Xigera Lodge

OVERVIEW

Named after the pied kingfisher who makes its home in these watery channels, Xigera Safari Lodge is surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands. Nestled discreetly into the landscape, decked in scorched timber cladding, the nearby wildlife continues on; elephants plod past happily and giraffes dine out on nearby acacias.

Interiors are beautifully and tastefully designed, blending exceptional one-off works of pan-African art, with natural wood furnishings. Curl up in deep buttery soft chairs with a good book, or simply gaze at the sweeping panorama of the African bush. The food and wines are exquisite and the Xigera team take great care in presentation, every dish an art form in itself.

The 12 luxurious suites are individually decorated and themed around local tree species. The Baobab Treehouse is particularly impressive, set within a 33 ft high sculpture. Ensuite bathrooms have indoor and outdoor showers, and all rooms have decks with wonderful views out over the lagoon.

Safari in open-back vehicles, on foot and by motorboat or mokoros (traditional canoes), to spot the rare sitatunga antelope and the Pel’s fishing owl who call this area home. Other mammal sightings include red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, buffalo, reedbuck and tsessebe, along with the predators: lion, spotted hyaena and leopard.