Wilderness Safaris recently announced a major rebuild and reinvention of its original Okavango Delta camp, Xigera, in Botswana,.
A brand-new Xigera Safari Lodge will open in 2019 at its prime location in the Moremi Game Reserve.
The camp has been part of the Wilderness Safaris’ stable since 1985, and remains a significant part of the company’s history and development.
The lodge will be upgraded to a Wilderness Safaris Premier Camp, and built, operated and managed by the luxury boutique hotel group, Red Carnation Hotels. It will continue to be sold as part of the Wilderness Safaris portfolio.
“Having just totally revamped and recently opened our iconic Mombo Camp, the time is now ideal to see Xigera given a new lease on life,” said Wilderness CEO, Keith Vincent. “This is a camp close to all our hearts, and we are excited to have joined forces with Red Carnation Hotels and proud to unveil its new incarnation and to see it continue its legacy as one of the original Okavango Delta camps.”
The design development and planning permissions have already commenced with the relevant environmental departments and authorities in Botswana.
To be able to open on time, Xigera will close for decommissioning and reconstruction from August 31. It is anticipated that the building of the camp will start in September this year, subject to all necessary conditions being met, including Competition Authority approval.
Vincent continued: “While we recognise and regret the inconvenience this may represent to guests already booked to travel to Xigera this season, this is not a decision that has been taken lightly. As far as is possible, all such guests will be accommodated elsewhere in Wilderness Safaris Classic Camps in the Okavango Delta such as Jacana, Seba or Little Vumbura, offering similar experiences.”
In other cases, Premier or Adventure camps will be substituted. All additional costs of accommodation and/or transfers will be borne by Wilderness Safaris. In all cases, agents holding affected bookings will be contacted by their Journey Specialist, in order to make alternative arrangements.
“We will share further details with the market in due course but hope that you are as excited as we are about the rejuvenation of this exceptional Delta camp. As a company proudly born and bred in Botswana 35 years ago, we are proud to continue investing in sustainable and authentic ecotourism and remain committed to building further sustainable conservation economies in the region,” concluded Vincent.
