‘Xigera is our love letter to the magic of the African bush’

The Tollman family has long had a profound love for Africa, and as the new custodians of Xigera Safari Lodge they are delighted to bring Red Carnation’s generous hospitality, personal service and exceptional design aesthetic to Botswana for the first time, drawing on six decades of devotion to unparalleled luxury in service.

Every aspect at Xigera is handcrafted to beguile 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. Xigera is equally a line in the sand. A raising of the bar. A bold statement in the realm of luxury safaris, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.

Xigera Safari Lodge offers just 12 beautiful suites and an exceptional Baobab Treehouse, each resting effortlessly in this wild landscape. Amid this remarkable setting, Xigera’s design aesthetic is wholeheartedly dedicated to celebrating African art, design and creativity. Each piece has been handcrafted and inspired by the incredible natural surroundings; every experience can be tailor made to guests’ wishes… an entirely new imagining of the African bush.

The Okavango Delta provides the palette of inspiration for the interiors of Xigera Safari Lodge, with even the smallest details showing a deep connection to the natural world beyond the lodge. Meticulously created and crafted, in every sense the décor pays homage to both the human and natural heritage of this remarkable corner of Africa. Conceptualised by Toni Tollman, Philip Fourie and Anton de Kock – in collaboration with award-winning South African gallery Southern Guild – the Xigera Design Collection is breathtaking in both its scope and bold vision.

Situated in the western reaches of Botswana’s iconic Moremi Game Reserve, gazing out on the seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta, Xigera’s unique location offers unrivalled access to extraordinary safari experiences. From bush breakfasts, wild picnics and ‘feet in the water’ sundowners to thrilling motorboat safaris, bespoke wilderness experiences and sunrise yoga, Xigera showcases the magic and mystery of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of Xigera, powering the lodge almost entirely through solar energy and eliminating single-use plastics. Caring for the environment is a priority in every aspect, but the lodge also pours enormous effort into partnering with local communities, providing both empowerment and employment.

Our CEO Jonathan Gadiah had this to say about Xigera Safari Lodge.

“Never having been to this part of the world before, I was privileged to enjoy two nights at the beautiful Xigera Safari Lodge. Only accessible by air, (20min light aircraft from Maun), this lodge, located in a remote area of the delta, exudes opulence at every turn. From the accommodation, the meals and staff, it was simply outstanding. Thanks to the impressive skills of our ranger, we were able to see all of the Big Five (and more) by the time we had to be dragged away. What a surprise to see a luxurious and air-conditioned library where I was quite content to spend a good few hours catching up on some reading, with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Xigera surpassed all expectations and should (and will) definitely be a bucket list item for anyone visiting Botswana”