Xigera Lodge: Where Conservation Meets Luxury in the African Wilderness

Xigera is a luxury African safari lodge in Botswana named after the Pied Kingfisher bird in the Okavango Delta ecosystem.

Xigera is pronounced as "Kee-jera". Xigera is a luxury safari lodge located in the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the northern part of Botswana and is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species including it’s name sake the Pied Kingfisher. 

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas in the world and is a unique ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. Xigera is located on a private island in the delta and is surrounded by floodplains, channels, and islands, providing guests with a truly immersive safari experience. 

The name Xigera was thought of by the founding family of the lodge, the Tollman family, who have a long history of creating and managing luxury hotels and resorts around the world. They chose the name Xigera as a nod to the local language and culture, as it is named after the Pied Kingfisher bird in the Setswana language. 

The Pied Kingfisher is a large black and white bird who is able to catch fish by hovering above the water. It also eats crabs and frogs while making its familiar sound throughout the region. The Pied Kingfisher is the only kingfisher species to occur in Africa north of the Sahara.

The flight from New York City to Xigera involves several connections and typically takes around 20-24 hours, depending on the route and the airline. Guests typically fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town in South Africa, before taking a connecting flight to Maun, Botswana. From there, they will take a short charter flight to Xigera. 

The lodge was built using sustainable materials and practices, and it employs local staff who are trained in eco-friendly techniques for managing the land and wildlife. Xigera is decorated in a style that is both elegant and modern, with a focus on bringing the beauty of the surrounding natural environment indoors. 

The decor features warm, earthy tones and textures that are inspired by the colors and patterns found in the Okavango Delta. In keeping with the lodge's commitment to sustainability, the windows are fitted with eco-friendly glass that helps to regulate the temperature inside. 

Many themes are evident in the window decorations at Xigera, including the use of natural materials such as wood and stone, as well as motifs inspired by the local flora and fauna. For example, guests may notice patterns that resemble the leaves of the delta's iconic papyrus plants, or depictions of the area's many bird species.the average daily cost for a stay at Xigera is around $3,500 USD per person, with rates varying depending on the time of year and the type of accommodation chosen. 

The lodge offers several package deals that can help to make a stay more affordable, including discounts for longer stays or group bookings. The grounds at Xigera are beautifully landscaped and feature a mix of lush vegetation, water features, and open spaces. 

There are several walking trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness, allowing guests to explore the delta on foot. Other activities include birdwatching, canoeing, and guided safari tours. One of the most popular activities at Xigera is taking a traditional mokoro ride, which involves gliding through the delta's waterways in a dugout canoe. 

The lodge was built using locally-sourced materials, and it has been designed to minimize its impact on the surrounding environment. Xigera also utilizes renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and it has implemented waste reduction and recycling programs. 

Xigera contributes to the Botswana African community through its support of several conservation and social initiatives. These include a partnership with the Okavango Community Trust, which works to improve access to education and healthcare for people living in the area, as well as a commitment to sustainable tourism practices that minimize the impact on the environment and wildlife. 

Xigera is owned and operated by Red Carnation Hotels, a luxury hospitality group that was founded by the Tollman family. Red Carnation Hotels is known for its commitment to sustainability, and Xigera is no exception.