Discover a pristine wilderness
The culmination of a lifelong dream of the Tollman family, drawing on six decades of devotion to unparalleled luxury in service.
Xigera Safari Lodge is the fourth, and latest, African property to join The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, which in 2020 celebrated a century of hospitality. It was nothing short of a dream come true for the Tollman family to become custodians of Xigera. Protecting the land and its wildlife, while empowering and uplifting local communities, is a cornerstone of the philosophy underpinning this remarkable new safari lodge. Blending African design with unique luxury, outstanding cuisine with extraordinary wilderness experiences, Xigera’s pioneering concept is reinventing the art of an African safari.
The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of 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.
Xigera Safari Lodge is the latest addition to the Red Carnation family of hotels, and the golden thread of hospitality that binds each hotel to the group shimmers especially brightly at Xigera. Blending authentic African hospitality with Red Carnation’s flair for excellence results in a safari lodge offering world-class service in an unmatched wilderness.
Bookend your Okavango adventure with a stay at the remarkable Red Carnation hotels in neighbouring South Africa. The Oyster Box occupies a commanding position on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town rests at the foot of the Table Mountain National Park, mere metres from the Atlantic Ocean. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat offers a remarkable escape in the foothills of the majestic Cederberg Mountains.
Resting on the western edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, overlooking the verdant floodplains of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xigera has the gift of offering remarkable experiences both on land and on the water.
"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
