Xigera Safari Lodge
Unapologetically bold and art-forward ultra-luxury. Think gallery-meets-wilderness: flame-torched timber suites on stilts, a copper lily fireplace in the sunken lounge, human-sized woven nest seats on the decks, and a wine cellar stocked with the Tollman family's own Bouchard Finlayson label. It's a full sensory assault — in the best possible way.
Book the Baobab Treehouse experience well in advance — it's a single standalone structure and extremely popular; it incurs an additional cost on top of the all-inclusive rate
Why It Matters
The most design-forward safari lodge in Botswana. Rebuilt entirely from scratch in 2020, it holds Africa's largest private collection of contemporary African art in hospitality. Winner of Best Safari Spa in Africa (World Spa Awards, multiple years). Voted 2nd best resort in Africa by Condé Nast Traveller UK readers in 2025. Named one of the world's most stylish hotels by GQ in 2024.
Xigera (pronounced 'kee-jera') sits on Paradise Island deep inside the Moremi Game Reserve, fully rebuilt and relaunched by the Tollman family's Red Carnation Hotels in December 2020. It holds Africa's largest private collection of contemporary art in a hospitality setting — every chair, lamp, and console was custom-made by one of 80 African designers. The all-inclusive rates and 105-staff-to-24-guest ratio mean this is one of the most attentive safari operations on the continent.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Luxury Suite
Eleven of the twelve suites, each named after a native plant of the Okavango (Papyrus, Knobthorn, Leadwood, Sausage Tree, Jackalberry, Waterlily, Mangosteen, and others). No two are identical in colour or art — each has its own commissioned furniture, textiles, and bronze sculptures. Cedar walls, vaulted tensile canvas roofs, floor-to-ceiling tinted glass windows. The mood ranges from jade greens to ruby reds to spring-water blues depending on the suite.
King (9 suites); Twin (2 suites) · 104 sqmThe Baobab Treehouse
A towering 10-metre steel sculpture modelled on the iconic baobab tree, situated 1km from the main lodge with a guide stationed nearby. Three levels accessed by a spiral staircase inside the 'trunk.' A glass-bottom boat can ferry you across the floodplain to reach it. The second-floor bedroom has canvas walls that zip fully open for 360-degree bush views or close for privacy. The roof-deck has an open-air king bed for sleeping under the stars. Inspired by a 1946 painting by South African landscape painter Pierneef. Interior furnished by Cape Town craftspeople — John Vogel, Chuma Maweni, and Adam Birch. An additional cost on top of the all-inclusive lodge rate.
King (indoor, 2nd floor) plus open-air king bed on roof deckXigera Family Suite
Two complete bedrooms joined by an interleading lounge that opens onto a shared deck with outdoor gazebo. Each bedroom has its own full ensuite bathroom with outdoor shower, dressing area, and all the amenities of a standard suite. Positioned on the island for maximum privacy. Suited for two couples or two adults with two children.
Two Kings (or configurable for family use) · 168 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A guided walk through the lodge's main public spaces — bar, boma, library, dining room — with interpretation of each artwork and design piece. The lodge holds Africa's largest private contemporary art collection in hospitality, featuring pieces by Porky Hefer, Adam Birch, Conrad Hicks, Atang Tshikare, Andile Dyalvane, and Chuma Maweni, among others — all curated with Southern Guild Gallery.
A stay in the 10-metre steel baobab sculpture 1km from the lodge. Guests arrive by glass-bottom boat for sundowners and a picnic-style dinner on the deck, then sleep in the enclosed 2nd-floor bedroom or on the open-air roof-deck king bed under the stars. A guide remains stationed nearby throughout the night. Pre-booking essential — it's in very high demand.
Curated dining away from the main lodge — bush breakfasts in the field, 'feet in the water' sundowners, picnics at a private waterhole, or starlit boma dinners. Al fresco options can be arranged any time under the 'anything, any time' philosophy.
Seasonal fishing in the Delta waterways for tigerfish and other species. The GM has personally arranged helicopter transfers to the Okavango Panhandle for more serious fishing sessions.
Guided trips in traditional dugout canoes through the papyrus-fringed channels of the Delta. Glass-bottom versions are also available, giving a remarkable view of aquatic life beneath the lily-covered surface. Seasonal — typically May/June through September when flood levels are highest.
Guided motorboat excursions through the wider waterways of the Delta. Seasonal activity during flood season.
Morning, afternoon, and evening game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with specialist guides. The NG28 private concession borders the Moremi Game Reserve, delivering both privacy and remarkable wildlife density. Lions and leopards regularly cross the lodge's own footbridge. Hot water bottles, blankets, and lined ponchos provided for cold-weather drives. Vehicles feature lockable armrests to stabilize long camera lenses — a detail photographers will appreciate.
Guided walking safaris outside the main reserve, offering a completely different perspective on the Delta ecosystem — insects, plants, tracks, and smaller details missed from a vehicle. Children under 13 may not participate for safety reasons.
Scenic flights departing directly from the lodge. Each guest receives a headset to communicate with the pilot in real time. Approximately 30 minutes, covering the full sweep of the Xigera concession, Moremi, and beyond. Outstanding for aerial photography of the Delta's distinctive geography.
The air-conditioned library hosts talks from visiting specialist naturalists, conservationists, and cultural historians. A curated collection of books and reference materials on Botswana's natural and cultural history is available throughout your stay.
Guided photographic sessions with specialist guiding and tips on capturing wildlife, landscapes, and macro subjects in the Delta.
Evening storytelling and stargazing sessions, often conducted around the boma firepit. The private concession far from any light pollution makes for extraordinary southern hemisphere night skies.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Wi-Fi available throughout all suites and in almost all public areas including the bar, lounge, restaurant, pool, gym, and library.
Africa's largest private collection of contemporary art in a hospitality setting. Over 80 African artists and designers commissioned works specifically for the lodge over 18 months in collaboration with Southern Guild Gallery, Cape Town.
Climate-controlled cellar showcasing Bouchard Finlayson (the Tollman family's own South African estate) and select international wines. Premium wines, spirits, and champagnes are on an additional premium list.
Full room service available; in-suite private dining for up to four guests can be arranged at any time.
Daily laundry included in the all-inclusive rate (subject to weather and water supply conditions).
Stocked mini-bar in each suite. Non-alcoholic beverages and standard alcoholic beverages included in the all-inclusive rate.
Curated collection of books and research materials on Botswana's natural and cultural history, plus wildlife documentaries. Local and visiting specialists host talks here.
Outdoor pool with a relaxation deck overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
In-lodge boutique with hats, bags, scarves, jewellery, and a special range of community-made crocheted toys from a women's empowerment program. A 200 USD coffee-table art book about the lodge's collection is also available.
The lodge is 95–100% solar powered via a state-of-the-art photovoltaic farm. Single-use plastics are banned throughout the property.
Dedicated Xigera airstrip serviced by light aircraft from Maun and other Botswana camps.
State-of-the-art air-conditioned gym with Technogym equipment.
Dedicated outdoor yoga deck. Scheduled yoga classes are included in the all-inclusive rate; private sessions available at additional cost.
BUILD YOUR XIGERA SAFARI LODGE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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