Xigera Safari Lodge - A Luxurious Gateway to the Enchanting Delta of Botswana

Let’s explore the heart of Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta, where a lodge like no other awaits – Xigera Safari Lodge.

Imagine stepping into a world where luxury and nature blend into a blissful, harmonious experience. That’s exactly what Xigera offers, and it’s a performance you won’t want to miss. The lodge is like a canvas woven with the threads of African artistry, and it is a true masterpiece.

It is however not just a luxury façade but has a heartwarming backstory too. Once a traditional tented camp, Xigera was transformed into a masterpiece by the Tollman Family, led by the visionary Stanley Tollman. Love, sweat, and years of experience in the hospitality industry, were poured into this haven in the Delta. For those who love art and creativity, you won’t believe the art collection. Numerous African artists were appointed to create bespoke artworks for the lodge, and guests can purchase curated art work directly from the artists

The suites aren’t just rooms; they’re mini kingdoms of comfort. The twelve exquisite air-conditioned suites, all named after the flora surrounding the lodge, are so spacious and beautifully designed. Each suite comes complete with its own lounge, bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower and veranda with a sala, and every stunningly furnished room in the suite is air-conditioned. With a personal housekeeper who treats you like royalty, it’s like a dream come true. The coup de grace has to be the sleepout, a fantastic structure designed around a Pierneef painting of a Baobab tree, and is aptly named The Baobab Treehouse.

For those who are looking for a “green lodge”, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here – it’s a way of life. Xigera has it all figured out from the biggest solar plant in Africa, which runs the whole lodge, to water purifying systems that sends purified water into the taps in your room; they are truly the eco-warriors of the Delta.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the amazing Batswana staff who make every moment memorable. The chefs, using fresh produce and meats, most from the local farmers, created a culinary experience that left us in awe.

As for the wildlife, Xigera is nestled on the western edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, and the game practically considers the lodge their neighbour. Elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo move freely around the waterways surrounding the lodge. Our guide shared heart-warming stories of the leopards and the lions that we came across on drive, and who they have come to know and share this incredible area with.

Game viewing is just one aspect in this adventure, and no delta experience is complete without a water activity. Gliding through the intricate waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe, spotting exotic birds and the elusive Pels Fishing Owl, the mokoro guide shared stories with us of growing up in this unique world.

For those needing to unwind and pamper, the lodge’s spa is a sanctuary of rejuvenation, using natural custom created products to restore our wary cities bodies.

For us, the standout take-away was the personal touch and service. The staff went out of their way to tailor an experience crafted especially for us, and it took our stay from extraordinary to out of this world! I would highly recommend at least a three night stay as there is so much to do and experience here.

Xigera isn’t just a destination; it is an entrance into a world where luxury embraces nature, sustainability takes centre stage, and extraordinary memories are etched forever. If you are on the lookout for a safari experience that’s a cut above the rest, then this is it; you’ve just found your diamond in the delta.