Experience exceptional birding at Xigera
Birding in Botswana
Home to over 600 species of bird, Botswana is an avian enthusiast’s heaven. Its blend of mesmerising wetlands and vast, verdant grasslands calls forth a myriad of birdlife from the corners of Europe to Northern Africa. Nestled within this haven is the Okavango Delta, whose ever-changing landscape beckons more than 450 of the 600 species.
Poised effortlessly on the Delta’s expansive landscape, we are gifted with a tapestry of birdlife here at Xigera which translates into some truly magical guest experiences. Rarities like the admired Pel’s Fishing Owl or smaller birds like Waxbills and Firefinches all reside here in harmony, making this diverse habitat a gift for avian enthusiasts and novices alike.
A bird's paradise
t is the Okavango Delta’s mesmerising, ever-changing landscape that contributes to the magnificent array of birdlife on offer here at Xigera. The fluctuating seasons, which run in a six-month cycle of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’, creates a medley of sumptuous waterways and dusty grasslands: a habitat adept for both water- and land-loving birds.
Thanks to these seasonal shifts (and the rich landscape that they produce), combined with the birds’ migratory patterns, the Moremi Game Reserve is custodian to an array of birdlife all year round.
The birds of the Okavango Delta
Pel's Fishing Owls
The Pel’s Fishing Owl is known to be one of the shiest and most rarely sighted birds. Seeing them requires both patience and luck; however, a visit to Xigera increases your chances.
We have a resident pair of Pel’s fishing Owls here at Xigera: a male, a female, and a chick which move within the camp island and reside mostly opposite Suite 4.
Yellow Billed Kite
The Yellow Billed Kite is a frequent migrant bird in Africa and a sure sighting at Xigera, arriving in August ahead of the first rain and staying until after the last rain in March or April.
They thrive in grasslands and forestland and fly at a low altitude when in search of prey. Hear its piercing call as it glides across the sky before darting into the grasslands to make its catch.
Slaty Egret
The presence of the Slaty Egret in the Okavango Delta is a blessing. Whilst the species has been classified as endangered, the largest population remains here in Botswana.
Their keen preference for shallow floodplains, wetlands, and freshwaters amass with shrubbery makes the Okavango Delta the perfect home during the rainy seasons.
Lilac Breasted Roller
Often found in pairs, the Lilac Breasted Roller is a frequent sighting in the more woodland regions of the Moremi Game Reserve. From high vantage points, they can spot insects, lizards, snails, and other creatures to feast on.
The breeding season, often between December and March, offers some exceptional sightings of the Lilac Breasted Roller as males dance across the skies in swoops and dives, boasting a dazzling display of vivacious colour.
Pied Kingfisher
The dainty yet striking Pied Kingfisher can often be found meandering over the waterways and rivers of the Delta, before swooping down for fish that dance just below the water’s surface.
They are widely spotted across Africa, usually found in pairs or small groups. Charming and agile, they are a favourite among many guests, particularly thanks to their endearing head bob whilst perched.
Pygmy Goose
With a wingspan of up to 165 millimetres, the African Pygmy Goose is the smallest of all wildfowl. Their striking colours make them truly beautiful, particularly when reflecting off the Delta’s iridescent waters.
Favouring tranquil wetlands, the Pygmy Goose is often found residing across the Okavango Delta during the rainy seasons, flaunting a spectacle of black, white, green, and amber.
Jacana
Thanks to their exceptionally long toes, the Jacana is adept at traversing the flooded plains of the Delta, navigating the floating vegetation in search of insects on the water’s surface.
A shimmering display of copper, gold, blue and white, sightings of Jacanas across the wetlands often evoke great excitement.
Little Bee Eater
Blending in amidst the lush grassland thanks to its vibrant green colouring, the Little Bee Eater is the smallest of the African Bee Eater species. They are often spotted across Botswana, breeding near water and nesting in sandy banks.
In harmony with their delicate stature, ranging from 15 to 17cm in length, their call mimics a soft ‘seep’, audible as they communicate and hunt from low perches.
Lesser Gallinule
Boasting shimmers of navy blue and green, the Lesser Gallinule is a small waterbird often found in marshes and lakes. Its fondness for wetlands makes it a common bird sighting in Botswana.
Alongside a glimpse of the subtly majestic bird, their tendency to breed in shallow waterways results in floating nests burrowed between reeds and vegetation that are equally as magical to see.
Glide along the flooded channels
Mokoro tours
Used for generations to seamlessly navigate the Delta’s flooded plains, mokoro tours are an exceptional way to meander the waterways. For bird lovers, however, they provide the perfect safari tour.
Gentle, silent movements enable you to get close to the water birds that reside on the tranquil pools across the Moremi Game Reserve, including the Pel’s Fishing Owl or the Greater Painted Snipe.
A glimpse of our birdlife
Vintage wines in the wilderness
Alongside our inspired menus, guests can indulge in an impressive selection of wine from our award-winning wine list, with fine wines from across the globe, and a range of cultivars and vintages from Bouchard Finlayson.