Location
Xigera Camp (pronounced Keejera) is within the Moremi Game Reserve and lies on a riverine island. This Okavango Delta paradise is in a permanent wetland and offers 10 luxury tents and an array of different activities both on land and water. Rooms are raised off the ground on wooden decks and offer sublime views over the floodplain and lagoon. All of the rooms have en-suite facilities as well as an outdoor shower. Due to the location, guests can expect a tropical jungle feel and will have excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in the renowned Moremi Game Reserve.
The dining and pub areas are under thatched roofs and allow you to gaze out over the river flowing past the front of Xigera. Activities at this Botswana camp depend on the water levels. Mokoro rides through the tranquil waterways, motorboat trips and short walking safaris are all on the menu. Drier seasons allow guests to go on memorable game drives and many guests are treated to magnificent views of the elusive Sitatunga antelope. Game drives are mostly enjoyed in the summer months (again, depending on the flood level). Birders will be blown away at this Okavango camp, with chances to see the elusive Pels Fishing Owl as well as Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane among many others. Xigera has exclusive rights to this area, which ensure that guests will enjoy a private and exclusive stay.
Another unique feature at this safari camp is the footbridge which lies to the front of Xigera. This natural bridge over the water is the only way predators can cross without having to swim. A pit has been dug out and filled with soft sand. This is called the camp newspaper, and each morning guests can find out which animals have passed through the camp that night by reading their prints. The sand is raked smooth every evening. Animals such as Lion, Hyena and Leopard pass through camp almost every night!
The Safaris
Guests at this safari camp could spot Lechwe, Sitatunga, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, Tsessebe, Warthog, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Leopard, Elephant, Impala, Kudu, Bushbuck and Crocodile among others.
General
The Owners
Hennie and Angela Rawlinson have incredible knowledge of the Okavango Delta and this location in particular. Hennie built the original Xigera Camp in 1986 and prior to that he was one of the best camping safari guides in the area. When the lease at Xigera came up for tender in 1998, they believe that their passion for this location showed in their writing and allowed them to win it. Since then they have created one of the most wonderful camps in Botswana.
Water & Electricity
The camp is equipped with a 220v generator to give electricity the main areas when guests are away. Upon their return from daily activities, the generators are generally turned off to maintain a peaceful environment. 220v invertor power is available 24 hours a day for lighting and fans in guest tents, while video and camera batteries can also be charged any time of the day. Water at this camp is electrically heated.
Flying times
To/from Maun: 30 minutes
To/from Kasane: 1hour 20 minutes
Kasane to Victoria Falls: 20 minutes (allow additional time for customs and immigration). Xigera airstrip is licensed for aircrafts up to a maximum weight of 5 700kg (maximum all up weight), so King Airs can land here. Air strip co-ordinates: S19.23.16, E22.44.51. The airstrip is a 10 minute drive from Xigera Camp.