Reviews of Xigera Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
36 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Xigera Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Mokoro rides at Xigera"
Must be an excellent location when the waters are high, the wildlife was excellent and we saw the elusive Pell’s fishing owl. I would consider returning to see the lodge in it’s watery version." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana
"Xigera Review"
Tents very comfortable and we enjoyed our walkway to it . Food delicious and again the chefs took pride in their work. Tables all looked so attractive in the evenings with lots of effort put in the the napkin designs which we all loved
Our guide Onks was delightful , patient , knowledge and good fun . We loved our mokoro trips with him and Brendan the poler. We were very lucky with a leopard sighting and also many birds . We knew it was not an area for lots of big mammals.
Re water levels , although we were there in the rainy season the big rains that fall in Angola and take many months to reach the further reaches of the delta had not arrived so water levels were still low . ie the huge lagoon I front of our tent was totally dry .
There was enough for the mokoros but not the boats. We therefore had the majority of the game viewing in the jeeps .
Because Xigera is advertised as a water camp we probably expected more water based activities. Having said that I know water levels /climate can be unpredictable. We chatted lots to the guides about the best times to come for a truly water experience and it's June July time .
Having made the mistake / misunderstanding 2 yrs ago when we stayed at Sandibe and there was no water for mokoros at all then and we were a bit disappointed we had hoped to get it right this time . I think it would be really helpful in your literature if you explained clearly the different seasons and what you can expect in each one . My mistake this time was assuming that the rainy season would mean masses of water, but actually it all fills up later on.
No problem really , we will just have to return later in the season for the really water experience!!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"Xigera review"
Thought Kanana was excellent but this was even better. First class management and all staff. Great fun with excellent guides. Great food and wine. Sundowner experience in the bush was superb!" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Xigera Visit 3"
Rather like the new Tubu, the management presence was rather confusing with a general manager and a number of deputies who seemed to carry out shifts of front of house duties. However, the camp runs reasonably well despite the odd failure to replace a missing wash basin plug or to carry out requests to light anti mosquito coils at turn down.
Our guide Dips was delightful and clearly a mover and shaker in the camp entertainment programme. A highlight was the discovery of an adult Pels Fishing owl plus juvenile in camp and photographable. A 12 year mission fulfilled! In contrast to the Tubu private group we coincided with a party of 6 Australian guests with their private birding guide. They were charming, joined in and made no negative impact whatsoever.
Interestingly, the general manager Johann told us that he was asking Wilderness to reduce the number of rooms at the camp as he feels the current 10 is 2 too many! We had a wonderful time at Xigera which included exuberant Independence Day celebrations. Huge fun and we are sure to return." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Xigera review"
As a birdwatcher I had the opportunity to see two endangered species and many bird species that were totally new to me." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"Chilling out at Xigera"
After two weeks of 'African Massages' driving over rutted sandy tracks the smooth and tranquil boat trips were a blessing and the magnificent scenery a joy to behold. Malachite Kingfishers & African Fish Eagles abound, African & Lesser Jacanas, Long-toed Lapwings, Goliath Herons and not forgetting the majestic Pel's Fishing Owl. Dips, our private guide, kept a watch out for this beautiful bird and on our final morning we were rewarded with a perfect sighting (in camp), out in the open in glorious light by tent 9. Photos galore! Thank you Dips for your patience, your company and your expertise in giving us wonderful photo/viewing opportunities of all the birds above ( plus many more), chilling out with hippos and stunning sunsets as a backdrop to our nightly sundowners. Alas, the elusive sitatunga eluded us ........... yet another reason to return!
We did experience a short mekoro ride poled by perfectly balanced Solly but unfortunately the low down seating arrangement put too much strain on my husband's back after his recent injury. We did however, get close and personal with an exquisite painted reed frog so we were not disappointed.
Our room (no.8) was about a 4 to 5 minute walk along the raised boardwalk, close enough to numbers 9 & 10 to check out the Pel's Fishing Owl 's favourite perch, and far enough away from the main camp to make an interesting walk watching out for the resident elephants - a welcome road block. The camp was very well laid out and we particularly liked the 'star deck'.
The management and staff at Xigera were a credit to Wilderness Safaris - always helpful, efficient and friendly - with special mentions to Claudine, Rose and Kenny. Cheers Kenny for making the best margaritas in the whole of Botswana! Food was delicious with the most choice of all the camps we visited, the traditional night in the boma a lot of fun and our romantic meal by the pool a wonderful surprise.
A fitting end to a fantastic holiday and yet again a camp/company we would highly recommend and would return to at a moment's notice." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"a great end to our holiday at Xigera"
Our guide, Lesh, was the epitome of patience and friendliness, always willing to answer questions and ensure our experience was the best it could be.
We left Xigeria refreshed and already anticipating our return to this beautiful country and its generous, friendly people." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Xigera review"
The menu was varied, we got two choices of main course at dinner e.g. steak and fish and the cook could also produce excellent pastries and cakes. Breakfast at 0530 had fruit, cereal, bread, marmalade and muffins.
The Guide "Goms" was excellent" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Elephants in camp at Xigera"
Impressive use of solar panels.
Our guide, Onx, went out of his way to find us not one, but two, Pel's fishing owls. Wildlife was good - saw leopards again.
There seemed to be a lot of "managers" - all friendly and helpful.
Unfortunately we were not able to book a private vehicle here - this restricted our activities. A lot of the drives were very bumpy and the drive to the boat ride was horrible, with a long part of it through close trees; it turned out there was a much quicker and easier route." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Xigera in the heart of the Okavango"
A highlight was the high speed boat down the canals to the lagoon where we swam and drank our sun-downers in the warm, and fast flowing cristal clear water. We saw pink backed pelicans and the rare African skimmer. Fantastic sunsets.
The food was not as good as we had experienced in other camps in Botswana." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 9n in Botswana
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
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Chief's Camp
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Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
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Monachira
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Khwai River Lodge is a luxurious and well-equipped safari camp, on the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve. This area isn't exclusive, but it is beautiful and has excellent game.
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Tawana
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