Xigera Safari Lodge
Okavango Delta, Botswana
A luxury safari lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta
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 in Botswana, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.
Custom commissions
Local to the area, Rick is available for commissions should any guest wish to request a painting. If so, we can arrange a time for guests to meet Rick, either in the castle or in his home studio.
The Gallery
A number of Rick's original paintings hang in our Gallery – a space located across from The Boutique at Ashford Castle. Each image displayed here is available for guests to purchase should they find something that will remind them of their visit.
Notable works
Queen Elizabeth II collects Rick Lewis' work and in 1990 wrote to Rick to personally acknowledge her admiration for his work, which she prizes in her private collection at Buckingham Palace. The Queen Mother commissioned Rick to sculpt her grandson, Prince Charles, portraying his inauguration as Master of the Royal order of the Bath. What sets this commission apart is that it was the only time Prince Charles sported a moustache.
The Nixon administration commissioned Rick to sculpt three sets of life size ‘Peace Swans’. President Richard Nixon presented one pair, as a gift to the American people, to Chairman Mao, The Chinese Premier. The second pair was presented to Pope Paul and are on permanent display in the Vatican Museum while the third pair are on permanent display in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
During his esteemed career in New Zealand, Rick sculpted a kingfisher for Lady Diana and Prince Charles, which was presented to them during their state visit to the country in 1983.
Rick was commissioned to create several other works of art as state gifts for many distinguished world leaders such as President George Bush and the King of Malaysia. He was also called to commemorate in bronze the achievements of Mark Todd, New Zealand’s double Olympic gold medalist at the three-day event.
His most notable work for the people of New Zealand is his Kiwi which resides permanently in the ‘Beehive’; the centre of Government in Wellington. Now known as ‘Proud Kiwi’, and image of this sculpture adorns gold coins produced by the New Zealand Mint. He was later presented with the M.B.E. and A.R.A. for his contribution to fine art and design in New Zealand.
Get in touch
If you would like us to request a commission or would like us to put you in touch with Rick personally, please send us a message through our contact form.
Contact us