Transformed by Africa's life-enhancing beauty

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, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.

Our family

Led by General Managers Natalie Legg and Richard Legg, with over nine years of service, The Acorn Inn is a family of passionate people, with a warm, inclusive ethos that embraces everything we do. We are proud to be a part of the family-owned and run Red Carnation Hotel Collection, alongside our sister hotel Summer Lodge Country Hotel and Restaurant. Our warm and welcoming team provide the perfect introduction to genuine village charm, and every one of us is deeply committed to giving the very best in all we do.

A perfect location

Located in the picturesque village of Evershot, in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the Inn is an award-winning 16th-century property. During your visit, you will be transported to the pages of Tess of the d’Urbervilles, a Thomas Hardy novel that the Inn features in. With old beams, oak panelling, roaring fires and an original skittle alley, this is a beautiful rural escape with a spacious outdoor garden to relax in and ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Whether it’s horse-riding, fishing or a walk alongside the Jurassic coast, just a 25-minute drive away.

Award-winning cuisine

The Acorn Inn offers two bars and an award-winning restaurant serving a range of exceptional seasonal dishes, like our famous Ploughman’s lunch, which is popular with locals and guests alike. We are proud to have received the 'Best Country Dining Pub' award at The Good Pub Guide Awards 2021 and Robert Ndungu, was awarded Chef of the Year at the Dorset Magazine Food, Drink & Farming Awards.

Traditional interiors

Enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep in one of our ten individually decorated bedrooms adorned with period antiques. Each is named according to a Thomas Hardy theme - whether it’s a location featured in his novels, his favourite heroine or even after the author himself. As part of our generous hospitality, we offer special extras to enhance your stay such as, freshly cut bouquets or a candlelit turndown.

We care

We are committed to our community and to supporting local charities such as Yeovil Night Shelter and more globally, WE Charity. We are proud to reduce our food miles by working almost exclusively with local suppliers. To stop food waste, we sustain our own herb garden and process food waste in a biodigester, where it is turned into electricity, with the bi-product used as fertiliser by local farmers. We also work in partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, striving to #MakeTravelMatter.