Xigera Safari Lodge — Hotel in North-West District

Xigera is a lodge right out of Architectural Digest. The décor and artifacts was designed by 80 of Africa’s most recognized artists and designers|| After flying over the breathtaking Okavango Delta we arrived at their landing strip and driven to the lodge.||We were greeted by a warm welcome from some of the staff upon on arrival for our 4 night stay.||The huge tented suites were the most fabulous of all the lodges we went to on our 6.5 week journey through Africa. The stunning and luxurious suites are raised on stilts overlooking the Okavango wilderness with 2000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living. The décor is gorgeous with striking colors throughout. Nothing was sparred when creating the suites. Every piece of furniture in the suite is a work of art. There are complimentary drinks and treats in the mini- bar.||We were shown to our suite by our Housekeeper, named Girlie. She spent over one hour explaining every detail of the suite to us, even connecting my husband’s laptop computer. Girlie kept our suite to absolute perfection all day long. She was one of the highlights of our stay at Xigera. Her personality is so engaging, passionate and she always had the biggest smile with the best attitude. We miss and love you Girlie! On our last night in our room we were surprised with candles and a special cake for an occasion we were celebrating. We appreciate all you did for us.||Bostwana is known for it’s water safaris. We saw so many hippopotamus and crocodiles on our boat safaris. Our boat captain NT was great navigating the motorboat through the water and explaining everything to us with the assistance of our guide Genius.||We also did land safaris with Genius. He was a charming person besides being a knowledgeable guide. We saw cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras etc.||The community areas of the lodge are also spectacular including the lounge area, bar, and dining areas. All the furniture is handmade and is exquisite. The bartender, Mr. B made the best mixed drinks! The bar is a great place to go before dinner.||The food was creative and delicious. Thank you to our waiters Dicks and Maatla for the outstanding service you provided us. Thanks also to Chef Malebogo, Antonio ( F & B), and Katie(F & B).||One night Chef Prince made just my husband and I a fabulous candlelight dinner while we sat on bar stools facing their open air kitchen. He is so talented and the food was amazing!||We also went on a Mokoro (like a canoe) through the waters. The poler stands to navigate through the waters and it was so calming and relaxing. At the end they surprised us with a full bar set up with food. That was really special! Xigera does everything “over the top”!||We had fantastic massages at the Spa with Tumie and Buyi. Be sure to do this!||The last night there was a Boma where we dined beneath the stars in candlelight. This elegant outdoor dining area has a fire pit where guests enjoy drinks and then a fabulous buffet style dinner with so many delicious choices. The hot food was cooked on outdoor grills. Afterwards the staff danced and sang and many of the guests joined in on the dancing. It was surely the best Boma we had on our African Adventure and a night to remember.||We met the General Manager, Ben who is engaging and we loved talking to him. Running a lodge that is pure perfection doesn’t just happen without the leadership of Ben.||We loved our stay at Xigera and will have lasting memories of our...

Finally we got to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary, delayed over two years, due to Covid 19. Fortunately we had been introduced to Xigera, ‘ Perfection in Paradise’, we stayed 4 nights at this unbelievable Okavango Delta Safari Lodge, a place like no other. ||||It is four weeks since we left Botswana, the most immense experience of our life. We have travelled extensively and stayed in some beautiful places, but nothing compares to this safari lodge. We can only agree and endorse all the other reviews that so enthusiastically describe this incredible place. Arriving in a light aircraft at the airstrip, reflecting at the diversity of landscape we had just flown over, travelling from the dry arid land and Salt Pans of Nxai Pan and comparing to the Chobe Game Reserve. Nothing could have prepared us for what was to come, the lush green waterways of the Okavango. ||||We are driven in the most comfortable Land Cruiser to a small jetty by Genius, who was to be our guide for the next four days, so knowledgeable and great company. Transferring to a boat for our first waterway experience, arriving at Xigera, with NT ‘our boatman’, later to be our ‘fishing coach’ with Genius, which was a truly memorable day. As we approached Xigera we are immediately overwhelmed by the location of this incredible place. Later we discover how Eco aware everything was and how sustainability was incorporated in design and construction.||||Welcomed personally by Ben the GM and Quest the Lodge Manager, with other key team members, introducing us to everything we were to enjoy, nothing was ever too much trouble.||We did not know where to look first , magnificent art, handcrafted sculptures, unique furniture, all by renowned African artists. The luxurious bar and restaurant are most welcoming, everything around you is so breath taking. Already inspired by eight previous days of enjoying this incredible country and now the opportunity to not only see more wildlife, but experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta, from this incredible place. ||A Health Spa, Pool and Gym and then you are shown to your magnificent suite, so spacious and luxuriously equipped, my wife so overwhelmed with tears in her eyes, what a place to celebrate, now 42 years of life together. ||||On our first game drive we had the opportunity to follow a pride of 14 lions, 9 of which were cubs playing. Then one morning a very unusual experience, seeing them again all cautiously crossing the waterway. Watching young male elephants play fighting in the river, then we followed a leopard, stealthily hunting. ||||At night enjoying the wonderful cuisine, we had hippos strolling past, just below us in the lodge grounds, all so close. The bush brunch experience and indulgent high teas were simply wonderful.||||Then there is the ‘tree house‘, three floors, hot and cold running water for a shower and a flushing toilet! Next floor has a four poster bed or you can sleep under the stars on the top floor, just unbelievable!||||I am sure that there are other luxurious safari lodges, but let me tell you from our experience, everyday my wife and I are still reflecting over the most wonderful holiday of our lifetime, made so memorable by everyone working at Xigera. It was a privilege to meet you all, THANK YOU for your exceptional warm, sincere and...

My recent visit 5-day visit to the magnificent Xigera Lodge in Botswana was without doubt the most incredible, awe-inspiring trip I could ever have imagined or hoped for.|The lodge is the vision of the late Stanley Tollman. His meticulous attention to detail and clear love of Africa shines through in every aspect of the design and construction of this stunning property. This attention to detail theme is also embraced whole heartedly by all of the members of the Xigera Team. Their passion for their property and its magnificence is inspirational and enthusiastically shared with us as guests throughout our stay.|The food options and choices at Xigera are exceptional. Head Chef Reggie, alongside chefs Prince and Patrick, created a constant flow of delicious dishes, that were always served with wonderful smiles, alongside their in-depth knowledge of their ingredients. Other members of the team such as Quest, Maatla, Nio, Topps, Katie, Lollipop and Arone were always on hand to deliver impeccable service, whether that be at 5.00a.m. for the first drive or for last drinks at the bar.|Our twice daily drives were always eagerly awaited and never disappointed. The evening drive was always topped off with a spectacular sunset and delicious sundowners prepared by our wonderful guide Chris.|Chris has an incredible and in-depth knowledge of the bird and animal life of Botswana and his explanations, describing the dynamics of what makes up the Okavango Delta were captivating and fascinating. Each drive was unique, allowing us to get close to leopards, lions, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, etc. The variety of bird life that we saw daily was equally remarkable and allowed me the opportunity to tick off countless birds seen for the first time.|One of our many highlights of the trip was a surprise, meticulously planned al fresco brunch where we were treated to a delicious, cooked brunch at a waterhole, allowing us to observe wallowing Hippos, elephants, crocodiles etc. whilst we ate.| |Xigera Lodge is headed up by their inspirational General Manager, Ben Seager. Ben’s passion for Xigera and Botswana is infectious and he leads from the front. Greeting guests daily when they return from their drives, sharing his intimate knowledge of the game reserve and details of each day’s sightings. Knowing that I am a very keen fisherman and eager to catch my first Tigerfish, Ben very kindly organised an incredible fishing adventure for us on the Okavango River. First flying us on an exciting helicopter journey to the Pan Handle, allowing us to have a privileged and spectacular eagle eye view of the wildlife of the Okavango Delta. We were then guided by an expert ghillie who skilfully managed to manoeuvre our boat amongst “bloats” of Hippos and countless enormous crocodiles. Allowing me to not only catch my first ever Tigerfish but an additional four. Alongside sightings of Osprey’s, Little Bittern, Goliath Heron’s, Malachite Kingfishers etc. This was a day I will treasure and remember for a very long time.| |Suffice to say, our visit to Xigera Lodge has created a wonderful catalogue of incredible memories, permanently etched into our hearts and this has left us wondering how on earth we will ever be able to match, let alone beat this...