Xigera Safari Lodge

It has tried to position itself at the very top of an exclusive luxury pile of Botswana safari lodges, in terms of the experience it aims to offer as well as the price point. Its most obvious competitors are those with which it will be commonly compared, such as Mombo Camp, Vumbura Plains, Duba Plains and the Selinda Camp.

The lodge is encapsulated in a canopy of indigenous trees, long grassland and luscious wetland. You will find 12 luxury suites and even a treehouse sleepout, all bespoke in design, which couples or groups can enjoy. Discover a multitude of activities, including private game drives, helicopter safaris, bush dining, mokoro boat trips, and many more. The lodge will create custom itinerates, allowing every guest to have a truly unique experience.

The serene pool and welcoming bar, stocked with a world-class wine list, make it easy to unwind; this breathtaking place feels a world away from reality. Relax at the tranquil spa after embarking on a safari to view Africa’s most spectacular, diverse wildlife with a top field guide. Feast on a unique culinary experience where menus change daily to cater to the freshest, local seasonal produce.

Throughout the lodge, you will notice bespoke pieces of furniture, sculptures and artwork in almost every corner. Over 80 artists and studios contributed pieces to Xigera, and it is well worth embarking on the 30-minute guided audio tour around the main area and its highlights. Some of the pieces, like Porky Hefer’s eye-catching seats in the main area are hard to miss, but elements like the hand-crafted table legs in the restaurant are easy to overlook and are under-appreciated.

Xigera Safari Lodge can be visited all year round, but the landscape differs significantly from the annual flood of the Okavango Delta system. You are likely to find vast wetlands and a stunning watery experience if you travel during the dry season (roughly between June and October) and then, conversely, a largely dry experience traversing the empty floodplains and small islands during the wet season (roughly between November and May). The captivating panoramic views of the African bush are unbroken in every direction and will leave you captivated.