny mottled frogs that cling to delicate papyrus reeds. Stealthy crocodiles and large pods of hippo shy away from attention in the deeper channels and lagoons.
The lush grasslands also support large herds of antelope, including kudu, wildebeest and the semi-aquatic red lechwe. Packs of endangered African wild dog are found here too, as are the ever-resourceful spotted hyena.
Xigera’s exceptional location delivers some of the best birding Botswana has to offer. From the coppery-tailed coucal to the western-banded snake eagle, wattled crane to lesser jacana, there are 500 species recorded in the Okavango Delta.
Dining At Xigera Safari Lodge
Dining at Xigera offers guests a unique culinary safari, seamlessly blending fresh local ingredients and African inspiration, with the tradition of refined cuisine that has long been a hallmark of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
The ever-changing menus at Xigera have been created by some of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s most talented chefs. Provenance of produce is a key focus in the kitchens, where their Executive Chef creates memorable cuisine that embodies the very essence of dining in the bush. Incorporating the flavours of southern Africa, the freshest ingredients from their own local growers, the menu at Xigera offers a stunning epicurean exploration of the region.
Alongside these deliciously seasonal dishes created especially for Xigera, guests can look forward to a selection of signature plates inspired by the legendary dishes of Bea Tollman, founder of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
Dine Beneath The Stars: At night, guests have the option of dining under the African sky in the boma, the heart of Xigera Safari Lodge. Blacksmith Conrad Hicks’ totemic sculpture Structure of Self, is the dramatic focal point of the enclosure, with a crackling campfire at its center. After a sumptuous dinner, gather with other guests to trade safari stories fireside.
Fine Wines: To complement the cuisine, Xigera’s climate-controlled wine
cellar showcases a selection of fine wine and champagnes from across the globe, including handcrafted wines and special vintages from their sister vineyard in South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde valley, Bouchard Finlayson. Their expert bartenders are also on hand to mix perfectly crafted cocktails, healthy and non-alcoholic beverages, and signature drinks.
The Baobab Treehouse At Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera is proud to showcase a collection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that reflect their exceptional lodge
and offer unique opportunities to explore this breathtaking location.
Daily land excursions allow guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Okavango Delta, a region as famous for its tawny grasslands and verdant riverine
forests as the flood plains that fill with crystal clear waters each year.
Game Drives At Your Leisure: Enjoyed in the comfort of Xigera’s custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles, daily game drives are built around flexibility, allowing guests to choose when they set off on their
overland adventure. With decades of experience between them, their local safari guides are each experts in their
field, uniquely passionate about sharing the wonders of the Okavango Delta with guests. From bucket-list birds to unforgettable sightings, Xigera’s wilderness experts will bring the delta to life.
Private Game Drive: Embark on a private drive across the wilderness with Mike Myers, Xigera’s Managing Director. With more than 40 years’ experience as a specialist guide and a deep and
personal knowledge of the area that surrounds Xigera, it would be Mike’s pleasure to share this with you on
a private experience, together with one of Xigera’s guides. (Advance booking and additional cost.)
Walking Safari: Walking safaris – led by Xigera’s expert guides – are an opportunity to truly connect with nature, and feel your
senses sharpen. Learn about animal tracks, revel in some of the best bird-watching in Africa, smell and taste wild herbs – this is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter you will
never forget.
Helicopter Safari: Take to the skies to view Xigera from an aerial perspective
– the only way to get a true sense of space and place. A helicopter game flight is a wonderful way to view and photograph the flora, fauna and wildlife that surrounds Xigera. (Additional cost.)
The Baobab Treehouse: Sleep beneath the stars, enveloped by the calls of nature and the magic of the wilderness in the Baobab Treehouse. Situated one kilometer away from the lodge, the striking steel structure – built in the evocative shape of a baobab tree – ascends nearly 10 meters above the floodplain, offering guests panoramic views from each of its three levels.
The spacious bathroom and beautifully
appointed bedroom have canvas walls
that can open up entirely or be zipped
closed, while the open-air deck is a
serene, hidden – and entirely safe – eyrie
from which to witness the magic of the
Okavango Delta at dusk. Spend the
night, if you choose, in the open-air kingsize bed and marvel at the jet-black sky punctured by the stars of the Southern
Hemisphere. (Additional cost.)
Boat Excursions: Spend a morning gliding along flooded channels by mokoro, the dugout canoe used by generations for transport in a region where there are many more rivers than roads. Though traditionally carved from a single tree trunk, at Xigera Safari Lodge their innovative glass-bottomed mokoro – constructed from sturdy fibre-glass – allow for incredible views of the Delta both above and below.
While mokoro are perfect for discovering
the filigree of smaller channels, catching fleeting glimpses of African pike or bright-green nembwe fish, motorboat
excursions allow for exploration of the
deeper rivers and lagoons that are home
to crocodile and large pods of hippo.
Spa And Wellness: Discrete from the Main Lodge with expansive views of the flood plains, Xigera’s spectacular spa provides a tranquil haven for travellers. Their signature B | Africa spa treatments are complemented by an exclusive collection
of Tata Harper products, creating holistic spa rituals that offer a multi-sensory escape for guests. Rejuvenate with a sunset yoga class, work out in their state-of-the-art fitness centre or take a dip in their swimming pool with a stunning deck gazing over the river.
The Art & Design Tour: Take a tour of the incredible Xigera Art and Design
Collection with Xigera’s specially created map and audio guide. Starting at reception and ending at the Xigera Shop, this tour of the lodge’s public spaces will provide a
fascinating insight into the lives and work of the eminent artists and craftspeople behind Xigera’s living art gallery.
Dining In The Bush: Allow Xigera to surprise you with a memorable meal served
in the bush. Their talented chefs will create a unique menu, setting the scene for a dining experience like no other.
Stargazing: With little or no light pollution, the skies above the Okavango Delta make for sensational viewing of the
stars from Xigera’s lookout deck. Their guides are equipped with laser pointers and will point out interesting features,
from unique stars to the Milky Way, constellations and planets.
Okavango Delta Boat Excursion
Xigera is committed to ensuring that this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the unique wildlife it is home to survive and thrive – this is a priority in every aspect of lodge operations.
Xigera relies mainly on solar energy supplied by a state-of-the-art Tesla system, while hot water is provided via
thermodynamic geysers. The reduction of single-use plastics and an on-site composter minimize waste. All water used in the lodge is purified using reverse osmosis and then re-mineralized, ensuring guests can safely drink the tap water throughout the lodge.
Xigera Safari Lodge works closely with
Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks to monitor the area’s fauna and flora and has partnered with Wild Entrust Africa, a local NPO that focuses on
conservation through applied science, education and sustainable development. Together with the TreadRight Foundation and The Travel Corporation’s family of
brands, they hope to leave a positive impact on local people, wildlife and the planet to make travel matter.
Spa Service At Xigera Safari Lodge
Nearly 70 years of passion, care and attention to detail have been dedicated to Xigera. This pioneering camp is the dream and vision of the Tollman family, the pinnacle of a life’s work creating extraordinary hospitality for both
Xigera and The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
With exceptional staff members and just 24 guests, Xigera offers a truly personal, unique and memorable safari experience. Red Carnation is renowned for its thoughtful service and generous hospitality and the
team, led by Mike and Marian Myers, is empowered to ensure that all of Xigera’s guests feel special, cared for and welcome.
The golden thread of hospitality that binds each hotel in The Red Carnation Hotel Collection shimmers especially brightly at Xigera. Blending authentic African
hospitality with Red Carnation’s flair for excellence results in a safari lodge offering world-class service in an
unmatched wilderness.
Inspired by a deep love and understanding of the African bush, Xigera’s guides are led by Mike, a legendary wildlife and conservation expert. With over 40 years of
experience, he has brought together a team with great experience and knowledge, revealing a truly authentic safari experience and allowing guests an enriching and educational way of discovering this majestic corner of the Okavango.
A dedicated safari guide will accompany you throughout your stay at Xigera, sharing their passion and knowledge for the wilderness, and assisting you to curate your own Okavango experience.
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