Meet The Team, Xigera Safari Lodge Okavango Delta

Set sail on a voyage of discovery

Ben Seager

General Manager

I was born in a small mining town in South Africa and I spent most of my adolescence between here and Zimbabwe on my grandparent's farm. After studying Hospitality Management, I left for the UK and for the last 20 years I have worked in 4/5-star establishments, joining Red Carnation in mid-2005. Since then I have worked across several of our properties around the world. I am passionate about people, wildlife and hospitality. I am excited to return back to Africa as General Manager at Xigera.

Quest Maundo

Lodge Manager

In my career I have risen through the ranks, and I believe that passion, vision and self-drive explains my successful path. I’ve been given the rare opportunity to work at Xigera Safari Lodge, and this has truly opened my eyes to international standards of travel, accommodation and food services of an unmatched standard. Seeing the new lodge being built from scratch under my watch is a great honour, and I am looking forward to managing it.

David Masawi

Operations Manager

I was born in Zimbabwe and spent my childhood in many European countries. My late teenage years were a reintroduction to Africa where I had the privilege to spend time in Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa. Armed with an International Degree in Hospitality Management, my passion for culture and people has led to a deep love for showcasing the very best of Africa through hospitality. I am honoured to be part of the Xigera team and cannot wait to play my part in making the camp memorable.

Dikeledi Kakambi

People and Culture Manager

I work as an Administration and Human Resources Manager at Great Explorations, the parent company to Xigera Safari Lodge. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations, and a Diploma in Accounting and Business Studies. I am passionate about studying for both leisure, and also self-development and career advancement. My role at Xigera is to oversee staff relations, and work with all of our staff in developing their own careers.

Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Head Safari Guide

I was born in Maun, on the edge of the Okavango Delta. After completing my studies, I began my career in the tourism industry, working my way through the ranks to reach Assistant Camp Manager. I am excited to join Xigera Safari Lodge as Head Guide, and to take on the challenge of building a team and delivering the very best safari experience for all our guests.

Nicole Siya

Guest Liaison Manager

I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Xigera Safari Lodge team. Before joining the safari industry, I achieved an international hotel management degree in Mauritius, followed by internships at hotels in Mauritius and Dubai. A career in hospitality has granted me the chance to meet incredible guests and colleagues, both leaving an indelible mark on me and allowing continuous room for growth.

Oratile Tom

Spa Manager

I have a BA Degree in International Spa Management from the University of Derby and have worked across 4 and 5-Star safari lodges around the Okavango Delta, Madikwe and Caprivi Islands. I have worked across many Leading Hotel of the World properties. My position as Spa Manager at Xigera is a great honour and I hope each guest leaves with a sense of ease and relaxation.

Ziyaad Brown

Executive Chef

In my career I have been fortunate to have worked in a number of Africa's finest boutique hotels and safari lodges. From the Garden Route to Cape Town and the Greater Kruger National Park, I have experienced the best of African hospitality. Being a part of Xigera and Red Carnation Hotels has given me the opportunity to take my career to new heights.

Antonio Gabriel

Food and Beverage Manager

I am very proud to be the Food and Beverage Manager at Xigera, with 14 years of experience in the hospitality and safari industry. I believe my sharp focus and attention to detail will carry me well as I endeavour to care for our guests. Serving and sharing my experience with my co-workers is my passion, and I love watching my team develop and blossom. The calling that gives me enormous gratification is empowering younger chefs, giving them life-changing opportunities.

Kate Rethman

Travel Manager

Growing up in Durban I had the privilege of exploring South Africa and its neighbouring countries throughout my childhood. During a gap year I travelled widely abroad, only to realise that I was not done exploring my home continent. My passion for the bush was calling, and it was during a camping trip through Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2011 that I realised I needed to make African travel my career.

The power of passion

It was nothing short of a dream come true for our 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.

Victoria Tollman

Director Red Carnation Hotels

I am proudly following in my mother's footsteps with my passion for the hotel business and our guests, and I work alongside our Marketing, Sales and PR teams to share the Red Carnation story. It is an honour to welcome Xigera Safari Lodge to our collection. It has been a life-long dream of my family to create a safari lodge in Botswana, inspired by the beauty of the wilderness, the people and the wildlife, and it will be my privilege to share this experience with our guests and teams.

Toni Tollman

Director of Design and Projects

We have handcrafted every aspect, from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters such as the Baobab Treehouse, and every piece has been inspired by the incredible natural surroundings. It has been truly inspiring to be a part of the team bringing this spectacular, pioneering safari lodge to life, and to partner with Southern Guild, alongside some of the most compelling artistic talents in Africa, to create an exceptional design collection at Xigera.

The Egerton House Hotel

A peaceful retreat