A Look at Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana’s New Solar-Powered and Art-Filled Hotel
The best hotels are often a labour of love. Case in point: Xigera Safari Lodge, which opens in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in December. Conceived by the Tollman family—the renowned South African hoteliers behind Red Carnation Hotels—Xigera (pronounced “Kee-jera”) is a departure from the classic pared-back safari lodge as the family has invested in art and artisanal touches throughout.
Located within the Moremi Game Reserve, the intimate property, sitting on two islands, features 12 individually designed suites and one two-bedroom family suite; the suites are structured so they gently float above water and allow wildlife to cross underneath. Designed by architect Anton de Kock, the lodge is 100 per cent solar powered and was created without the use of any concrete.
(Related: All You Need To Know About Eco-Conscious Travel In Africa)
What also sets Xigera apart is its robust art programme. It features pieces commissioned exclusively for the property from 76 of Africa’s leading artists and designers, including Adam Birch, Madoda Fani, Porky Hefer, Otto du Plessis and Stanislaw Trzebinski.
“Xigera Safari Lodge is our love letter to the magic of the African bush. We have handcrafted every aspect to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls—from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters such as the Baobab Tree House, where guests can sleep underneath the stars,” says Toni Tollman, director of design and projects.
Discover more at xigera.com
(Related: What Is Regenerative Travel And Why It's The Way Forward In 2021)