Under the shade of ancient trees, overlooking the UNESCO-listed Okavango wetlands, lies Xigera Safari Lodge.
This boutique lodge has been designed in harmony with its natural surrounds – to be as at home in the lush floodplains as the pied kingfisher of its Bantu namesake. Primarily powered by solar and geothermal sources, its eco-credentials are impressive. Even its water is purified and reused, so not a drop is wasted.
Behind lodge doors, the interior design is rooted firmly in its homeland. 90 per cent of the furniture and gallery-curated artwork has been handmade by African craftspeople, largely using natural materials.
Xigera accommodates up to 24 guests across 12 individually designed suites. One of these is a beautiful family suite that opens onto a decked terrace with views of the Delta. For a more exclusive experience, sleep beneath the stars at the lodge’s remote treehouse, whose striking steel structure resembles a baobab tree.
The lodge features two spa treatment rooms, a scenic swimming pool and a state-of-the-art gym. The alfresco restaurant allows you to sample authentic African cuisine. Alternatively, indulge in picnics served up on your private deck, or dine out in the bush.
From the lodge, there are countless opportunities to admire the nature of the Moremi Game Reserve. Keep an eye out for the Big Five, as well as cheetah, giraffe, spotted hyena and hundreds of bird species, including slaty egret and wattled crane. On top of arranging traditional safari drives, staff will gladly facilitate atmospheric cruises along the Okavango waters in a glass-bottomed mokoro (a traditional canoe).
