Xigera Safari Lodge: Where Art, Wildlife, and Sustainability Unite in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Tucked deep within Botswana’s pristine Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera Safari Lodge is more than a luxury retreat—it’s a living gallery, a conservation triumph, and an immersive safari experience that awakens all the senses.

A Remarkable Setting in the Okavango Delta

Located on the western fringes of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xigera offers front-row access to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Here, floodplains, channels, and woodlands converge to create a haven for wildlife.

Fed by Angola’s floodwaters during the dry season, the Delta transforms into a vibrant oasis each year. While the surrounding Kalahari remains dry, the Delta becomes a magnet for elephants, lions, leopards, antelope, and hundreds of bird species.

Moremi Game Reserve, where Xigera is located, is known for its biodiversity and low visitor numbers. It’s a key destination for those looking to see wildlife in a pristine, uncrowded setting. Sightings of rare birds, wild dogs, and even the elusive sitatunga antelope are possible here.

A Legacy Reimagined

For the Tollman family, founders of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Moremi has long held personal meaning. They came here for over two decades to disconnect and reconnect with Africa—well before envisioning a lodge of their own.

When the small camp they had cherished came up for sale, they saw the opportunity to create something lasting: not just a lodge, but a legacy. One that reflects their deep bond with the Delta and their passion for African hospitality.

They named it Xigera (pronounced kee-jera), after the pied kingfisher known for hovering gracefully above the water. Like its namesake, the lodge is rooted in place yet alive with energy, creativity, and care.

Design That Tells a Story

Xigera is a design lover’s dream, but it doesn’t feel staged or out of place. Every element—from sculptural furniture to hand-carved doors—was made by African artists. The vision was to create a living gallery that celebrates African talent in an immersive space, not one curated from afar.  The main lodge houses over 100 bespoke pieces commissioned from some of Africa’s finest artists and artisans.

Each of the 12 suites feels personal, layered, and distinct. You’ll find bronze and timber details, custom ceramics, woven textures, and views that open straight onto the floodplains. The art isn’t just decoration—it invites conversation and brings the stories of the artists into the space.

One standout is the Baobab Treehouse, Available for an unforgettable overnight stay, a striking steel structure inspired by a Jacobus Pierneef painting of a solitary baobab tree. Tucked among Croton trees and rising nearly 10 meters above the floodplain, it offers panoramic views across three levels, including an open-air bathroom reached by a sculptural staircase winding through the ‘trunk.’

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When it comes to luxury safaris, few places match the reputation of Sabi Sand Game Reserve—a name synonymous with exclusivity, exceptional big cat sightings, and some of the finest safari lodges in Africa. Bordering the western edge of Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand offers access to the same prolific wildlife—but without the crowds—thanks to its private, carefully protected setting. 

A Reserve of Reserves 

Covering approximately 65,000 hectares (160,000 acres), Sabi Sand is not a single reserve but rather a collection of around 20 privately owned game reserves, each operating its own lodges and traversing areas. These reserves are unfenced from one another and share an open boundary with Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely across this vast wilderness. This seamless integration means you get all the wildlife of Kruger—with far fewer people and vehicles. 

Here are just a few of our favorite luxury reserves that make up the Sabi Sand mosaic: 

• Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve – Known for its diverse ecosystems and four distinct luxury lodges (Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp, and Earth Lodge), this reserve blends tradition with modern design and conservation-focused hospitality. 

• Singita Sabi Sand – A prestigious 45,000-acre concession home to Ebony Lodge and Boulders Lodge, where bold architecture meets exceptional service, wine cellars, and riverfront suites. 

• Ulusaba Private Game Reserve – Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this reserve features Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, offering panoramic views from a hilltop and stylish bush experiences below. 

• Dulini Private Game Reserve – A trio of intimate lodges (Dulini Moya, Dulini River, and Dulini Leadwood) famed for their understated elegance, warm hospitality, and expert tracking teams. 

• Londolozi Game Reserve – A pioneer in South African eco-tourism and leopard conservation, Londolozi features five camps, including Tree Camp and Granite Suites, and has remained family-run for over 90 years. 

• Lion Sands Game Reserve – Straddling both Sabi Sand and Kruger, Lion Sands is unique in offering dual access. Its flagship Ivory Lodge and River Lodge promise indulgent suites and riverside game viewing. 

• Cheetah Plains – An exclusive-use villa concept known for ultra-modern architecture, private chefs, and electric safari vehicles—ideal for families or groups seeking complete seclusion. 

Each reserve operates with strict traversing rights, meaning the roads and sightings are limited to guests staying within that specific reserve, preserving the sense of exclusivity, space, and intimacy that defines Sabi Sand. 

My first trip to South Africa was unforgettable, offering a rich blend of nature, history, culture, food, and wine. Traveling with a group of fellow travel professionals made it even more special, as we shared incredible moments — from exploring the many corners of Cape Town to enjoying an incredible safari in a private Kruger reserve. While it wasn’t my first African safari, it was everyone’s first visit to South Africa — making the experience even more exciting and meaningful. 

Exploring Cape Town 

Our journey began in Cape Town, a city rich in culture, natural beauty, and history. We stayed at the Cape Cadogan Hotel, an elegant boutique hotel on the corner of Kloof Street, one of Cape Town's most vibrant and stylish neighborhoods. The area is teeming with trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés—perfect for exploring the city’s culinary scene and nightlife. The hotel served an à la carte breakfast each morning, which we all looked forward to, and our dinner at Cape Cadogan was one of the best meals of the trip. The creative dishes were designed for sharing and were incredibly tasty—who knew smoked cabbage could taste so good? 

We visited the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a lively spot with stunning views of Table Mountain. We strolled along the waterfront, indulged in fine dining, and shopped for souvenirs while soaking in the picturesque setting.  

We also took a boat tour to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The tour was led by a former prisoner, which made the experience even more personal and unforgettable. He shared powerful stories about his time on the island and the fight for equality and democracy in South Africa. It was a humbling experience that deepened our understanding of the country’s history and resilience. 

That evening, we dined at GOLD Restaurant, which offered a culinary safari featuring a 14-course tasting menu inspired by different African cuisines. The meal was accompanied by cultural performances, and everyone at the restaurant participated in a lively drumming session. 

Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain 

Our Cape Peninsula tour was a spectacular highlight. The dramatic cliffs and sparkling blue waters created a breathtaking coastline. We visited the Cape of Good Hope, a stunning rock outcrop often mistaken for the southernmost point of South Africa. Just a few minutes away is Cape Point with more incredible views from the lighthouse and lookout points. After lunch at Simon's Town, we visited Boulders Beach to see the colony of African penguins. Watching these adorable creatures waddling along the sand brought so much joy to our entire group.  

Later that day, we took advantage of the clear afternoon skies to visit Table Mountain. It had been foggy in the morning, but by the afternoon, the weather was perfect—crystal clear with no wind. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of Cape Town, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. The sunset cast a golden glow over the city, making the experience even more magical.