Description:

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is set in a private concession of 8 000 hectares (19 800 acres) on the southeastern border of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, in one of the most unique regions in the world, the Okavango Delta. Renowned for its lush waterways and abundant wildlife, the Okavango is home to a number of aquatic and land species. Predators from the adjacent Moremi, renowned for its wildlife sightings, often cross into the Sandibe concession.

Located in northern Botswana, the Okavango River is a unique natural phenomenon - flowing more than 1 000 km (620 miles) from its source in Angola, this river disappears beneath the sands of Botswana, creating a lush inland delta in the midst of this otherwise arid country. The Okavango Delta is in a constant state of flux, expanding and contracting according to the rainy season. While some parts of the Delta remain permanently flooded, others are only deluged during the rainy season from May to September.

Covering approximately one third of the Delta, permanent swamp areas are lush and green, with groves of wild date palm, papyrus and water lilies growing around deep lagoons lined with riverine forest. Seasonal swamps, on the other hand, contain a network of small channels cutting their way through papyrus and reed beds to create islands of all shapes and sizes. As the floodwaters recede, the islands grow large until, eventually, water only remains in depressions in the landscape, which turns into open grassland.

The clear waters of the Okavango Delta glimmer through a maze of brilliant green papyrus in front of Sandibe and the game-rich grassy floodplains stretch into the horizon beyond. A private concession, Sandibe has exclusive traversing over 27 000 hectares (66 700 acres) of wilderness adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. Gentle breezes drift through window screens and the outdoor shower makes for great stargazing. Take in the sun on raised private decks with great views over the Delta and then cool off in the swimming pool. Tread in the footsteps of elephants as you walk the ancient paths that bisect Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in the shady forest of the Okavango Delta. Awaken to the sounds of animals, laugh at the antics of baboons and squirrels over breakfast, and spend your days exploring mazes of papyrus and golden, grassy floodplains.

Connect with the remote wilderness of Africa in this serene, earthy camp, where little separates the comfort of the warm interiors from the haunting beauty of the natural spectacles outside.Camouflaged under a tumbling canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig leaves, eight thatched cottages emerge in leafy clearings right on the edge of the Delta’s waterways. Blending seamlessly with its surroundings, the tranquil beauty of Sandibe Safari Lodge surprises not only guests but even the occasional wandering animals, startled as rough wooden beams and thatched roofs take shape within the leafy groves. The sounds of Africa lull and soothe travellers, as elephants splash in the quiet waters, baboons chatter and a myriad birds call and twitter in the trees.

The greens of the river bank peer into spacious guest cottages through large, airy screens. Earthy ochre tones bring the forest floor indoors, while tactile textures, from leather and silk to rough hewn wood, celebrate the natural beauty of the setting. Gaze out onto the banks of the Santanadibe River from under the canopy of your king size bed or spend a restful hour watching the quiet play of light on water from your private raised deck. At one with the forest, enjoy the warm luxury of the sun skipping across your skin in the large outdoor shower.   Lazy hammocks slung in the dappled shade beckon and the wooden deck by the sunny poolside offers refreshment. Layered guest areas with comfortable couches invite you to while the afternoon away among cosy cushions. Open sides in sitting and dining areas draw your eyes outward to dazzling plains and reeded river banks. Relax over scrumptious meals in the dining room, while animals wander only metres away or enjoy the cosy shelter of the fire-lit boma as thousands of stars light up the African sky.