Can you tell us about the origin and meaning of the name “Xigera”?

The traditional pronunciation is “Krijera,” which comes from the local Bushman language. Because many people find it difficult to pronounce, we use “Xigera” as the more accessible version, even on our website.

The name comes from the action of the pied kingfisher, not the bird itself. When you see the bird hovering above the water and then spearing down to catch a fish—that entire sequence is what inspired the name. “Ki” means to hover, and “jera” means to spear downward. It’s a poetic reference to that moment when the sun hits the water and the bird dives.

How did this area come to be known as Xigera, and what is its historical significance?

The area was traditionally called Paradise Island by the Bushmen due to the abundant birdlife and water. The name “Xigera” became associated with it because of the pied kingfishers that were once abundant here. The original site of the island was about five kilometers from where we are now. When the Moremi Game Reserve expanded in the late 1990s, this location became the new concession site and retained the name.

Historically, this was a hunting area from the 1800s through the mid-20th century. The large fan palm trees you see—though not native to Botswana—came from Angola, carried here by floodwaters. During the period when elephant populations were decimated by hunting, these trees had time to grow undisturbed. Today, with Botswana home to more than 140,000 elephants—two-thirds of the global population—they shape the landscape differently, consuming vegetation and toppling trees before new growth can establish itself.

How has Xigera evolved from its earlier days to what it is today?

In the 1970s and ’80s, Xigera was a basic camp where mokoro excursions were the main draw. In 1996, Hennie Rawlinson, who held the concession, partnered with Wilderness Safaris and established Xigera Camp as a simple water camp with a few small rooms.

Everything changed in 2017, when our current owners—formerly the largest private stakeholders in Wilderness—sold their shares and took this camp to reimagine it. They turned it into a legacy project, designed to redefine luxury safari experiences. Xigera today is one of the most iconic lodges in the Okavango Delta, offering year-round access, exceptional service, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

What changes did you see in the lodge structure and the surrounding ecosystem?

There’s been a complete transformation, both in the lodge itself and the surrounding environment. The old camp was simple—canvas-wrapped wooden poles, communal dining, and primarily water-based activities, as most of the terrain was flooded.

However, due to climate shifts and tectonic movement in Angola, we’ve seen a drop in water levels since 2017. Fires caused by decaying peat and underground methane gas transformed the landscape. Once-dense papyrus and reed beds burned away, revealing floodplains that welcomed grazers like buffalo and red lechwe. With new prey came lions and other predators. This shift turned Xigera from a water camp into a full big-game safari destination.

Meanwhile, the lodge was rebuilt to the highest standards of luxury. We now feature curated dining, a remarkable wine selection, air-conditioned suites powered by solar energy, and art and design elements that showcase African creativity and craftsmanship.

Why did the owners choose to go so high-end with Xigera?

They felt something was missing in the luxury safari space. After decades of travel across Africa, they envisioned a camp that delivered on every level: design, comfort, sustainability, and service. They also wanted to create a year-round destination, not one limited to the traditional safari season.

Their vision wasn’t only for guests—it extended to staff as well. Our team lives in individual suites in the staff village, with no shared ablution blocks. It’s about dignity, well-being, and building a community. Through our citizen trust, staff also own 16% of the business. When Xigera thrives, they do too.

What sustainability practices have been implemented at Xigera?

Sustainability is central to our operations. The lodge was built without cement—using sandbags and steel framing. Wood was sourced from fallen trees, and all materials were chosen for energy efficiency. For example, PVC glass helps insulate against heat.

Our greywater system treats and recycles all water used in the lodge, and we compost food waste using a specialized machine. That compost supports a two-hectare women-run community garden in Harbour Village, where surplus produce is sold back to us at above-market prices.

We also distribute solar-powered backpacks and lights to schoolchildren and run conservation education programs in collaboration with Coaching for Conservation. We support the Polycong Elderly Centre in Maun, where our staff volunteer weekly. Most of our food is sourced from local farmers—some of whom we helped establish, such as egg and hydroponic vegetable producers.

How has your tourism performance evolved, and who are your main guests?

Our primary market is the United States, which makes up around 50% of guests, followed by the UK and Europe at 20%, SADC countries at 10%, and then a mix of guests from Asia, South America, and Russia.

We’ve seen steady growth since reopening as a luxury lodge. We began with 15% occupancy in our first year, then reached 20%, then 32%, and last year 43%. This year we expect to hit close to 50%. For a luxury camp in Botswana—which is highly seasonal—that’s strong. Most high-end camps here aim for 55–60% annual occupancy.

The trend now is last-minute bookings. Guests are waiting to commit, often due to global uncertainties. That’s changed how we plan and market the lodge.

How does Xigera compare to other luxury safari camps in the region?

Xigera competes with the top-tier lodges in the Okavango Delta, like Mombo or camps run by Great Plains and andBeyond. While some may have higher game density, Xigera has become the gold standard for luxury. Our service, design, and sustainability practices set us apart.

Botswana’s model—low volume, high cost—offers an intimate safari. Our concession often has just a few vehicles at a sighting. That’s unheard of in many parts of Africa. Here, guests can hear the animals, absorb the silence, and connect with nature in a way that feels deeply personal.

What are the biggest challenges you face in the high-end safari sector?

Logistics and remoteness are major challenges. There are no direct international flights into Botswana, so guests must connect via South Africa or elsewhere. Charter flights into the Delta are expensive—about $500 per person round-trip. Limited service providers mean prices are high, and fuel costs can vary wildly.

Marketing is another hurdle. Our guests are ultra-high-net-worth individuals who don’t rely on social media or travel websites. They use private travel consultants or high-end agents. But many of those agents now work from home, making traditional outreach difficult. Word of mouth and strong relationships are critical.

What makes the Okavango Delta and Botswana unique as a destination?

The Okavango is a rare inland delta. It flows from Angola into Botswana, nourishing the land and sustaining life—human and animal alike—without ever reaching the sea. It’s ecologically and spiritually vital to the region.

The Delta supports over 500 bird species, countless mammals, amphibians, and plant life. Botswana’s conservation model—preserving 40% of the country’s land—has protected this environment from overdevelopment. That means the animals are healthy, the landscape is pristine, and guests can see nature as it was a hundred years ago.

Botswana is also incredibly safe and peaceful. Visitors experience true hospitality, authenticity, and harmony with the environment.

Finally, what would you like to say to readers around the world about Xigera and Botswana?

Botswana is a sanctuary—for wildlife and for the human spirit. The Okavango Delta is a living, breathing wonder. Xigera offers a rare combination: a deeply immersive safari and world-class luxury.

We invite you to come, not just as a guest, but as a member of the Xigera family. This is a place to disconnect, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with people, with yourself. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why so many of our guests return year after year. It’s more than a journey. It’s a feeling. And it stays with you.