Botswana will open its borders starting 9 November, with international flights resuming on 1 December – here’s how to visit the gem of South Africa

The President of Botswana has announced the opening of Botswana’s borders from 9 November to 1 December 2020.

The President’s phased approach will see air travel resume at Botswana’s three key airports: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone,Kasane and Maun.

International air travel will then follow, resuming from 1 December at Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport in Francistown, as well as the opening of ground crossings at the commercial border points of Kazungula Road, Kazungula ferry, Ngoma Ramokgwebana, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer and Mohembo.

All arriving travellers will be expected to meet the following requirements:

1. Present a valid 72-hour negative COVID-19 PCR result from time of departure
2. Be screened for covid symptoms upon entry
3. Undertake mandatory testing, possible isolation and quarantine if they are symptomatic
4. Be in contact with local health authorities for 14 days

Returning citizens not meeting the requirements will need to undertake 14 days of mandatory quarantine and testing, while non-citizen travellers will not be permitted entry into Botswana.

Perfectly timed for Botswana’s opening, Xigera Safari Lodge is set to open its doors to guests for the first time in January 2021. Situated on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera will be the culmination of a lifelong dream of the Tollman family, and their love letter to the African bush.

The lodge will feature 12 individually designed suites, including one two-bedroom family suite situated on two islands. Each suite will float delicately above the water, allowing wildlife to pass uninterruptedly beneath, innovatively created without the use of any concrete.

Inspired by a sighting on his first visit to the site, Architect Anton de Kock conceptualised each suite as a Pel’s Fishing Owl in flight– one of Africa’s most sought-after and elusive birds. Along with Anton, the lodge’s design has been conceptualised by Toni Tollman and Philip Fourie, who have collaborated with Southern Guild in an unrivalled design partnership.

Commissioning over 76 leading artists within Africa, every piece guests will look at, touch and interact with has been hand crafted and inspired by the incredible natural surroundings. The lodge will sleep a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring a completely personalised safari, with no set times or itineraries.

Guests will be treated to life-changing experiences, such as glass-bottom mokoro excursions gliding across the Delta’s waterways, enriching game drives and the first Tata Harper spa in Africa. The team cannot wait to welcome guests for the first time when borders open, creating experiences that are, quite simply, extraordinary.

Rates at Xigera Safari Lodge start from $2,320 (approx. £1,847) per adult per night sharing. This includes accommodation on a fully inclusive basis, park fees and all activities.