18 Jun 2017

During winter safari business is the busiest since it is the peak season in Botswana and the top tourist destinations usually attract a lot more visitors than during the summer months.

Xigera safari camp is not an exception as it continues to enjoy a lot of visitors coming from as far as Europe, United States of America, Asia and Africa on daily basis.

The camp, situated deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, surrounded by crystal-clear channels of water and lush vegetation, Xigera is one of the best places that gives the visitor the glimpse of the beauty of Okavango.

In an interview, the camp manager, Mr Quest Maundo explained that most tourists like to come between March and September because the water level is high in the river, noting that the visit to their camp offers visitors the water experience that many would expect in the delta.

For much of the year this magnificent area epitomises the permanently flooded section of the Okavango Delta, with palm-filled islands, riverine forests, a multitude of clear water channels and expansive floodplains.

The facility is independently owned and run by professionals and aimed at offering great value for money and a unique classical safari experience. Xigera camp, operated by Wilderness Safari, lies on the aptly named Paradise Island, within a remote area of the productive Moremi Game Reserve and on the western side of Jao/Boro channel, where other channels connect.

Giving a brief history of the facility, Mr Maundo explained that the facility is one of the oldest in the delta as it opened doors around 1985.

He said during the peak season, the facility becomes much busy as tourists come in large numbers to see the beauty of the delta.

He said the camp is commonly known as ‘pure water camp’ because they pride themselves in that all activities are centred around the water.

It is built in the classic style with luxury safari tents, en-suit bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the outdoor showers.

The luxury tents are decked with board walks connecting them to the main area.
 

The camp has 10 uxury ensuite tents situated along the river bank and from the tents verandas, one can watch the daily parade of animals coming down to drink while some such as hippos graze.

Visitors could also be thrilled about the facility’s look and feel, with the tents boasting spacious rooms and large windows that bring the feel of the outdoors within so that guests can enjoy the beauty of the bush while also relaxing in their suites.

The intimate nature of the camp remains the perfect choice for exclusive family safaris.

Mr Maundo further explained that the reason the facility is always busy is the customer service provided, which he said exceeded the clientele expectations ‘whether one is in a business trip or pleasure the staff will meet their needs.

We are glad that our visitors always return bringing more new faces’.

Meals and evening drinks are enjoyed in the lounge, bar and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel or under the stars in a traditional African boma.

For those hot days there is a small plunge pool in which to cool off.

The facility also has a curio shop which offers a variety of soveigners ranging from clothing, pillow gifts, crafts, baskets made by staff.

Activities offered at the facility include game drives, traditional mokoro excursion, walks within the facility and boat cruise.

The manager noted that there is a time during the season of the year where game driving becomes impossible because of rising waters. Mr Maundo explained that the camp also prides itself in professional guides who always offer visitors a unique opportunity to bond with animals such as elephants, impalas, leopards, lions, hippos and kudus up close and personal.

He pointed out that the wetland paradise is a delight for birdwatchers and lovers of tranquil beauty, adding that it is the best place in the delta to see the elusive sitatunga antelope.

The guides, he said were trained and fully understood animals’ behaviours and they always share the information with guests, adding that safety for customers is a priority. Regarding the prices, he observed that prices were affordable, but fluctuate, depending on the season. He is hopeful that the camp would continue to attract more tourists as it seemed the listing of the delta had attracted a lot of attention all over the world. BOPA