Irish country-house charm
Within the magnificent 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle, overlooking magical Lough Corrib.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
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.
Every one of our team members is empowered to make a real difference, offering remarkably considerate service and discrete attention to detail. From freshly-cut flowers in the suites to personalised gifts for special occasions, it is no surprise that guests often remember the names of our staff and ask after them when they return.
Our award-winning hotel has sea and mountain-facing luxurious rooms and exquisite dining experiences, including the Café Grill and the Azure Restaurant, famous for its seafood and fine dining. The Leopard Bar offers the most delicious cocktails and breath-taking sunsets. Discover scenic mountain trails and the healing holistic Spa with a stunning outdoor gazebo.
We are proud to have long-standing relationships with some of Cape Town’s most significant personalities and offer a range of uplifting experiences. Just a few examples: an unforgettable helicopter trip with Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s warder and close friend, who can tell Madiba’s story like no one else; paddling with penguins on an exclusive kayak tour; or foraging for botanicals to craft a bespoke G&T with our mixologist.
Our restaurants are consistently rated amongst Cape Town’s best, from the refined and special retreat of Azure Restaurant, to the laid-back charm of The Café Grill, infamous for Sushi By The Sea. Executive Chef Christo Pretorius uses only the finest, sustainable and organic ingredients, accompanied by hand-crafted wines from sister property Bouchard Finlayson selected by our sommelier Gregory Mutambe.
"Opened in 2002, The Twelve Apostles has undergone a number of incarnations, from a private home, to advertising agency, to hotel. My own journey with Red Carnation began in 2001 in London and culminated in my appointment as General Manager at The Twelve Apostles in 2014.
I am proud to have witnessed the growth and achievements of our team and I’m equally proud of the role the hotel plays in the local community. Our location in the environs of a national park demands diligent sustainability practices. We have impressive water-saving initiatives, a system for the management of waste and energy consumption, and have eliminated single-use plastics from our operations.
For as long as I’ve worked at The 12A, it never ceases to delight me. Our hotel is close enough to Cape Town but far enough away from the ‘madding crowd’ to make your visit seem like a retreat. The V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay beaches, the historic Constantia Wine Route and Hout Bay are all within easy reach.
Our location is exceptional - wedged between mountain and sea – our design is incredible, and our guest experiences are so diverse. Experiences range from exhilarating helicopter flights and mountain walks, to High Tea by the Sea or a treatment in an outdoor mountain spa gazebo. Our views of the Atlantic Ocean are unequalled anywhere else in the city.
We look forward to welcoming you to our little slice of paradise very soon."
- Michael Nel, General Manager