Dusty Boots Travel

Surrender Your Senses
Our award-winning family-run hotel is nestled between the majestic mountains and the azure Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by a tranquil National Park, yet close to Cape Town’s best beaches. Guests feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine. We offer the ideal escape where harmony and tranquillity gently restore body, mind and soul. We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.

Hydrotherapy Pools:
WARM, COOL & FLOTATION
Incorporating water jets at the optimal temperature for rebalancing your body’s metabolism, use of our warm and cold plunge pools is available to all spa guests inclusive of your treatment. In addition you may also like to try a complimentary session in our unique Salt Water Flotation Pool. Offering a liquid, reduced gravity experience, floating in the salty water eases jetlag and results in maximum relaxation - research has shown that just 20 minutes is equivalent to a full two hours of sleep.

Indoor Treatment Rooms:
7 DUAL AND SINGLE TREATMENT ROOMS
Our extensive spa facilities include seven superbly equipped indoor treatment rooms with rain showers, for dual and single treatments. The rooms have been designed to offer a serene, calming ambiance, with heated treatment beds, fluffy towels, scented candles and relaxing music. They are the perfect retreat for both hotel guests and day spa visitors wishing to enjoy a selection of personalised individual treatments or exclusive Spa Journeys.

Outdoor Mountain Gazebos:
2 GAZEBOS WITH ATLANTIC SEA VIEWS
While the interior of The Spa is exceptional, The Twelve Apostles’ unique position on the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean means that a sunset massage in one of two outdoor gazebos is an absolutely unforgettable experience. It is the perfect place for couples to escape and have a side-by-side massage surrounded by nature, with the Atlantic stretching into the horizon in front of you for as far as the eye can see. Please note that the gazebos cater for massage treatments only.

Rasul Chamber and Rain Shower:
TRADITIONAL ARABIC CLEANSING RITUAL CHAMBER
Our Rasul Chamber offers a traditional Arabic cleansing ritual through the use of gentle steam and mud. This relaxing skin-smoothing self-treatment blends mineral-rich mud, steam and heat to provide an experience that cleanses, releases toxins and rejuvenates. The self-applied mud hardens in dry heat, allowing the skin to draw out impurities from the body. As the mud softens again, its beneficial ingredients and natural minerals are further absorbed by the body. A gentle rain shower signals the end of the programme, leaving you with glowing skin. The ritual is recommended for enjoyment with a partner.

Health Bar Buffet & Menu:
Homemade healthy snacks
Spa guests may take advantage of our complimentary Health Bar buffet during their time at The Spa, with a selection of healthy homemade snacks, fresh fruit juices and still mineral water. For something more substantial we also offer an exclusive Spa Menu at an additional cost, featuring delicious, wholesome meals conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

Tranquility Lounge:
RELAX BETWEEN & AFTER TREATMENTS
To make the most of your time at The Spa, recline and relax on a comfortable lounge chair in our Tranquility Lounge, in-between and after spa treatments. Sip herbal tea, browse a selection of magazines, read a book or simply close your eyes and meditate. It’s the perfect way to complete your spa journey.

Venture into the mountains for the perfect picnic
Hotel guests are able to stroll straight from their rooms onto the mountainside to take in some fresh air and spectacular sea and mountain views. The Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers uninterrupted views and the hotel has created several packages for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Have a delicious picnic on a specially laid out picnic site, toast romance while the sun sets into the Atlantic Ocean or simply let the kids run wild in the open space. And while you feast your tastebuds on the food and your eyes on the stunning natural environment, know that you’re giving back to society, as all picnic baskets have been purchased from the Cape Town Society for the Blind.

Hotel guests are free to explore the various mountain trails – from 10 minutes to 45 minutes in duration - ask for a copy of the map below, from our Concierge desk. Or enquire about our complimentary Sports Buddies programme which allows for a staff member to join you as you hike through the Fynbos.

Classic favourites in our private cinema
The Twelve Apostles operates an intimate, 16-seater cinema/screening room available to both guests and non-guests, and also available for exclusive private hire. Each month a new schedule of movies is set, running five times a day and may be accompanied with breakfast (10h00), lunch (15h00) and dinner (17h30/20h30/22h30).

Our unique Dinner and a Movie package allows motion picture lovers to enjoy an evening of wining and dining in the award-winning Azure Restaurant with a specially-created movie menu, followed by a screening of a film in the private cinema. For those who would like to choose their own movie, we have a varied selection of classics, comedy, adventure, drama and foreign films. Sink into plush leather seats with state-of-the-art flat screen Dolby surround sound, and a lavish assortment of goodies, including popcorn, hot chocolate, milkshakes and candy.

Please note that selecting your own movie is subject to existing reservations and requests from other guests sharing the screening room. Note that screenings are not exclusive unless a group booking is made for the entire cinema.

The diversity of world-class wine routes right on Cape Town’s doorstep is staggering. Offering an irresistible combination of delectable wine tastings, informative winemaking tours, mouth-watering cuisine and magnificent scenery, they attract international and local travellers alike.

Most Cape wine farms are characterised by classic Cape Dutch-style buildings and expansive vineyards, with picturesque mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. Following the arrival of the French Huguenot, Dutch and German settlers during the 18th Century, many of them also show a distinctive European influence.

Our concierge and sommelier have selected some of their favourite wine farms in each region for you to explore!

Silvermist Organic Vineyards - 15 min (12.4 km) without traffic
Beau Constantia - 17 min (12.9 km) without traffic
Constantia Glen - 15 min (12.9 km) without traffic
Eagles' Nest Wines - 16 min (14.1 km) without traffic
Groot Contantia - 19 min (16 km) without traffic
Constantia Uitsig - 24 min (19.4 km) without traffic
Buitenverwachting - 25 min (19.1 km) without traffic
Klein Constantia - 26 min (19.3 km)without traffic
Steenberg Vineyards- 29 min (23.1 km) without traffic

Kids will feel right at home at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, thanks to a range of in-house amenities and activities aimed specifically at little ones. Our concierge has recommendations for explorers of all ages, from mountain climbs, museum visits and park fun, to excursions to various destinations that include butterflies, cheetahs, birds, crocodiles…and not to forget, penguins! Children are sure to have the time of their life while staying in Cape Town.

Pools & Gardens:
Set in nature’s paradise, between the Atlantic Ocean and The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, the hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Table Mountain National Park and a protected marine park, where kids can spot whales and dolphins playing in the azure waters.

Children can have fun splashing in our infinity or mountain pools, with pool toys provided during the summer holidays. Both pools have a special menu which is serviced by The Café Grill and includes delectable dishes for little ones; in addition, they can help themselves to water and fruit from our refreshment stations.

As another example of our passionate service and thoughtful attention to detail, we have introduced a new complimentary Sports Buddy programme, where staff at the hotel has their gym kit and shoes on standby, ready to train with guests who might be looking for a partner to play a round of golf, game of squash, attend a yoga class or take a hike in the pristine nature reserve behind the hotel.

Complimentary Activities
Biking - Take a scenic cycle from the hotel to Chapmans Peak along one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of road. Admire endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and pass through the fishing village of Hout Bay.

Hiking - The Hotel offers hiking on the property in the Twelve Apostles mountain range. For more experienced hikers, a staff member can accompany you on mountain trails further afoot in the World Heritage Site.

Jogging - You have the choice of running to Camps Bay or Hout Bay, both along Victoria Road, with world-class views to inspire you. A staff member will keep pace with you and point out the sights such as Sentinel Peak and Hout Bay Harbour.

Yoga - Yoga mats are available at the hotel. There are superb locations in and around the hotel where you can become one with nature while practicing the ancient discipline, and energising your body and mind.

Chargeable Activities
Squash - A staff member will challenge you to a game of squash at the squash club. Pre booking is requested at least 7 days in advance.

Golf - The Hotel is centrally located to world class golf courses including the Metropolitan Golf Club, located next to the V&A Waterfront. Pre booking is requested at least 7 days in advance.

Terms and Conditions
The “Sports Buddy” service is offered on a complimentary basis excluding squash and golf. Third Party costs for equipment hire is chargeable at cost.

Bookings should please be made at least 7 days in advance, especially for sports that require booking a court or green.

In Cape Town and surrounding areas

The Western Cape is one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse golfing destinations. Many of these lush, beautifully maintained Golf Courses are in close proximity (20 – 40 minutes) from the hotel. These Golf Courses have captivated the global golfing community and boast both local and international awards for exceedingly high standards, quality, design and professionalism. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is the perfect base for your seaside relaxation combined with your golfing needs.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers an impressive collection of air-conditioned function spaces and meeting rooms, set in an inspiring location offering both ocean and mountain views.

Larger function rooms can accommodate up to 90 guests, and feature state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. Additional specialised presentation or entertainment equipment can be sourced from our technology partners on request.

Each event booking is meticulously managed by a dedicated member of our multi-skilled team of function organisers, who are on hand from the point of enquiry until the conclusion of the event. Working together with our team of talented chefs, look forward to an unforgettable menu of delicious dining options to transform your event into a truly memorable occasion.

The latest addition to the menu of culinary experiences on offer at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is The Apostles Braai. Set amid lush indigenous gardens at the rear of the hotel, this beautiful light-filled events venue offers sea and sunset views, as well as vistas up to the rugged peaks in the Table Mountain National Park for which our hotel is named.

It’s a striking space of mirrored walls and picture windows letting natural light and panoramic views wash in. A handcrafted Murano glass chandelier hangs above and handblown Biot glassware from Provence graces the tables.

The Apostles Grill can host up to 32 guests, and caters for private functions, themed events and unique culinary occasions, from a wine pairing dinner with our sister-vineyard Bouchard Finlayson to an intimate wedding or family gathering at the foot of Table Mountain.

Inspired by South Africa’s love affair with barbecue-style cooking – a braai, as the locals call it – the menu at The Apostles Grill evolves with each unique event, but is built on a foundation of flame-grilled fare cooked al fresco on the terrace, celebrating seasonal produce and the Cape’s bountiful seafood.

Daily land excursions allow guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Okavango Delta, a region as famous for its tawny grasslands and verdant riverine forests as the flood plains that fill with crystal clear waters each year.

Xigera Safari Lodge offers guests the freedom to create their own Okavango Delta adventure, which is why we offer a uniquely flexible approach to our daily safari game drives. While there is always the option of an early-morning drive – when the cooler temperatures offer ideal conditions for game-viewing – guests who prefer a slower start to the day, perhaps with a rejuvenating Spa treatment, may also choose to head out later in the morning.

When out on game viewing, guests will soon discover just why Xigera’s location is so remarkable. Situated on the western fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve, the surrounding islands and grassland promise some of the finest wildlife game viewing opportunities Botswana has to offer. While the Okavango is perhaps most famous for its watery channels, with our expert guides to lead you, look forward to unforgettable wildlife encounters on land.

Our Vehicles:

Guest comfort on safari game drives is paramount. That’s why Xigera Safari Lodge operates a brand-new fleet of custom-built 4x4 vehicles, seating a maximum of both 4- and 6-seats. Especially adapted for the demanding environment of the Okavango Delta, these supremely capable off-road vehicles ensure no sighting is out of reach. Please note no night drives due to Moremi Game Reserve National Park regulations.

In the company of expert guides, see the puff of dust rising from your boot, lit by the morning sunrise. Feel its warmth on your cheeks, and the rustle of turpentine grass as you walk by. Hear the alarm call of a Lechwe at close range and lift your gaze to admire the African Fish Eagle soaring overhead.

Walking safaris – led by our expert guides – are an opportunity to get your feet into the soil of the African wilderness. To truly connect with nature, and feel your senses sharpen.

Only on foot can you truly appreciate the raw beauty of Africa.

Water is life at Xigera. As the floodwaters ebb and flow, they provide unforgettable opportunities to discover the wilderness from an entirely new perspective.

An experience unique to the Delta is a morning spent gliding along flooded channels by mokoro, the dugout canoe used by generations for transport in a region where there are many more rivers than roads. Though traditionally carved from a single tree trunk, at Xigera Safari Lodge our innovative glass-bottomed mokoro – allow for incredible views of the Delta both above and below.

Our mekoro are pushed along by experienced polers who grew up in these unique boats. Our polers stand to navigate through the water, and because the mekoro have no motor they are essentially silent, allowing us to approach even the shyest species without disturbing them.

Seasonal motorboat excursions allow for exploration of the deeper rivers and lagoons that are home to crocodile and large pods of hippo. Our Double-Decker boats allow for fantastic wildlife viewing from the water. Please note that boating is seasonal water levels permitting.

From the Coppery-tailed Coucal to the Western-banded Snake Eagle, Wattled Crane to Lesser Jacana, walking safaris are an ideal opportunity for enthusiastic bird-watchers to admire the over 500 species recorded in the Okavango Delta. Xigera’s exceptional location on the fringes of the Moremi Game Reserve delivers some of the best birding Botswana has to offer.

In Season, head out with our expert guides for fishing excursions on the water. Available from March to November.

The healing power of nature is ephemeral, yet undeniable. From the simple serenity of escaping into this untamed wilderness, to the deeply humbling nature of immersing yourself in a vast and ancient landscape, your hours at Xigera will leave you feeling revived, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hand-in-hand with the simple restorative powers of being at one with the natural world, our spectacular spa provides a tranquil haven for travellers.

Meticulously designed to frame breathtaking views of the seasonal flood plains and lush riverine forests, in its soothing colour palette and organic textures, the spa exists in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.

At Xigera Safari Lodge our extensive selection of body and facial treatments has been custom-created to focus on three pillars of wellness: restoring, calming and purifying.

Our signature B|Africa spa treatments are complemented by an exclusive collection by Tata Harper, creating holistic spa rituals that offer a multi-sensory escape for guests.

In tune with our nature-first commitment to sustainability, all treatments showcase wellness products that are hyper-potent, 100% natural and non-toxic.

The lodge showcases a modern fitness centre – with state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym – alongside a swimming pool with a stunning relaxation deck gazing over the river.

Xigera Safari Lodge has reimagined the magic of an African safari, and that innovation continues far beyond the lodge.

For a truly immersive discovery of the Okavango Delta, discover our remarkable Baobab Treehouse, situated one kilometre away from the lodge, with a guide stationed close by. Here, amid the seclusion of this sculptural tree house you will experience Africa at its most raw, and most remarkable.

Amid a stand of indigenous Croton trees, the striking steel structure – built in the evocative shape of a Baobab tree – ascends nearly 10 metres above the floodplain, offering panoramic views from each of its three levels.

The structure’s design was inspired by an iconic painting of a solitary baobab tree by Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef, one of South Africa's master landscape artists. Inside the tree’s ‘trunk’, a winding staircase climbs nearly four metres above ground, delivering guests to the spacious bathroom on the first level.

The bedroom is located on the second level, beautifully appointed with carved timber furniture by celebrated designers such as David Krynauw, John Vogel and Adam Birch. Both the bedroom and bathroom spaces have canvas walls that can open up entirely to the outside environment, or be zipped closed to allow for privacy and protection from the elements. Sounds from the surrounding bird-life, animals and insects drift through the tree-like branches and screened windows into the tented structure.

Ascend to the top of the ‘baobab’ and the drama truly unfolds, with an open-air deck for lounging, reading and watching wildlife pass undisturbed below. A serene, hidden – and entirely safe – eyrie from which to witness the magic of the Okavango Delta at dusk or ¬– if you choose to spend the night in the open-air king-size bed – to marvel at the jet-black sky punctured by the stars of the southern sky.

The Baobab Treehouse Experience is tailor-made for each and every guest. Arrive after lunch for sundowners and a picnic-style dinner on the deck, or depart Xigera Safari Lodge after dinner for an unforgettable night’s sleep in the tree house of your dreams.

Please note the Baobab Treehouse is at a surcharge and cannot be pre-booked.

At the heart of Xigera lies The Boma, Blacksmith Conrad Hicks' totemic sculpture Structure of Self. This is our centrepiece of al fresco dining where you can savour the vibrant flavours of Africa while soaking up unforgettable local cultural experiences and story telling from our staff.

From bush breakfasts and wild picnics to ‘feet in the water’ sundowners, memorable dining experiences are waiting to be discovered in the bush...

As with so much of Xigera, we let you create and curate your own dining experience. Our talented chefs have an ‘anything, any time’ approach, allowing you to choose what you would like to eat, when you would like to enjoy it, and where you would prefer to dine. Whether it’s a bush breakfast or a picnic on your private deck, our chefs are always happy to oblige. They say the Swiss invented the clocks, but Africa owns the time. At Xigera, that time is yours to savour.

A living art gallery...
Join one of our managers or guides on an insightful and informative journey around the Lodge, taking in the key pieces that are showcased in our beautiful public spaces, from the Bar to the Boma, and from the Library to the Lily Fire Place.

Our team will share the background and stories behind Xigera’s living art gallery, highlighting the African creativity and craftsmanship of the bespoke works commissioned exclusively for the lodge from some of Africa's most exciting artists and artisans.

Take to the skies to view Xigera from an aerial perspective – the only way to get a true sense of space and place.

A helicopter game flight will take off right from the lodge. Guests are each given a headset to connect directly with the pilot, giving a unique opportunity to ask questions as you soar over the bush. Choose from scenic flights between 30 and 90 minutes, and you will get a bird’s eye view of the Okavango, certainly one of the best ways to view this spectacular landscape.

This is a wonderful way to view the flora, fauna and wildlife that surrounds Xigera, and allows for ample wildlife or landscape photography shots from the skies.

With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. Drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, but full day drives are also quite common at a guest’s request. Picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for our conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.

Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good

walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.

The HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, is an utterly unique experience. The 275 sq. foot deck is complete with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can comfortably enjoy floating brunch or sundowners while watching hippos and elephants in the water. It is also an exceptional platform for birding.

Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Each of Zarafa’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. For stargazers, each room comes with its own telescope for use on each suite's private deck.

Credit: Great Plains Conservation

A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.

Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).

Explore the lagoon and channels around the area by flat-bottomed power boat. (Seasonal and water level dependent)

Credit: Great Plains Conservation

The Spa at Zarafa is located between suite 4 and the Dhow Suite. The Spa offers guests two treatment

areas and with a range of treatments available. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.

Spa Treatments Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Spa at Zarafa Camp Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Open vehicle safari drives in Zambezi National Park. The camp has custom built Land cruisers specially designed for photography. With just four to six guests each, the vehicles are fully stocked with reference books, drinks and snacks.

Mpala Jena’s wooden dhow, brought from the Zanzibar coast to Zimbabwe, is available for guests to enjoy when on a sunrise cruise or late afternoon sunset sail along the Zambezi River. The journey is a relaxed way of experiencing one of Africa's most iconic rivers whilst under sail. Guests head upriver from Mpala Jena, returning with the flow of the river as it flows toward the Victoria Falls in the distance. A wide selection of beverages and snacks are provided on the dhow, based on the guest's preference.

If need be, there is an external motor available. This experience is a seasonal offering, dependent on the waters of the Zambezi River. Life jackets are supplied.

Mpala Jena Camp has it's own 8-seater aluminum hulled motor boat perfect for sun-downer cruises.

During a two night stay, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a half-day guided excursion to the thunderous and impressive mass of falling water of the Victoria Falls.

This is a great activity for the whole family. Catch-and-release fishing is done from a boat with a captain, on the Zambezi River.