Xigera hosts ROAR AFRICA'S annual women's empowerment retreat

Nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, Xigera Safari Lodge provides the perfect setting for this transformational retreat that brings together extraordinary female leaders who are breaking barriers in conservation, tourism and beyond. Designed to offer an unparalleled luxury safari experience, Xigera blends seamlessly with its pristine surroundings, offering guests an intimate connection with nature while championing sustainability and empowerment.

ROAR AFRICA’s Women’s Empowerment Retreat, first launched in 2019, has since evolved into a movement for change, amplifying the voices of women who challenge the status quo. The 2025 edition will see an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Rebecca Klein, founder of Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Bokani Mathape, President of Women in Tourism, and Dr. Anna Songhurst, founder of Ecoexist Trust. Attendees will also hear from Malaki Q-Maundo, Xigera’s Front of House Manager, and Captain Kgmotso Phatsima, one of Botswana’s first female military pilots and founder of Dare to Dream.

Reflecting on the significance of the retreat, Deborah Calmeyer, Founder and CEO of ROAR AFRICA, remarked: "If African women rise, wildlife will thrive." ROAR AFRICA pioneered the Women’s Empowerment movement in the safari industry in 2019, beginning in South Africa followed by Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and now, in 2025, Botswana. Through immersive discussions, mentorship, and cultural exchange, the event continues to redefine women’s roles in Africa’s travel industry while supporting vital community-driven initiatives.

Beyond its impact on attendees, the retreat has led to tangible advancements, including scholarships for young women, conservation funding, and educational initiatives. Previous retreats have resulted in TED Talks, documentary films, and groundbreaking research projects that continue to influence gender equity in the tourism sector.

Guests at Xigera will experience the wonders of the Okavango Delta through game drives, mokoro safaris, and helicopter excursions, all while engaging in powerful discussions on leadership and sustainability. With Botswana’s wild beauty as the backdrop, the 2025 Women’s Empowerment Retreat promises to be a catalyst for progress, uniting trailblazers dedicated to reshaping the future of African tourism.

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