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.’

Where Wildlife and Wilderness Reign

Xigera’s location ensures iconic wildlife encounters—lion prides, leopards, wild dogs, and large herds of red lechwe. The birdlife is spectacular, and silent mokoro excursions offer close-up views of kingfishers, jacanas, and bee-eaters. Whether on foot, by boat, or vehicle, every outing is tailored and intimate.

Surrounded by water for much of the year, the lodge allows for a slower, more immersive safari. Elephants often pass by the decks, and during construction, a leopard famously gave birth and raised her cubs beside one of the suites while the lodge was under construction.

Transformational Experiences: From Mokoros to Massage

At Xigera, every detail is crafted to inspire. Drift through floodplains in a glass-bottom mokoro. Share stories fireside beneath starlit skies. Unwind in the spa with treatments using organic, locally sourced botanicals. For a truly unique experience, sleep under the stars in the Baobab Treehouse, surrounded by the sounds of the Delta and the untamed wilderness beyond.

Other special touches include a floating meditation deck, yoga sessions with panoramic views, and chef-led tastings of seasonal dishes made from locally grown ingredients. Every experience honors both nature and human connection.

An Environmental Marvel in the Heart of the Delta

Xigera is a model of sustainability. Entirely solar-powered, it was built without felling a single tree. Water is filtered and recycled, and the supply chain emphasizes local sourcing—from food to linens to bath products.

More than green technology, Xigera’s ethos is rooted in stewardship and regeneration. Suites are raised to protect the land. Architecture flows with the curves of the Delta. Interiors reflect the natural tones and textures of the surrounding landscape. It’s luxury with purpose—beauty aligned with responsibility.

Xigera Safari Lodge isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel

Here, art, wildlife, and sustainability converge to offer something rare: a soulful, forward-thinking safari experience grounded in reverence for Africa and expressed through bold, creative spirit.

A visit to Xigera is transformative and unforgettable. You can pair it with other remarkable destinations and camps across Botswana—our Platinum Botswana itinerary is just one inspiring example. Or consider combining it with time in Cape Town, a safari in Greater Kruger, or even a stop at Victoria Falls. The options are endless. Ready to start planning your Xigera safari? Our experts will craft a journey perfectly aligned with your vision and preferences.