February sightings at Xigera

January and February’s rainier climate has brought forth some moments of exceptional beauty here at Xigera. The floodplains from the previous dry season have evaporated, and the downpours of the last two months have given welcome relief from the increasing heat. The rain clouds that lingered over the plains allowed for a landscape of luscious, verdant greenery to return, as the downpours inspired a flourish of fresh vegetation. The swift yield of such sumptuous, fertile grasslands inspired a sense of wonder and awe, matched only by the array of majestic wildlife sightings. As we reflect on the past month, explore the wildlife that blessed us here at Xigera this February.

Photo by Ike

The beauty of a stay at Xigera Safari Lodge is the unparalleled access you get to nature in its most wild and uninhibited form. When building our lodge, we took great care to ensure that our relationship with this beautiful corner of the earth is as symbiotic and harmonious as possible. Such efforts are rewarded in moments like the one captured above, as a lioness stalked the grounds just outside of our suites. Arising with the golden rays of the early morning sun, our guests were able to watch this lioness explore and become immersed in the majesty of such a moment.

Photo by Des

Photo by Ike

Similar excitement was inspired by our herd animals who also took to exploring the grounds of our concession, moving across the grasslands with elegance and grace.

Photo by Des

Photo by Oratile

Due to the summer migration patterns, February is always an exceptional month for birding in Botswana. On two occasions, our guides spotted two of our most treasured birds of prey: the first, a Fish Eagle, and the second, an African Falcon. With over 600 bird species in Botswana, February at Xigera truly is an avian enthusiast’s heaven. 

Photos by Carike

A flock of White Fronted Bee-eaters were also found enjoying the cooling waters. This particular bird species often forms small colonies that favour areas of woodland close to water, hillsides, or earthen banks where they can easily nest. Such preferences make Xigera perfectly located to spot this distinct, majestically coloured bird.

Photo by Des

Photos by Oratile

Finally, the last month's rainfall has meant that food has been abundant for our grazing animals. More sumptuous grasslands afford them greater space to roam and enjoy the variety of vegetation. Lechwe, wildebeest, and hippos have all been found traversing the delta of late, enjoying the fresh shoots brought forth in the last month.