In partnership with Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, we have created an itinerary that unifies Africa’s greatest design lodges. This new experience couples design and wilderness like never before, offering guests unrivaled access to UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe - while staying in Africa’s most impeccable safari lodges.
Highlights include:
- A life-changing sleep-out in a three-story baobab treehouse.
- A helicopter ‘Flight of the Angels’ over Victoria Falls.
- Glass-bottom mokoro excursions across the Delta.
- Unparalleled access to the finest modern African design by the most compelling talents in Southern Africa.
Xigera Safari Lodge
The experience begins with three nights at Xigera Safari Lodge, opening in 2020 in Botswana’s unspoilt wilderness. Xigera will be the biggest investment into a safari lodge of this size in Africa. The lodge’s design has been conceptualised by Toni Tollman, Philip Fourie and Anton de Kock, who has collaborated with Southern Guild in a game-changing design partnership like never before. The first of its kind, Xigera will offer a ‘Living Gallery’ of bespoke works commissioned exclusively for the property by Africa’s hottest young artists including Adam Birch, Madoda Fani, Porky Hefer, Otto du Plessis, Stanislaw Trzebinski, and many more. Surprising touches will be everywhere; from human-sized woven nests resting on decks for guests to relax in, to a totemic firepit sculpture by blacksmith artist Conrad Hicks, offering a contemporary take on the traditional boma setting.
Flying into the Moremi Game Reserve, you will spend three nights here in a beautiful suite. Each suite floats above the Delta’s waterways - a design move that mirrors the Pel’s Fishing Owl in flight. Exclusive to this experience is the opportunity to sleep in a three-story steel baobab tree located 1km from the camp – a truly unforgettable experience that combines art and wilderness like never before. Morning, afternoon, and evening game drives will be at your leisure, and you can also explore the Delta’s waterways by traditional canoe, glass-bottom mokoro or motorboat – complete with ‘feet-in-the-water’ sundowners. You will be spoilt with $100 credit (per person) for use in the spa.
Matetsi Victoria Falls
From Xigera Safari Lodge, guests will enjoy a complimentary Mack Air flight from Moremi Game Reserve to Kasane. They will be warmly received by their Matetsi Victoria Falls tour and transfer guide, and assisted through to Zimbabwe and onwards to Matetsi Private Game Reserve - a short distance from the border. Enjoy four nights at Matetsi Victoria Falls, located on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River within its own 55,000-hectare private wildlife conservation area, which will allow guests to discover the region with warm Zimbabwean hospitality, outstanding cuisine, unique river experiences, and incredible wildlife encounters.
Family-owned and independently run, the expert team at Matetsi Victoria Falls, from world-class chefs to personal butlers, creates exceptional guest experiences. Acclaimed for its exquisite contemporary interiors showcasing local Zimbabwean design talent, Matetsi Victoria Falls has won a number of design awards and travel accolades for its immersive and contemporary African design. Architectural Designer, Kerry van Leenhoff, inspired by life on the Zambezi River, incorporates touchpoints such as hanging dug-out canoes, fish-trap-inspired light features, hand-woven screens, and clay-pot down-lighters throughout the stylish living spaces - each inspired by the local culture and traditions of Zimbabwean village life. Artworks by young, emerging Zimbabwean artist, Helen Teede enkindle a real sense of place: murals on the walls hint at the flow of the river and the power of nature.
Exclusively to this itinerary, you will enjoy $100 spa credit (per person), and an incredible helicopter excursion from Victoria Falls, following the Zambezi River to Victoria Falls. This spectacular flight is a great opportunity to see wildlife from the air, marvel at the Batoka Gorge, and experience the renowned “Flight of the Angels.” On landing, guests will be met by their personal tour guide for the guided walking tour of the Falls followed by High Tea at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel.
Back on the property at Victoria Falls, there are many activities to partake in, such as game drives, boat cruises, canoeing, and walking safaris.