Xigera Safari Lodge
Okavango Delta, Botswana
A luxury safari lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta
The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of renewal. Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa’s wild spaces. The same spirit that inspired this remarkable reimagining, perhaps a complete reinvention, of an Okavango Delta safari. This is Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’), named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. But Xigera is equally a line in the sand. A raising of the bar. A bold statement in the realm of luxury safaris in Botswana, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.
Tasting tours between heaven & earth
Wine tastings
Seated in the tasting room, barrel maturation cellar or out on the terrace, visitors are able to taste and discover a choice of eight wines in the Bouchard Finlayson portfolio, including the iconic Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir.
Three wines at R40 per person or six wines at R80 per person.
Tasting room opening hours:
Mondays - Fridays: 09:00 - 16:30
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 - 16:00
Closed on the 25 December 2021
Cellar tours
Arriving at the tasting room you will be welcomed with a glass of our Blanc de Mer, a perfect aperitif to begin the tour and tasting experience. One of our knowledgeable tasting room team members will guide you through the cellar and share the stories of our wines, the buildings and history of the estate. You will taste three wines, including two as yet unreleased wines and one older vintage available from the tasting room during the tour. We encourage you to relax and spend time appreciating the breath-taking view overlooking the valley.
The cellar tour experience is available at 11:00 and 15:00 daily at R150 per person. Bookings are essential.
Exclusive Vintage tasting
This varietal-specific tasting showcases four distinct vintages of the award-winning Galpin Peak Pinot Noir. Each vintage is paired with a curated tasting portion carefully selected to complement the wine. Ideal for small groups, The tastings are priced at R400 per person, with a minimum charge of R4000.
A maximum of 15 guests can be accommodated per tasting, and prior reservation is essential.
Delicious grazing platters
Enhance your wine-tasting experience at Bouchard Finlayson by ordering one of our delicious tasting room grazing platters. Served on oak boards our generous platters of cheese and charcuterie are focused on celebrating regional producers and suppliers. This includes fresh breads from a local bakery, delicious cheeses, locally cured charcuterie, seasonal preserves, and olive oil from the olive orchards on the Bouchard Finlayson estate.
Platters can be enjoyed in the cosy tasting room, barrel maturation cellar, or out on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Cheese Platters are available at R240 and Cheese & Charcuterie at R340.
Fynbos hikes
Bouchard Finlayson is an active custodian of the 100 hectares of indigenous fynbos surrounding our vineyards and cellar, with ongoing efforts to eradicate alien vegetation and preserve this pristine corner of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
Visitors to the farm are invited to discover these beautiful fynbos-clad hills, with three well-marked walking trails traversing the estate. These range from 30 minutes to 2½-hours, at a leisurely pace. There is no charge for self-guided walks, and visitors may collect detailed maps and directions from the cellar door. We welcome dogs on leashes to accompany you on the trail.
Within Hermanus
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is one of the jewels of the Walker Bay area. The valley itself is graced with numerous well-known restaurants and eateries, and borders on the quaint seaside town of Hermanus, world-renowned as the best land-based whale-watching destination.
Hermanus offers numerous other activities and popular attractions such as tours and tastings on a working abalone farm - Heart of Abalone; shark-cage diving; mountain recreation; watersports; browsing art, antiques, shops or markets; cliffpaths and white sandy beaches.
