ONLY IN AFRICA –SOMETHING YOU HAVE NEVER DONE BEFORE

2 Nights at Xigera Safari Lodge in a luxury tent on a full board basis. Opening 1 June 2020.

Xigera Safari Lodge is located in the Moremi Game Reserve with private access to a 4500-hectare wetland paradise in the heart of the Delta. Xigera is yours to discover in the unknown wilds of Botswana, one of Africa’s most stable and peaceful countries. For the spectacular birds, the herd- instinct mammals, the wild scavengers and the majestic giants of the Okavango Delta, though, this is home. It’s our privilege to share them in the wild beauty of an entirely natural habitat.

At Xigera, you’re at the heart of one of the most incredible eco-systems in Africa. It’s a wetlands paradise where the ebb and flow of the seasons paints an ever-changing vista to frame your wildlife experiences. Each of Xigera’s safari experiences provides a strikingly different expedition into a landscape teeming with creatures, plant life and natural land formations.

But the real appeal of Xigera is so much subtler than that. It’s truly wild life, where what happens below the water line and up in the air is a breath-taking tussle for survival. Observe the spectacular bird-life teeming around this region of Botswana, and explore the surrounding Okavango Delta wonderland, from the crocodiles who glide stealthily among the lilies to the agile monkeys in their own palm tree playground.

The impressive big animals that are the flag-carriers for African wildlife are led by the elephant. Over
a third of the continent’s elephant population roams through northern Botswana each year from a headcount of about 130,000. Elephants are drawn to the many inland shorelines where they can keep cool while chomping away relentlessly on their favorite natural snacks.

Lions, cheetah and leopards are local residents too; and if there is anywhere in Botswana that they can catch the prey they crave – then it’s here. That’s because the Delta is teeming with lechwe, zebra, kudu, giraffes, wildebeest and warthogs, all feeding off its life-giving properties. These are a small proportion of the 150-plus mammals found here. Wild dogs and hyena live sustainably in large packs; steely jackals patrol constantly; and giraffe and zebra thrive in the grasslands. Meanwhile, hippopotamus have their natural home in the lagoons.

Xigera boasts just 12 suites, and each one is an exquisite re-imagining of the safari experience, showcasing the finest Southern African artisans and creating a design that is utterly in tune with its surroundings. Quietly surprising touches are everywhere, from the lily-inspired spa to the chance of a life-changing sleep-out beneath the velvet night sky.

The Selinda Reserve is a 320,00-acre private concession in northern Botswana at the crossroads of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas; upstream from Savute Channel and Chobe National Park and north of the expanding reaches of the greater Okavango Delta.

This unique position gives it the advantages of both of these famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity. It is a truly spectacular and varied landscape that boasts staggering wildlife populations in diverse habitats year-round. Home to some of the classic species, such as leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, Red lechwe, zebra and giraffe, it is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, cheetah, roan and sable antelopes.

Selinda Explorer Camp sits in prime predator habitat, in a location, which we handpicked based on exploring this area for years. Lion, leopard and cheetah and the recently discovered Explorers Pack of African wild dog hunt these parts regularly. Giraffe, buffalo, roan and sable are possible sightings. At the peak of the dry season in late September, the Selinda Reserve has been documented to hold up to 9,000 elephants. There is phenomenal bird life along the Spillway’s banks for those looking for some ‘lifers.

2 Nights at Selinda Explorers Camp in a luxury tent on a full board basis. Selinda Explorers Camp is a classic camp that transports guests back to the time of authentic safaris, but with a modern twist and hospitality. The camp’s focal point is the Bedouin-style main area consisting of a lounge and separate dining room. The four guest tents provide comfort and style but with a magnificently raw spirit. Subtly placed under the shade of the riverine forest, the camp is designed in the style of the early explorers both in philosophy and practice. This authentic tented camp draws on traditions of the classic East African safari with beautifully detailed campaign style furniture made from recycled hard woods, and soft furnishings from Zanzibar and the East. The custom- designed tents consist of two rooms plus veranda, as well as a private open air ‘bustani bathroom’ with hot water showers and flush loo. All tents are at ground level, including the main lounge and dining area. This is an unassuming camp, light on its footprint but heavy on its experiential luxury.

The atmosphere of the lodge is one of bush elegance with relaxed bohemian style, complemented by attentive staff, private professional service and fabulous food. With a maximum of only 8 guests Selinda Explorers Camp focuses primarily on the traditional safaris of walking and canoeing when the Selinda Spillway is flooding. All guides are firearm trained and will be armed on walks and canoes.

Game drives are offered, both day and night, but are a supplement to other activities as opposed to the emphasis. If the cool shade of the canvas and trees simply isn’t enough to quell the midday heat, then grab the guide and go for a swim in the refreshing waters of the Spillway.

Lying in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments. Unique as the largest of the world’s few inland deltas, the placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife species. The renowned Duba Explorers Camp sits in the heart of classic Okavango Delta habitat. A matrix of palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland, the 77,000-hectare private concession typifies the region’s unique landscape. Many consider Duba Plains to be the Okavango’s Maasai Mara because of the sheer volume of wildlife.

Duba Plains prides itself on its extraordinary wildlife experiences with reliable sightings of lion, buffalo, red lechwe, blue wildebeest, greater kudu and tsessebe. Elephant and hippo trudge through the swamps and leopard, and some nocturnal species, can be sighted as well. Birds abound, and the area is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Okavango ‘specials’ include the rare wattled crane, Pel’s Fishing owl, white- backed night heron and marsh owl. Eccentric Africa is offering guests the ultimate opportunity for private wildlife sightings.

DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP; 2 Nights at Duba Explorers Camp in a luxury tent on a full board basis.

The intimate camp consists of six expedition-style tents of light airy canvas on slightly raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain. Each tent has a small desk and private veranda plus en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor shower. Fans and careful open-air design maintain comfortable climate for rest and relaxation.

The main area is under sweeping marquee canvas, on raised decking and consists of an open-concept dining and lounge area which opens to the outdoors on all sides. In the evenings, the fire pit is always a popular spot to enjoy an Amarula and recount the day’s events.

Duba Explorer’s Toyota Land Cruisers are aptly named ‘Swamp Vehicles’ due to their extra-high suspension and absolutely huge tyres uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains. Duba Explorers Camp is a combination activity-based camp, allowing guests to explore the Okavango Delta’s permanent channels by boat when water levels allow, as well as open game drive vehicle safaris. This is truly an invigorating, yet peaceful experience, allowing for wildlife and birding viewing from the boat. Guided game walks with licensed, armed guides are available, and these can be combined with boat cruise or game drive.

2nights at Ellerman House in a Deluxe Spa Room, on a bed and breakfast basis. Ellerman House Private Chauffeur will meet you at Cape Town International Airport. An easy transfer to the Hotel will allow you time to absorb the beauty of the City that is sheltered by the majestic Table Mountain. Once checked in you can enjoy a light lunch on the Terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Ellerman House is Cape Town’s most luxurious grand hotel. Situated in the prestigious Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay (only 10min from the bustling city center), this Cape Edwardian mansion demands your attention with its terraced lawns, outstanding art collection, unparalleled service and unique experiences. For over a quarter century, Ellerman House has been at the forefront hospitality innovation while embracing the classic elegance of the regal building. Prepare to be immersed in the rich South African culture while enjoying a leading South African art collection, tasting local flavors, enjoying the sounds of local musicians in one of countries most exclusive addresses.

With only 11 rooms, 2 suites and 2 three-bedroom villas, the property boasts two lounges, library, dining room, three dining terraces, spa, fitness center, heated swimming pool, brandy lounge, Wine Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery and champagne cellar – all exclusive to its guests.

THE RATES INCLUDE

XIGERA SAFARI LODGE: Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, Park fees, accommodation taxes, applicable tourism levies and all relevant VAT, all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (with the exception of wines, spirits and champagne on the Premium List), daily laundry service, all activities including game drives, boating, seasonal catch and release fishing, Mekoro excursions, walking, scheduled yoga classes, use of the gym, pool and library, WiFI in the suites and flights from Duba to Xigera and onto Selinda.

SELINDA EXPLORERS CAMP AND DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP: Fully inclusive of accommodation, Great Plains’ conservation levy, scheduled wildlife activities, meals, laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding champagne), return airstrip road transfers, flights between the camps within Botswana in the Great based on the itinerary starting and ending in Maun.

ELLERMAN HOUSE: Private Transfers between Cape Town International Airport and hotel; Breakfast; Drinks; Wine Tasting; Mini Bar; Pantry; Daily Sunset Experience; Snack Packs; Laundry; Shoe Cleaning; Art Tours; Zeitz Mocaa Entry; Internet; Gym & Spa Access; Parking, Security.

RATES EXCLUDE:

AIR TRANSFERS
Scheduled flights between the camps within Botswana and based on the itinerary starting and ending in Maun Airport.
Xigera only opens in June 2020 therefore the validity period.

Inquisitive Africa reserves the right to review published rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuations or increases in costs or taxes, which are beyond our control.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY WITH US: Inquisitive Africa has a variety of authentic experiences in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, Kenya and Dian or Mombasa, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in East and Southern Africa.