The rebirth of family legacy
Discover a lodge that reinvents the very idea of what it means to experience the African bush.
Visit siteXigera is our love letter to the magic of the African bush. Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. Transformed by Africa's life-enhancing beauty, it is a story of remarkable renewal. Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa’s wild spaces. The same spirit that inspired this remarkable reimagining, perhaps a complete reinvention, of an Okavango Delta safari. This is Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’), named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. The culmination of a lifelong dream of the Tollman family, drawing on six decades of devotion to unparalleled luxury in service.
"Deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta in the Moremi Game Reserve resides Xigera Safari Lodge – a passion project for the Tollman Family inspired by their love of Botswana and the wild African bush. Rising up from the rich Delta soils on a framework of steel posts, the buildings stand lightly on the earth, fitting naturally amongst the large tree species of the island; the wooden-clad exteriors of the suites and main decks blend perfectly into a natural wilderness.
The 18th property in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Xigera Safari Lodge came to life after a two-year build. Every detail matters, especially in our sustainability initiatives: driven by solar power, water treatment and above-ground sewage facilities, waste management practices and a ban on single-use-plastic.
The hearts of the Batswana reveal themselves authentically in smiles and genuine service that makes guests feel at home. Wildlife delights include regular sightings of big cats (especially the resident lions and leopards), red lechwe, kudu, giraffe, impala, buffalo, wildebeest, tssessebe and the rare sitatunga. Local species entrance our guests on boats, mekoro, walks and game drives. Finally, we couldn’t talk about Xigera without mentioning the colourful sunrises and sunsets that paint the vast skyscapes dramatically each day.
We are so proud of Xigera Safari Lodge and all it encompasses, especially the beautiful people who live and work with us, and the guests who visit us."
- Ben Seager, General Manager, and the Xigera family