Rebecca recently spoke with Vicki and Toni Tollman of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection about what the family considers its ode to the African bush: Xigera Safari Lodge. Get an inside peek at the magic of Xigera, a place where guests not only have incredible access to untouched wilderness and unfettered wildlife but also African artistry and exquisite dining. We hope you enjoy.

I’ve read that Xigera is the Tollman family’s love letter to the magic of the African bush. Can you tell me about that?

Our family has a deep, long-standing passion for the African bush. As a child, our parents built, literally themselves, a safari camp in Timbavati called Sohebele. We have always been passionate about the wildlife, the rugged landscapes, and the people. Going on safari with our late father was an unforgettable experience. He desired to unite this love of the bush with his vision for what a safari could be within the architecture, the food, the furniture, the art – a living gallery representing a truly pan-African community, the captivating experiences, and state-of-the-art conservation efforts. It has been a privilege to work on this vision. Our father sadly only saw the property once, but it is a moment we will never forget when he turned to us and said, “It’s perfect.”   

Xigera is located in the Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta (Botswana). What makes that location so special to a safari experience?

Our family left South Africa in the 1970s. Our first trip back was in 1995, and on that trip, we went to the Okavango Delta. It was a life-changing experience. Almost everyone who goes says the same thing when they visit Xigera. If you have ever read the Bridget Dore poem, “’Africa Smiled,” you will begin to understand the depth of feeling you experience when you visit such an incredible place. 

The concession is a haven for wildlife, boasting an impressive array of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and now, uniquely, cheetahs. The diversity doesn’t end there – we’re also home to a myriad of bird species. What truly sets us apart is the ever-changing landscape. As the seasons shift and water levels fluctuate, new and unique opportunities for wildlife viewing emerge, both on land and water. Our camp is strategically designed to ensure our guests can fully immerse themselves in these thrilling encounters. 

One of the most exciting aspects of our stay at the Okavango Delta was the close encounters with wildlife. During the camp’s construction, a leopard gave birth to her cubs, halting the construction for a month. Just a month ago, a lioness gave birth to her cubs within the camp, adding to the excitement. One of my most cherished memories was when I walked into my room and found my husband in the bath, reading. Less than 5 meters away, an elephant was peacefully munching on foliage. The strategic location of the lodge and its seamless integration into nature have made these close encounters a regular part of our guests experiences.

In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Xigera is perfectly positioned as a combination camp, offering two year-round activities and three seasonal ones. Xigera benefits from abundant wildlife and is often called “paradise” by the locals as it is renowned for its surrounding beauty and, in particular, the fan palm trees.

Can you tell me more about your commitment to the cultural heritage? For example, tell me about the art you’ve commissioned, purchased, and displayed throughout the lodge and the artists. 

The lodge has been designed to showcase and celebrate African art, craftsmanship, and design. From arrival to the walkways, the bar, and the rooms, every part of the camp incorporates works from local artists and artisans. We are so proud that Xigera not only has highlighted the cultural richness of Botswana but also supports its local talent, as our guests are able to buy their works.

Is someone available on site to discuss the art and artists with the guests?

Yes, all of our front-of-house team members have been empowered and trained on the artists and can conduct the art tour, which has been created so our guests can do this in their own time via a recorded video or an audio headset.

Describe for me the culinary talents at Xigera and the commitment to developing the team’s education.

The food at Xigera Safari Lodge is integral to the lodge’s safari and sustainability experience. Ziyaad, our chef, and the kitchen team are committed to upskilling local staff members within the team, and we have developed a program to facilitate this. We work with culinary schools, such as BOSWA, mentioned here, to assist in training young chefs and facilitating internships. 

Moreover, we are committed to using locally sourced ingredients. A tangible example of this is the tunnel we’ve created in Maun. This tunnel is a direct contribution to our sustainability efforts, as it supports the locals and significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food into the bush. 

The menu at Xigera features traditional African dishes and flavors, providing our guests with an authentic taste of Botswana’s culinary heritage and allowing our team to showcase some of their favorite “home” traditions.

We have also ensured that the team is aware of and focused on sustainable cooking practices, such as minimizing food waste, composting organic matter, and utilizing energy-efficient kitchen equipment.

Are there opportunities for guests to learn cooking skills/tips from the chef?

Yes, we can facilitate various master classes for adults and children. These classes are bespoke and can cover everything from traditional Botswana foods to some of the dishes synonymous with the Xigera food experience today.

Of course, we know the reason people go on safaris is to see the wildlife! Tell me about the guides and their background and training. I understand guests at the lodge can request a game drive whenever they choose?

Xigera was designed with an “anything at any time” ethos. Early morning and later afternoon hours provide amicable weather temperatures and allow you to see predators such as lions and leopards at their most active. However, there is a diverse wildlife profile to explore so that you can go on game drives at various times. The guides were hand-selected, and many come from local areas, bringing a wealth of knowledge of the Okavango Delta. We have further developed our guides by taking external courses such as photography. All our guides undergo refresher courses in walking safaris, tracking, and specialized knowledge of animals. We have partnered up with the Africa Guide Academy to facilitate this.

Do you support any local non-profits and/or projects? Are guests able to contribute to or participate in them?

We support several local organizations, charities, and projects. Through our Make Travel Matter experiences, guests can travel to some of these organizations’ projects and contribute directly in whichever way they see best.

Click on the Habu Elephant Development Trust image above to watch a short video about Xigera Safari Lodge’s partnership with Wild Entrust Africa. Photo credit – Dan Myburg

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences at Xigera Safari Lodge

For our latest experience, we have partnered with Ecoexist to help communities farm and manage wildlife conflict. See Ecoexist | Fostering coexistence between elephants and people. It is a phenomenal organization that is doing great work.

We support the Polokong Centre for the Elderly, which cares for 300 elders who either can’t or don’t have a family to do so. Our team volunteers every second week and helps with cleaning, cooking, and social activities.

In three words, describe the vibe at Xigera.

Serene, sophisticated, and bewitching.

What time of year is best to visit?

There are two seasons and both offer unique and different experiences. The best time to visit would depend on personal preferences for wildlife viewing, weather, and specific activities. 

The dry season, spanning from May to October, is the prime time to visit Xigera Safari Lodge. This period is characterized by cooler weather, clear skies, and a peak in wildlife activity, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife tends to congregate around water sources. Game drives and bush walks are over, for the most part. 

November to April is the wet season. The days are warmer, there are dramatic African afternoon thunderstorms, and the landscape is lush and green. This is the time of year I love to go out on a mokoro.

All year round, there is something for everyone. I suggest visiting the Delta at least twice, once during the rainy season and once during dry season to really appreciate it. 

Please tell me about your commitment to sustainability.

Xigera was designed and built with sustainability in mind. We wanted to ensure that it operates in harmony with its natural surroundings, preserving the pristine environment of the Okavango Delta for future generations.

The lodge was constructed using natural and sustainable materials and methods that minimize environmental impact.

At Xigera, we’ve harnessed the power of the sun and other renewable energy sources to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable resources. This is a key part of our commitment to sustainable operations. Its state-of-the-art solar plant generates 90% of the power. In comparison to most lodges, Xigera, with this design, saves 175,000 liters of diesel a year, equaling nearly 500 metric tons of carbon.

Xigera has developed comprehensive waste management practices, including recycling, composting, and responsible waste disposal. For example, food waste is turned into compost and given to Habu Village, where they grow vegetables for the community. Xigera buys back the excess at a fair trade price.

At Xigera, we have implemented water conservation measures that directly minimize our impact on the delta’s water resources. These measures include efficient water-use systems and wastewater treatment processes. Our water plant purifies the water through reverse osmosis. The water that is used is funneled back through the wastewater system, which treats it and makes it environmentally friendly. It is then used to irrigate the surrounding areas, further reducing our water footprint.

Any chemicals used are specifically procured to be environmentally friendly. Even the suite amenities are all organic products. Aligned to The Red Carnation Hotels goal, the lodge does not use single-use plastics.

What’s on your travel bucket list for the next five years? 

My travel bucket list is an extension of my passion for Xigera. It is deeply driven by a desire to connect with nature and experience its most awe-inspiring wonders.

At the top of my list is witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle in Norway. I hope to do this in November of this year. The thought of being in the wild and seeing the sky illuminated by such natural beauty fills me with awe.