sandibe safari lodge in botswana

andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

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• Excellent 269
• Very Good 37
• All languages ( 322 )
• English ( 293 )
• German ( 16 )
• French ( 7 )

" Treat yourself to a chopper flight in and out. Starve yourself prior to visiting. Bring your swimmers for the private plunge pools. "

" The family suite was spectacular and great if traveling in a group so you can easily hang together at night. "

" it's not about the room - it's about the wildlife experiences! "

" Make Sandibe your last stop on your safari… as others have mentioned u get disappointed after your visit to Sandibe "

" Try the Kudu burger, you won't regret it. "

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ANDBEYOND SANDIBE OKAVANGO SAFARI LODGE - Reviews

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Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Chitabe and sandibe concession (ng31).

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is set along ancient game paths where the gentle majesty of elephants have often tread. This is an extremely productive game viewing area. Twelve luxurious guest cottages lie beneath a cool forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees. Here exclusive luxury can be enjoyed within an intimately wild setting. The lodge design is striking and utterly unique, the experience luxurious and the game viewing excellent.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge peers out over the spectacular Okavango Delta from beneath a shaded forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees with the 12 raised luxury suites mimicking the nests of golden weaver birds and featuring magnificent Delta views along with private plunge pools, fireplaces for winter. Raised private decks offer spectacular views of the Okavango Delta whilst the invitingly cool swimming pool and gentle breeze that drifts through the window screens of your cottage open you up to a world of tranquilly peaceful luxury in the wild.

The lodge design is striking and utterly unique – designed to celebrate one of Africa’s most elusive and rare inhabitants, the pangolin. The wooden shingles of the roof recreate the pangolin’s body armour and blends beautifully into its surroundings. The interiors are filled with numerous interest pieces including a copper-clad mekoro, Botswana basketware along with finely sculpted wooden tables. Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge has an interactive kitchens to celebrate local food, a menu which includes succulent Botswana beef and artisanal breads. A massage sala provides guests with a selection of relaxing massages in this spectacular natural setting.

The concession boasts one of the best wildlife experiences in the Delta and golden-grassed floodplains stretch into the distance behind the lodge framed by lush palm islands and the spires of giant termite mounds. Home to African wild dog, lion, elephant, semi-aquatic lechwe, kudu, giraffe the Chitabe Concession is one of the best in the delta. Along with its mammals the Okavango Delta is ideal for birding enthusiasts. One of its most sought after species is the huge but elusive Pel’s fishing owl. Other species found within the concession include African jacana, pygmy-geese, goliath heron and migrant waders. Birding is particularly good in summer.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge offers day and night safaris. Bush walks are offered during the day and a children’s programme is available. Scenic helicopter flights by prior arrangement and at an additional cost.

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Combines Well With

Nxabega okavango tented camp.

Meaning “Place of the Giraffe,” Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is known for its luxurious and elegant tented accommodation with breath-taking views of the Okavango Delta. This is an intimate, stylish camp which offers the experience of water and wildlife on twice-daily game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, mokoro and powerboat excursions (water levels permitting).

Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is a stunning camp set in an idyllic corner of the Okavango showcasing some of the most beautiful and quintessential landscapes of the Delta- with glistening waterways and lily covered lagoons during the annual flood, while tall palms peep over pretty floodplains. This luxurious lodge offers the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of safari, a spoiling experience in a wonderful setting.

• Location Chitabe and Sandibe Concession (NG31)

• Rate Basis Per person per night
• Rates From USD 1,850 Hide Rates Table Mid Season - USD 2,145 1 Nov 2023 to 20 Dec 2023 Single supplement $1,073 High Season - USD 3,465 21 Dec 2023 to 10 Jan 2024 Single supplement $1,733 Low Season - USD 1,850 11 Jan 2024 to 31 Mar 2024 No single supplement Mid Season - USD 2,680 1 Apr 2024 to 31 May 2024 1 Nov 2024 to 20 Dec 2024 Single supplement $1,340 High Season - USD 4,100 1 Jun 2024 to 31 Oct 2024 21 Dec 2024 to 10 Jan 2025 Single supplement $2,050
• Child Policy All ages but activities only from 6 years
• Internet Wifi in the guest rooms
• Parent Company AndBeyond

Safaris Featuring This Property:

7 night fly me around botswana, experience the okavango delta.

Contact us for more information and to start planning your Okavango safari

Okavango Delta

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Lodge style Rebuilt & spectacular

A five-star safari in every way

From witnessing a lioness joyfully playing with her cubs, to a mouth-watering five-star meal, topped off with a pampering massage while you look out over wide flood plains – just a day at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, located in a private concession in the Okavango Delta, adjacent to the Moremi. And it gets better: all this takes place in a beautiful Okavango Delta camp. In conceiving a fresh look, the designers sought to capture a harmonious balance between contemporary and natural. The design is inspired by the scale-like body armour of the pangolin, one of the region’s most fascinating inhabitants that possesses the curious ability to roll up when threatened by predators. Beyond the beauty of this place – it will be difficult to leave for Okavango Delta safari activities – there is a warmth and genuine hospitality in the attitude of all staff members. Whether they serve you heart-warming porridge for breakfast, treat you to a spa-treatment, or tell safari-tales during dinner around the campfire; they will make you feel special without exception.

Nestled into a forest, eight suites are elevated above the landscape and extend out to private decks with glittering plunge pools and breath-taking views. In the room you will find copper detailing, a double vanity, spacious outdoor shower with all the amenities you need (fluffy towels, a bathrobe, shampoo…), and of course a soft, king-size bed to lay your head for a well-deserved rest. Living spaces merge sophisticated elegance (did we mention the place is drop dead gorgeous?), natural colours and organic materials with the untouched beauty of the location. Nutritious meals, coming from an interactive kitchen, contain produce, fresh hummus, light spring rolls, compotes, wood oven pizzas, steaks, homemade ice cream, fine wines, and yes, even a gourmet hamburger is on the menu. Meals can be savoured while gazing out over Okavango floodplains, papyrus and palms. The central areas include viewing decks, a gym (work up a sweat while hippos stroll by), a spa for excellent body treatments, and a library. In the lodge and in your suite, you will come across plenty of cosy nooks, with softly bedded seats, to snuggle down with a good book.

Activities at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

With so much to say about the beauty of the lodge, we can’t forget about the abundant wildlife and great Okavango Delta safari activities this place has to offer. A typical day at Sandibe starts with an early rise (around 5.30am) and fresh tea or coffee, plus a light breakfast, delivered to your room, if preferred. Breakfast comes with an optional shot of whiskey – a sure way to keep you warm on chilly winter mornings. The game drives are lead by highly professional, skilled guides and trackers, with amazing sensitivity to their surroundings. Together with a great respect for the animals and the environment, this makes for an unforgettable game viewing experience. The area is home to the hippo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard, elephant, wild dog and many more. Birding is excellent, and predator viewing is one of the best in South Africa. After the first activity it is time for lunch where you can make your own pizza by selecting delicious toppings. Then, kick back and have a siesta before high tea in the afternoon. After an adventurous second game drive – exhilarating safari walks are offered too – a home cooked meal is served at the boma, with complementary star-studded skies. Now, sip a glass of fiery, African wine and pinch yourself to make sure it is all really happening. It is, at Sandibe.

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango honeymoon offer

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge offers a fabulous special for newlyweds. Your partner receives a 50% discount when staying for a minimum of two nights. Valid until 10 January 2024, and within six months of the marriage date (marriage certificate to be supplied). This special offer may not be combined with any other offers.

Tripadvisor comments &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Lodge

You can tell the moment you arrive at Sandibe that you're in for a treat. All the staff are extremely pleasant and having your personal butler is a wonderful touch which makes everything very easy. We had some of the best game viewing ever during this trip - including leopards, cheetahs, lions and painted dogs just to name a few. The gym and massage area keeps you a bit in shape despite the copious amounts of top-notch food they serve. PJ_Burks

The variety of wildlife on the Sandibe concession is amazing. This was our 4th trip to Africa, and our 2nd visit to Sandibe and we saw animals that we had never seen before including 2 Bat Eared Foxes and 9 Cheetahs in one morning game drive. The lodge, which was recently remodeled, would rival any 5 star hotel in the US. The staff is friendly and helpful and will do everything in their power to make your stay memorable. cal_ruby from Novato, California

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Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge: Our full report

Adjacent to Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve, the luxurious and uniquely designed Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge ...

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a uniquely designed lodge, where in our experience the guiding and service match the high standards of the lodge itself. This, coupled with an impressive track record for game viewing in the private concession around the lodge, makes Sandibe well worth considering for those in search of serious comfort and luxury in the Delta.

Megan Green

Botswana expert

Geographics

Food & drink, special interests, our travellers’ wildlife sightings from sandibe safari lodge.

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Sandibe Safari Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology .

100% success

90% success

89% success

78% success

50% success

13% success

Communications

Health & safety.

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.

Little Vumbura

On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.

Shinde Camp

With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.

Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.

Splash Camp

Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.

In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.

Chitabe Camp

In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.

Shinde Footsteps

Small and very rustic, Footsteps across the Delta focuses on walking safaris; it also runs a special children’s programme so is particularly suitable for families.

Gomoti Plains Camp

Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.

Tubu Tree Camp

A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.

Nxabega Tented Camp

Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.

Vumbura Plains

Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.

Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.

Kwetsani Camp

Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.

Mapula Lodge

For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp is a traditional safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion and buffalo interaction that is often found here in broad daylight.

Baines' Camp

Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.

Stanley's Camp

In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.

Duba Explorers Camp

Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.

Little Tubu

Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.

Pom Pom Camp

Pom Pom Camp lies amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery. Come for idyllic mokoro trips and great birdwatching, and accept that big-game sightings here are a bonus.

In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.

Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.

Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.

Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.

In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.

Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.

Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.

Setari Camp

Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"

4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.

Duke’s Camp

On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.

Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.

Okavango Walking Safari

The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.

New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.

Atzaro Okavango

With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.

Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.

Eagle Island Lodge

Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.

North Island

Deep in quintessentially 'Okavango' territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, promises to be a great combination from a team who know all about the best in the Okavango.

Sitatunga Island Camp

Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.

Qorokwe Camp

Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.

Other areas in Botswana

Kwando-Linyanti

Kalahari Salt Pans

Central Kalahari

North-west Kalahari

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AndBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

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Situated on a private concession in the magnificent Okavango Delta, Sandibe boasts exclusive traversing rights over a vast stretch of land adjacent to the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve. Inspired by nature and celebrating its stunning setting, the lodge features the best the Delta has to offer in terms of outstanding design, outstanding wildlife viewing, and warm local hospitality.

• Whereabouts: Okavango Delta, bordering Moremi Game Reserve
• Experiences: Game drives; bush walks and scenic helicopter flights.

You should know

Children: Children of all ages of welcome at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge Childminders are available but must be booked on the day of arrival. A rate of USD 5 per hour is payable at the lodge. Children 5 years and younger cannot participate in game drives or nature walks; children aged 6 to 11 can participate in game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion; children aged 16 and over can participate in nature walks

Children's Program: Designed especially for children visiting &Beyond’s lodges, WILDchild is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. On arrival at &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, each child will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo. There is a personalized welcome note for every child, with those under three getting an African-themed soft toy as well.

Set in a cool forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge looks out over spectacular Delta views. Behind the lodge, golden-grassed floodplains stretch into the distance, framed by lush palm islands and the spires of giant termite mounds. The beautiful organic architecture of the lodge blends seamlessly with one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Drawing its inspiration from nature, &Beyond Sandibe is serene and earthy.

Twelve elegant and intimate suites are raised above the papyrus like the nests of golden weaver birds and feature magnificent Delta views, as well as private plunge pools, cozy fireplaces, and secluded nooks. Inside, the rooms become cocoons at night, with fireplaces for winter use.

Interiors celebrateBowana craft with pieces that include copper-clad mekoro, basketware and sculpted wooden tables. An interactive kitchen celebrates succulent Botswana beef, artisanal breads, and pizzas, while a beautifully situated massage sala offers a selection of relaxing massages in a spectacular natural setting. Boasting one of the best wildlife experiences in the Delta, the lodge combines a magnificent natural location with an unusual yet beautiful design.

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge boasts some of the best game viewing in the Delta and guests set off in search of wildlife in the early morning and late afternoon. Situated on the edge of the Delta, the game viewing areas at Sandibe remain accessible throughout the year, irrespective of rising water levels. Game viewing here is remote and secluded, with very few vehicles sharing the private concession. Sensitive off-road driving practices allow our guests to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Afternoon drives continue after night, allowing for an opportunity to see the many animals that are more active at night, including leopard and serval. Lion frequently hunt at night and there is always a chance of coming upon them feeding on a kill.

Other activities available at Sandibe include bush walks, a children's programme, scenic helicopter flights (flights at an additional cost).

Price includes

Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, emergency medical evacuation insurance, VAT, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip and park fees.

Excludes: Landing Fees

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What our guests say about Anja

April 20, 2024

safari booking

We were looking for a Safari. Anja from Safari.com supported us to book accommodation and flights, she was very polite, super fast and very supportive. We can recommend her and Safari.com, it was great to book there.

April 12, 2024

Anja is very attentive and patient.

April 11, 2024

It was easy

It was easy, it all worked as planned, our expectations were exceeded. Anja was easy to communicate with through Whatsapp and always responded promptly to any questions.

Apr 22, 2024

My experience with safari.com is always…

My experience with safari.com is always incredibly, pascal made happen my dream again. He is the best always answering questions and making everything perfect.thank you again pascal, can’t wait to tell all about my second trip to Africa in October.

Thank you Heleen Coetzee for your excellent service!

Thank you Heleen Coetzee for your excellent service. We have booked through her at Kruger park numerous times. She is very helpful and quick to assist.

Apr 21, 2024

Fantastic travel agent for African safari family trip!

Wow! Shann was and is fantastic! She figured out a way to make our entire trip work. We are going on a 2 week trip to South Africa and Botswana. She really helped tie it all together as a wonderful, cohesive trip. She is super nice and super smart and very knowledgeable. She is also flexible and thoughtful, etc., etc. When the chips were down (and we literally were considering pulling the plug on the whole trip), she found a way to make the entire itinerary work and got us excited about our wonderful adventure! Highly recommend!

Apr 20, 2024

The customer service was top-notch!

I was really impressed with the level of service I received from Heleen Coetzee. I had a great experience with the customer service team at this company. They were very responsive and helpful, and they were able to resolve my issue quickly. I would definitely recommend this company to others.

Excellent news information and service…

Excellent news information and service from Sara. She made it a smooth experience booking a safari.

Apr 17, 2024

Great experience!

Leigh-Ann was very helpful, responsive and knowledgeable about our safari options. Handled our safari booking, transfers and even hotel in Cape Town for us! We’re excited for our trip - Thank you :)

Apr 16, 2024

Sara is really friendly and helpful. She has planned everything according to our wishes and made all our wishes feasible.

Apr 12, 2024

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andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Okavango Delta, Botswana

PROPERTY FACILITIES

Available services.

Laundry Service

Private Vehicle (Additional Cost)

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Is the andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge for Me?

andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is situated on a permanent channel of the Okavango Delta, adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve.

With exclusive traversing rights over 270 km2 of wilderness in a private concession, this site was specifically chosen for its extraordinary beauty and proximity to the game-rich grassy plains.

&Beyond Sandibe’s raised guest areas and suites look out onto the Santantadibe Channel, providing spectacular Okavango Delta views. Drawing its inspiration from nature, the lodge blends into the landscape, providing an experience that is serene, earthy and organic.

Secluded plunge pools and outdoor showers in each of the twelve suites allow guests to feel part of the forest, while private fireplaces warm the African nights once the sun goes down.

Clever constructed, indoor and outdoor lounging places create cosy nooks ideal for private dining beneath the stars.

An interactive kitchen and interpretive naturalist library encourage guests to become one with the surroundings and to enjoy every aspect of the Delta experience.

andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge Photo Gallery

Andbeyond sandibe okavango safari lodge rooms.

The andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge has 12 rooms. Select a room for more details.

The elegant suites have an organic design, complete with hand-woven exteriors, which reinforces this cosy and intimate illusion. Looking out over the Delta, the suites are nestled into the big trees and thickets that spring up around the water’s edge.

Family Suite

The lodge boasts two spectacular interleading suites that can accommodate two adults and two children (three on special request). Each suite has a lovely ensuite bathroom, private plunge pools, cosy fireplaces and secluded nooks.

Room facilities

Air Conditioning

Outside Shower

Plunge Pool

Activities offered by andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Activities on site.

Game Drives

Activities off site

Scenic Flight

andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge Videos

More about andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

• Activities Offered
• Spoken Languages

Game Drives (Included)

Twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles.

With a dedicated game ranger and tracker, as well as a private game drive vehicle, guests have the luxury of tailor-making their own safari experience; choosing their own game drive times and spending as much time as they want at sightings.

WILDchild Programme

andBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures.

Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people.

Massage:Quiet Mind Journey (Additional Cost)

You are required to create a personal affirmation to reclaim an unconditional acceptance and love for yourself and reconnect with your soul to release all negative energy from deep within. A unique blend of aromatherapy and plant oils chosen specifically by you, combining deep tissue massage techniques to bring relaxation to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium.

Choose from a blend of aromatherapy oils to either destress, hydrate, relax or detox.

Full body: 90 min Back and Neck only: 45 min and 30 min

Massage: Healing Earth African Shea Butter Ritual (Additional Cost)

African Shea Butter has been long hailed for its powerful healing and nourishing effects. Relaxing nourishing and energizing this full body massage targets specific areas or tension and muscular discomfort employing deep tissue techniques where pain is dramatically alleviated.

Full Body and Scalp 75min Back, Neck and Scalp 45min

Massage: Soul of the Earth Celebration (Additional Cost)

Re-awaken your Soul with a combination of powerful African aromatherapy oils and botanical body balms combining traditional African Calabash and Bamboo tools with human touch and rhythmic movement in this indulgent ritual, the ultimate source of relaxation to bring balance to your mind, body and soul in the heart of Africa, the cradle of mankind, through touch and vibrational sound therapy using ancient sound tools and techniques.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties, Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon and Orange to Firm and Tone

Full body and Scalp: 90min Back and Scalp: 60mi

Massage: Earth Glow Body Polish and Wrap (Additional Cost)

Re-awaken your senses through gentle exfoliation and envelope your body with inspirational blends of natural African essential oils and botanicals. We start the treatment with a dry polish followed by a full body polish to alleviate tension and renew skin. We then do the wrap and an indulgent full body massage using our powerful collection of indigenous African oils and balms.

Massage: African Hand and Foot Treatments (Additional Cost)

Melt away stress and rejuvenate your tired legs with this foot treatment which will leave your feet feeling hydrated, softened and silky smooth, ready to conquer the African bush.

Your feet is soaked in an African Joy energizing salt soak, scrubbed with rejuvenating peppermint and eucalyptus scrub and embalmed in African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a cooling foot gel to put the final spring in your step.

Massage: African Handprint Ritual (Additional Cost)

The ultimate hand ritual. Your hands are polished with a pure Peppermint and Aloe Vera polish and cuticles restored with indigenous healing oils. Your hands are then embalmed with African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a nourishing Pinotage hand oil massage, leaving your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Massage: WildChild Beauties and Buddies (Additional Cost)

Soak those tired little feet in Healing Earth’s Lavender and Jasmine bubble bath, followed by a Mango Orange scrub, toe nail grooming and mini foot tickle and rub. To recharge your energy a 15min back, neck and shoulder massage with pure Aloe Vera Gel will guarantee to send our budding rangers off on their next adventure in the African Bush.

Finish your treatment with an African Tribal Face Paint and if you choose to, leave with your own Beauties and Buddies Pamper Kit to remember your adventure in the wild and remind you of how important it is to Care for the Land, Wildlife and People of this world.

Beauties and Buddies 30min Treatment and Pamper Kit

Guided Walking Safaris

Tread in the tracks of the Delta wildlife, breathe in the scent of crushed wild grasses, and feel your senses come alive.

Discover the complexities of tracking, how every bent blade of grass and imprint in the soil has a meaning; observe how your guide interprets the signs and sounds of the bush; smell and taste wild herbs, as your guide explains their traditional uses; explore the small miracles of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.

Listen for the alarm call of the grey go-away bird; watch for the iridescent flight-sparkle of the lilac breasted roller, or use your Swarovski Optik binoculars to zoom in on the dark shape of a brown snake eagle perched regally on the high branches of a dead tree. Look out for the bright red bill of a grey-headed kingfisher, as it perches silently on a branch watching the ground for insects or small lizards.

This is a dynamic experience guaranteed to captivate and engage all your senses.

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Sandibe Okavango Delta Safari Lodge Review

Sandibe Safari Lodge is a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and boasting breathtaking views of the Delta’s floodplains, Sandibe offers an immersive safari experience. From its award-winning design to its exceptional wildlife sightings and warm hospitality, Sandibe is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire wildlife lovers and travel fanatics alike.

In this review based on our honeymoon to Sandibe in 2022, we will delve into the unique features that make Sandibe an ideal choice for anyone seeking an unforgettable African safari.

Rooms & Suites

Each of the 12 guest suites at Sandibe has a private outdoor deck with comfy benches and a private plunge pool overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The interiors are tastefully decorated, blending contemporary and traditional African design, natural materials and comfy furniture too.

The suites are large, spacious and airy, while the panoramic windows promise stunning views no matter where you sit. And speaking of sitting, you’ve got plenty of choices! Inside, you’ll find a seating area with armchairs, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in the morning or relaxing with a book in the afternoon. After a busy day on safari, you’ll be extra grateful for the king-size bed, complete with plush pillows and silky sheets. 

The suites are open plan, so just steps from your bed you’ll find double sinks and shower, a vanity area with premium toiletries, cosy bathrobes and slippers too. But fancy getting even closer to nature? Why not try out the outdoor shower, so you can bathe with a view? You’ll need it after a dip in the freezing waters of the plunge pool!

Lodge Facilities

The communal areas of the lodge are designed to seamlessly blend in with the surroundings, but at the same time are an architectural masterpiece. The open-plan design is inspired by the shape of a pangolin, with curved wooden beams and thatched roofing to represent the animal’s scales. 

Inside you’ll find a lounge area with comfortable seating, swinging chairs, multiple fireplaces and stunning views of the Delta. Overlooking the boma, the dining area is spread across two levels so you can eat with a view. Tables are mostly arranged to allow couples to eat in private with candles, fresh flowers and table linen too, making it feel more like a fine dining restaurant rather than a safari lodge in the middle of the Okavango Delta!

For those seeking relaxation and pampering, Sandibe’s wellness centre is the perfect place to unwind with a massage or exercise in the fully equipped gym. But if you’re in need of a different type of therapy, the onsite gift shop may have just what you’re looking for. There, you can buy handmade crafts, branded merchandise and souvenirs.

Food & Drink

Sandibe’s chefs are known for their delicious and creative cuisine made with the freshest and most sustainable ingredients. And don’t worry about going hungry because they’ll keep the food coming all day with three main meals, three drink stops, and plenty of snacks.

Start your day with a hot drink brought to your room and served through the private hatch to help you wake up. Then, instead of the typical safari routine, breakfast is served before the game drive. You’ll be given a platter of yoghurt, granola, fresh fruit and pastries, as well as a cooked breakfast to keep your hunger at bay until a coffee stop during your morning safari.

After a few hours of driving through the game reserve, your guide will stop to serve fresh coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, along with homemade biscuits and other healthy snacks. Watch the tracker grind the coffee beans and warm everything over a portable gas flame every morning – who knew you could get fresher coffee in the bush than at home?!

Once you return from the game drive, you’ll usually have an hour or so to wait until lunch. This meal is often a buffet or DIY dish, with options including nachos, pizza and burgers cooked right in front of you in the interactive kitchen. Choose your own toppings from the vast selection – it’s a fun way to eat after being waited on hand and foot throughout your stay. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! These are usually light treats, including ice cream, cheesecake or fruit salads.

Before your afternoon game drive, you’ll have afternoon tea in the dining room. Sweet and savoury snacks, tea, coffee and juice are served on platters brought right to your table. Your guide will often join you for this meal to chat and discuss the plan for the afternoon’s safari, so save any leftovers for them!

The sundowner is another highlight of your day at Sandibe. During the game drive, your guide will stop at a scenic spot to watch the sun go down with a drink in hand. A fully-stocked bar is transported via coolbox for every afternoon game drive, so you can take your pick from wines, spirits and beers, as well as a selection of soft drinks. And if you’re still hungry at this point, don’t worry – snacks are provided. Because why not?

On special occasions, sundowners are particularly thoughtful. To celebrate our honeymoon, we were treated to sparkling wine and extra-special canapes out in the bush as the sun went down. It was a complete surprise, but as we turned a corner, we spotted a trestle table decked out with linen, ice buckets, champagne and canape trays surrounded by gas lanterns, all for us. It was such a special moment and something we’ll remember forever.

As soon as you return from the game drive, the onsite barman will make you a drink. These are usually non-alcoholic cocktails, including a delicious passion fruit lemonade, which we couldn’t get enough of during our stay.

Sandibe also offers a full bar, with a selection of premium wines and spirits, as well as local beers and soft drinks. These drinks can be brought to your table during mealtimes, or you’re welcome to sit up at the bar or one of the comfortable seating areas in the lodge to enjoy a drink throughout the day.

The most unforgettable moment of our time at Sandibe was on our last night. Instead of eating in the dining room like everyone else, our butler surprised us with a private dinner on our balcony. Each delicious course was brought out to us, with the table set beautifully with crisp white linens, wine glasses and cutlery, all under the soft glow of gas lanterns. Surrounded by the sounds of the bush and flickering stars above us, our private dinner on the balcony was the perfect ending to our stay at Sandibe.

Game Drives & Activities

Sandibe Safari Lodge offers exceptional game drives and safaris that allow guests to explore the beauty and diversity of the Okavango Delta. Led by expert guides who have an intimate knowledge of the area, the game drives and safaris are a highlight of any stay at Sandibe.

The lodge’s location within the Moremi Game Reserve means that guests have access to some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Africa. The Delta is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. Guests on game drives and safaris have the opportunity to spot these animals in their natural habitat, often at close range, providing unforgettable wildlife encounters.

The game drives and safaris at Sandibe are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles, allowing guests to enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings. The vehicles are custom-designed for safari conditions, with comfortable seating and shade canopies to protect from the African sun. The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, providing guests with insights into the behaviour and ecology of the animals they encounter, as well as the plants and landscapes of the Delta.

One of the most impressive aspects of the game drives and safaris at Sandibe is the level of exclusivity and privacy they offer. The lodge limits the number of guests on each drive, ensuring that every guest has a personalised experience and the opportunity to ask questions and learn from their guide.

Sandibe Staff

The staff at Sandibe are all highly trained and courteous and greet you with a smile. It may be a cliche, but they really would do anything for you. Every guest is assigned a personal butler, who brings you drinks, takes your food order and greets you back at the lodge after a game drive. And, though you rarely see them, the housekeeping staff keep the whole lodge exceptionally clean; and that’s no mean feat with communal areas that are open to the elements!

From thoughtful touches like hot water bottles on chilly nights to the sparkling wine put on ice for special occasions, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels pampered and cared for.

General Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Sandibe Safari Lodge is elegant and polished, with every detail carefully considered to provide a luxurious safari experience. The lodge’s design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, with high-end furnishings, and upscale amenities that provide a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere. While the lodge maintains a connection to the wilderness, the refined atmosphere may not appeal to those seeking a more rustic or laid-back safari experience over something this high-end.

The staff at Sandibe are attentive and professional, providing exceptional service that is designed to meet the needs of each guest. Overall, the atmosphere at Sandibe is one of refinement and luxury, providing a unique and unforgettable safari experience.

It’s worth noting that Sandibe Safari Lodge is a high-end, luxury safari experience and is priced accordingly. While the lodge’s amenities, service, and cuisine are exceptional, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be within everyone’s budget. However, for those who are willing to invest in a truly remarkable safari experience, Sandibe is a fantastic choice.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a super luxe, design-led safari accommodation that feels more like a hotel and restaurant than a traditional lodge, Sandibe is certainly for you. But, if you prefer a slightly more rustic place to rest your head after an incredible day of wildlife spotting, I would recommend taking a look at other Botswana lodges.

Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

Review: andBeyondSandibe Safari Lodge, Botswana

Ever since my first safari in Kruger National Park four years ago, I’ve been looking for new wildlife experiences. I’m always yruing to match the excitement and anticipation that comes with viewing animals in the wild.  So I was beyond excited when I found myself travelling to Botswana to visit Sandibe safari lodge in the Okavango Delta.

So when I began writing my 2018 travel itinerary and the destinations I wanted to tick off this year, I was quick to place Botswana on the top of my list for a unique safari experience in the Okavango Delta. However as is usually the case with any new country I visit, I have found myself planning subsequent trips almost right away, learning that there is much more to discover in Botswana beyond the Delta, yet after a week of adventuring these landscapes, I feel as if it was a good place to start!

Arriving in Sandibe Safari Lodge

Flying to Sandibe will introduce you to the landscapes of Botswana before you even touch the ground. From Johannesburg it is approximately a 90-minute journey direct to Maun, the nearest city for international flights arriving from outside of Botswana. From there it is a short 15 minute flight to the lodge with Mack Air, who fly a range of small planes throughout the region and provide some of the best views of the entire trip from above.

After landing at the airstrip (Chitobe), my safari guide Jonas and his tracker Sama whisked me away in a safari jeep and the adventure was underway. Within minutes we encountered two lions and my guide began telling me about the resident leopard nearby, though after thirty hours of flying I was eager to reach the lodge and leave the wildlife for a new day.

I was greeted by a small group of the team at Sandibe who would be looking after me throughout my stay. My butler (yep, even in the bush!), Katherine, was always on hand to provide in-room coffee at 5:00am in the morning prior to game drives and would regularly check in to see if there was anything she could assist with. After a brief check-in (so brief I could hardly call it one), I was introduced to the common areas (dining area, bar, gym) and promptly taken to my room to settle in and rest before a huuuge week of adventures.

Around the Lodge

Sandibe safari lodge is designed to emulate the shape of a pangolin’s body armour, with overlapping scales and a grand structure that makes this lodge so iconic and unique to other lodges in the area. Situated adjacent to the Morebi Game Reserve, game drives are frequently met with big five sightings, as well as plenty of zebra, an abundance of giraffe, and my new favourite: baby warthogs!

Each night dinner is served in a new location, ranging from the deck to the common dining area, to the boma, or if you would prefer, in the privacy of your room. On one day of my visit the rains settled in, as did I, with a new book I picked up in the Johannesburg airport and made a day out of wildlife watching from the comfort of my room.

For my visit I checked in to room number 9, located just after the “leopard tree”, which is said to be a favoured tree by a resident leopard who thankfully I didn’t run into on my visit. Each room is kitted out with all the modcons you probably wouldn’t come to expect from a lodge in complete isolation: from in-room wi-fi to a private plunge pool, unlimited mini-bar and everything in between. Each room has its own spacious deck area with multiple places to kick back and relax, as well as an outdoor shower facing wide open views.

The Safari Experience

My guide and tracker were eager to show me as many different animals as possible throughout my stay, though due to the rain, it was only on our last day that they began to reveal themselves. From leopards to cheetahs, lions, giraffe, zebras, buffalo, and everything in between, I was left with only one animal I didn’t get to see from my three nights at Sandibe (though I would later discover wild dogs at my next stop: Nxabega tented camp!)

The Botswana safari experience would have to be the most authentic I have experienced thus far. With no fences in place to alter the natural movements of the animals, it feels more real. For some time this country has understood the value and importance of wildlife conservation, so it was rewarding to hear they have successfully eradicated poaching and made tourism one of the main focuses for the economy (the first being diamonds).

If you are seeking a first-time safari experience you certainly could do no better than to visit Botswana, however I believe it is so different to the landscapes of South Africa or those on offer in East Africa that it provides a completely different experience to anywhere else. The wet season is said to provide a different experience yet again, with much of the landscape being covered in water and safari drives subsequently becoming even more of an adventure!

Thank you to AndBeyond for inviting me to experience Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in Botswana. All views and photos are my own, based on an incredible experience I would highly recommend! 

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Bordering moremi game reserve, okavango delta, botswana.

• From: USD 780

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Located in the heart of the Delta , on the edge of a waterway, is the stunning andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge . Situated on a diverse, wildlife-rich, private concession, Sandibe has exclusive traversing rights over a vast 22,500 hectares of wildlife land bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.

The inspired organic design of the lodge melts into the surrounding forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees. Trees will shade you as you approach the lodge; an intriguing curl and sweep of shingled wood come into view, resembling a giant scaled pangolin at rest. The stairs open onto the high ceilings of the copper-toned and glassless guest area overlooking the Delta. From the central dining area, the wooden deck stretches beyond the roof, while the upstairs bar and lounge extend along an elevated walkway to a viewing platform.

The main area features a series of decks that descend to the forest floor culminating in a log boma, with a small gym and private massage sala close by. Interior finishes throughout showcase the craftsmanship of Botswana’s artisans, and feature intricate basket ware, sculpted wooden tables and unique feature pieces. While the main guest area is set within the forest, the twelve guest suites peep out from beneath its canopy. Raised above the papyrus-lined banks like golden weaver nests, each is a cocoon of privacy, with breathtaking views, a private plunge pool and a cosy fireplace.

Each suite looks over the Santantadibe Channel and golden reed beds. Large wooden and mesh sliding doors open onto a private multi-level deck, with a seating area, daybed, outdoor shower and rim-flow plunge pool. Enjoy king-size or twin beds, serving hatch, well-stocked personal bar, walk-in wardrobe, open-plan lounge area and ensuite bathroom.

The Family Suite

The spacious family suite comprises two suites with a covered interleading walkway. Enjoy a king-size or twin beds, ensuite bathroom, serving hatch, personal bar, walk-in wardrobe and open-plan lounge area. Large wooden sliding doors open onto a private multi-level deck, with a seating area, daybed, outdoor shower and rim-flow plunge pool.

WILDchild programme

andBeyond’s WILDchild programme , designed especially for children visiting the andBeyond safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family but forges strong bonds between young guests, the planet and its people.

Guided Walking Safaris Tread in the tracks of the Delta wildlife, breathe in the scent of crushed wild grasses, and feel your senses come alive.

Discover the complexities of tracking, how every bent blade of grass and imprint in the soil has a meaning; observe how your guide interprets the signs and sounds of the bush; smell and taste wild herbs, as your guide explains their traditional uses; explore the small miracles of the bush, from the magnificent tapestry of a spider’s web to the microscopic world of the dung beetle.

Listen for the alarm call of the grey go-away bird; watch for the iridescent flight-sparkle of the lilac-breasted roller, or use your Swarovski Optik binoculars to zoom in on the dark shape of a brown snake eagle perched regally on the high branches of a dead tree. Look out for the bright red bill of a grey-headed kingfisher, as it perches silently on a branch watching the ground for insects or small lizards.

This is a dynamic experience guaranteed to captivate and engage all your senses.

About the Okavango Delta

The largest inland delta in the world, the Okavango Delta is the most unexpected wonder – water present in a desert. The broad Okavango River sinks into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush and waterlogged oasis with crystal clear lagoons and channels, reeded islands and fertile floodplains. Dubbed “the river that never finds the sea”, this magical oasis spreads over more than 15 500 km² (almost 6 000 square miles) and yet is so fragile that, if it were denied water for even a decade, it would revert to a semi-desert.

This breath-taking environment constantly adapts and changes with the ebb and flow of the floodwaters that seasonally inundate large portions of the Delta. Although dry for two-thirds of the year, during the winter months the rising floodwaters create a maze of marshes, small wooded islands and shallow lagoons. Water lilies and other aquatic plants flourish in the shallow water, while water birds inhabit the banks of papyrus. As relatively little water can be found elsewhere during this time, the wildlife is drawn to the clear waters of the Delta.

On the edges of the Delta, where land blurs with water, breeding herds of elephant splash gently through shallow channels, the long necks of a family of giraffe materialise slowly out of the Delta skyline and graceful sitatunga antelope hide in the reeds. It is a place where you can wonder at the antics of wild dog in the morning and cast a line for tiger fish in the afternoon, wake in the dappled shade of a forest and enjoy dinner beneath the boughs of a massive baobab at full moon.

Beautiful little reed frogs cling to the water grasses and a variety of incredible bird species make their appearance, from jewelled kingfishers and bee-eaters to ponderous herons and cranes and solemn-looking owls. Red lechwe scamper through the shallows and wild cat, serval and pangolin can be spotted at night, when the moon reflects off the backs of a family of hippo coming out of the water to graze, turning them into slabs of shining silver.

Wildlife The Okavango Delta is home to a large number of species, including some that are specially adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, like the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga antelope. Lion prides, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered, while hippo resides in deeper channels and lagoons. Honey badgers are observed during daylight hours. Roan and sable antelope favour taller grass in open woodlands and families of dwarf and banded mongoose occupy large termite mounds.

Graceful giraffe, with their impossibly long necks, and herds of zebra can be encountered on the floodplains. Lion, as well as other predators, can also be found in the area, particularly in the drier areas. Although predominantly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopard occurs in the dense forest are the water’s edge. The sparkling channels teem with a variety of fish, while hundreds of bird species, frogs and insects inhabit the reeded banks.

• Name bordering Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Size 22,500 hectares

All ages welcome

• Air Conditioner
• Camp Unfenced
• Child Friendly
• Limited Cellphone Signal
• Malaria area
• Outside Shower
• Spa Treatments

Why We Love It

• Sandibe is part of the andBeyond Portfolio
• Activities: Land only
• Situated in a Private Concession
• All vehicles have Trackers & Guides
• Guests are able to enjoy exceptional game viewing situated on a diverse, wildlife-rich, private Big Five concession, the lodge has exclusive traversing rights over a vast 22,500 hectares of wildlife land bordering the Moremi Game Reserve . Enjoy iconic wildlife encounters on foot and from a vehicle.
• The game drive vehicles are customizable; enhancements include bucket seats, customisable seat configurations (a maximum of 6 guests), padded roll bars, charging points for cameras and equipment as well as camera bean bags on clamps.
• The lodge boasts a unique lodge design featuring a luxurious guest area which is a masterpiece, architecturally designed to resemble a giant scaled pangolin at rest, while each suite resembles the nest of a golden weaver.

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1 Family Suite

• Setting: Overlooking the delta
• Game Drives
• WILDchild Programme
• Spa Massages
• Guided Walking Safaris
• Photography
• Scenic Helicopter Flights

Children Game Drive Policy

6+ welcome on game drives

Guests per Safari Vehicle

• Per person per night sharing
• From USD 780
• Rules Bookable within 21 days of travel
• Normal selling rate USD 2,680
• Save up to save 71%
• Prices are indicative. Please contact us for a comprehensive quotation.

Rates Include

• Luxury accommodation in a Suite
• Selected local beverages
• Scheduled activities
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip

Closest Airport

Maun Airport

15-minute light aircraft flight from Maun to Chitabe Airstrip

1-hour drive from Chitabe Airstrip to Sandibe

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andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Botswana

• All rates quoted are per person per night sharing
• Please chat to one of our Game Lodge experts for the single accommodation & child rates
• A number of our rates quoted are based on specials for SADC Residents
• All rates quoted are based on a minimum stay of two nights
• Any applicable Conservation Levies & Park Fees will be quoted as an additional amount and are subject to change
• When we specify ‘Off Road’, this applies to Big 5 sightings only
• Please note, childminding is generally at an additional cost

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• 10 nights Fly-In Safari Makgadikgadi & Okavango

Accommodation Inspired by one of the Okavango Delta’s most secretive inhabitants, the guest areas of Sandibe Safari Lodge rise out of the trees clad in a wooden skin of shingles and timber that mirrors the pangolin’s body armour of overlapping scales.

Sandibe has 12 suites, two of them connected to form a family suite. All are elevated to maximise the views over the permanent Santantadibe Channel and tall reed beds. Like the main area, these new suites are decorated in light wooden tones, and they are vast.

Each has an open-plan lounge area with air conditioning for hot summer days, and a free-standing fireplace for chilly evenings. There's a comfortable leather 'beanbag' sofa, a polished tree-stump for a coffee table, a well-stocked minibar, and a discreet hatch where staff outside can put your tray of morning tea/coffee ready for you to grab it from the comfort of your enormous king-size bed, covered by a walk-in mosquito net.

Large wooden sliding doors at the front of the bedroom can be opened up completely onto a private multi-level wooden deck. Here you'll find a rim-flow plunge pool, a sala area, an outdoor shower and a daybed.

Location Sandibe Safari Lodge is located on a private concession in the magnificent Okavango Delta. The Sandibe concession is bordering the Chitabe concession and the two camps are sharing the same airstrip.

Sandibe Safari Lodge is only accessible by light aircraft. The camp is situated approx. 30 minutes drive from Chitabe Airstrip. Flight time to Maun in a Cessna Caravan is 30 minutes, and 1 hour 30 minutes to Kasane.

Wildlife The private concession around Sandibe has an impressive track record for game viewing. The lodge offers some of the best wildlife sightings in the Delta.

Animals that can be encountred are lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, hippo, elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and hyeana.

Activities Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, guided walks. No water activities.

Because the camp is located in a private concession, night driving with a searchlight and off-road driving for special animal observation is allowed. Close-up shots are guaranteed.

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

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Walk in the footsteps of elephants at this superb lodge in the Delta.

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About &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Sandibe is far from your traditional-style safari camp. Hand-crafted from local wood and reed, the main area was inspired by the scaled body of a pangolin and the private suites are evocative of a weaver bird's nest. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide mesmerising views of the Delta, which can be accessed throughout the year despite rising water. If you're looking for the best in Delta viewing and a luxurious and intimate base camp with all the trimmings, Sandibe is calling.

From $ 1,980 person/night

Central Okavango, Okavango Delta, Botswana

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What you'll love

The sense of remote, untouched wilderness where few other vehicles share the concession and you'll have most sightings to yourself.

Insiders tip

For the ultimate thrill, take to the skies in a helicopter to see the central Okavango in all its glory.

Something to think about

Sandibe values exclusivity over a communal feel, which may feel foreign to some safari purists.

The property

The grand roof of the main lodge, its surface covered in overlapping shingles, curves upwards towards the treetops to create an impressive central structure. Inside, all is a fusion of airy space, comfort and stylish sophistication. With leather sofas in the lounge area and a vast and inviting bar it is a pleasure to hang around here. Tucked away in a secluded spot is the massage sala, where guests can unwind between safaris.

Their construction inspired by the delicate nests of weavers, the 12 charming suites are built on stilts and hidden among wild palms and fig trees. Every detail has been carefully crafted, even a crocodile etched onto the leather sofa gives a subtle nod to the surroundings. The impression is one of natural elements blended with a stylish twist. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom plus an outdoor shower (with a Delta view), a private plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace.

Game drives into the floodplains and stands of papyrus are conducted in the morning and late afternoon, when your guide may stay out after sunset to seek out the more elusive nocturnal animals and predators on the hunt. Walking safaris are also on offer here and the routes near to camp are exceptional. For the ultimate thrill, you can organise a scenic helicopter flight, taking in all the wonders of the Okavango from the air.

About Central Okavango

Central Okavango

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Andbeyond Sandibe Camp

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Map of Sandibe

Where to stay in the okavango delta, some of our favourites, talk to one of our experts, map of botswana.

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Set in an ebony forest to the northwest of the Chitabe Concession in the remarkable Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, AndBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is an unusual and very high-end designer property, with guest accommodation in 8 suites and offering a wide range of well guided wet and dry safari activities. Air-conditioning. Minimum child age 12 (6 with private vehicle).

AndBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is located in the Okavango Chitabe Concession.

AndBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is located in the Chitabe Concession in the Okavango Delta area of northern Botswana.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a remarkable wetland formed by the miraculous arrival of floodwaters from the distant highlands of Angola into the heart of the Kalahari Desert during the start of the May-Oct dry season.

These waters naturally act as a magnet for wildlife, making this one of the very best safari areas in Africa.

The Chitabe Concession

At around 250 square kilometres, the Okavango Chitabe Concession is an excellent private safari area, an utterly pristine wilderness where wildlife viewing tends to be at its peak during the Jun-Oct dry season.

The concession is restricted to around 42 guests in five small camps, around 6 square kilometres per person, which is a reasonably low guest density. 

This private concession is an utterly pristine wilderness, free from all signs of humanity other than these small-scale safari operations and where you are free to explore unhindered by the strict regulations and often chronic vehicle traffic of the national parks. 

Although there is water in the greater area, notably in the Gomoti River to the northeast and the Santantadibe River to the southeast, the core of this concession is relatively dry, with an unusual amount of dry mopane woodlands and acacia forests, separated by relatively small open savannah plains, dotted with islands of beautiful ilala palms.

The camps therefore tend to focus more on land-based safari activities, an approach which usually leads to very strong wildlife sightings, especially predators. The small patches of open grassland are particularly good for impala and consequently leopards, which are particularly high on the agenda. The area also has a reputation for unusual sightings such as honey-badgers and aardwolves.

The wildlife viewing tends to be at its peak during the Jun-Oct dry season. At the start of the green season, Oct-Dec, the area can become a real epicentre for wildlife activity, with the convergence of big herds of herbivores. This appears to coincide with rainfall on areas of burned grasslands, bringing forth new growth, but such events are naturally difficult to predict.

Set in an ebony forest to the northwest of the Chitabe Concession in the remarkable Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, AndBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is an unusual and very high-end designer property, with guest accommodation in 8 suites and offering a wide range of well guided wet and dry safari activities.

Getting there

The camp can only be accessed by light aircraft into the nearby Chitabe Airstrip, which has daily flight connections with all other camps in Okavango, Linyanti, the main airport at Maun (for connections to Central Kalahari, Nxai, Makgadikgadi and Johannesburg) and north to Kasane (for connections to Livingstone and Victoria Falls).

From the airstrip it is a drive of around 30 minutes to the camp, through some varied landscapes with good chances of some early animal sightings.

We usually include all connecting transport as part of your trip unless  you specifically ask us not to.

The lodge is centred on a striking main building.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is owned by AndBeyond, one of the premium safari operators in Africa.

Originally from South Africa, the company portfolio now also includes lodges in Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya. AndBeyond are renowned for their lavish lodges, professional hosting and excellent safari guiding. Although they offer very high levels of comfort, their lodges also retain a good deal of safari authenticity and intimate contact with the bush.

Their properties include ...

Botswana : Chobe : Chobe Under Canvas Botswana : Chobe : Savute Under Canvas Botswana : Okavango Delta : Nxabega Camp Botswana : Okavango Delta : Sandibe Camp Botswana : Okavango Delta : Xaranna Camp Botswana : Okavango Delta : Xudum Lodge Kenya : Maasai Mara : Bateleur Camp Kenya : Maasai Mara : Kichwa Tembo Camp Mozambique : Bazaruto : Benguerra Island Lodge Mozambique : Cabo Delgado : Vamizi Island South Africa : Kruger : Sabi Sand : Kirkmans Kamp South Africa : Kruger : Sabi Sand : Tengile River Lodge South Africa : Kruger : Timbavati : Ngala Safari Lodge South Africa : Kruger : Timbavati : Ngala Tented Camp South Africa : Phinda : Phinda Forest Lodge South Africa : Phinda : Phinda Mountain Lodge South Africa : Phinda : Phinda Rock Lodge South Africa : Phinda : Phinda Vlei Lodge Tanzania : Ngorongoro : Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Tanzania : Serengeti : Grumeti Tented Camp Tanzania : Serengeti : Klein's Camp Tanzania : Serengeti : Serengeti Under Canvas Tanzania : Zanzibar : Mnemba Island Lodge ​​​​​​​Zimbabwe : Victoria Falls : Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is commonly combined with others from the same stable. We generally prefer to mix it up a little and combine lodges of different ownership, since that tends to provide a much broader range of experiences. However there can be major camp combination discounts which sometimes steer us back in the other direction.

Lodge notes

This is a is one of the most interesting designs in Africa. It apparently draws inspiration from the scales of a pangolin, a famously elusive type of anteater that is occasionally sighted in these parts. The curved main building contains very stylish lounge and dining areas, with an indoor stove type campfire. There is a separate spa building set to one side.

Guest accommodation is in eight lavish suites, also in that characteristic pangolin design and with broad terraces including a private plunge pool. Unusually the rooms are fitted with air-con. Each room also has its own private butler to tend to your every need.

Wildlife in camp

One aspect we always appreciate is the amount of wildlife that can come into camp. The most obvious animals here are the vervet monkeys that raid the dining room from their perches in the trees above and the elephants which regularly saunter through in search of the tasty seed-pods which drop from the trees.

Staff and service levels

The staff members at this particular camp are regularly praised by guests, who commonly comment that they have been very much been felt to feel "part of the family". Each group of guests is allocated a specific member of staff to act as your butler. There is also a visiting massage service available.

Dining options

The food service at Sandibe Safari Lodge is extremely high quality.

Meals are usually served at separate tables in conventional restaurant style, either in the main dining room or out by the campfire.

Bush meals, picnics and sundowners are also a possibility.

Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and other variations should not be a problem, so long as you let us know at the time of booking.

Daily routine

The following times are typical of the Jun-Oct dry season and may move by and hour or so during the slightly longer days during the converse time of year ...

05.00hrs : Wake-up call with hot drinks delivered to your room, sometimes accompanied by a gentle song.

06.00hrs : A light buffet breakfast in the main dining room

06.30hrs : Start of the morning safari activity.

09.00hrs : Break for drinks and snacks.

11.00hrs : A full cooked brunch is taken, usually back at the main lodge at a shared table hosted by the managers and guides.

15.30hrs : After a few hours of leisure around the camp, afternoon tea and snacks are served on the terrace outside the main dining room.

16.00hrs : Start of afternoon safari activity.

18.00hrs : Towards last light the safari will usually break at a suitable scenic spot at which sundowner drinks and snacks are served.

19.00hrs : Return to camp.

19.30hrs : Drinks around the campfire.

20.00hrs : Dinner is served in any of a number of locations around the camp, again hosted as a shared table and often accompanied by an enthusiastic performance by the staff choir. Occasionally dinner is served in a remote location out by a waterhole in the bush, romantically surrounded by dozens of lanterns.

Power and connectivity

The property has a solar power and battery system, so high current items such as hair-dryers cannot be used.

There are power outlets in the rooms for charging of electronic equipment, with South African standard three large circular pin format (type M). Adaptors are usually available, but it is always worth bringing your own, in which case we recommend buying them in advance rather than trying to get them at the airport on the way, since they often run out.

WiFi is available in main areas (which is rather unfortunate, the concensus in the safari world is that it should be in the rooms only). Connection speeds are likely to be slow and could be intermittent.

There may be some limited mobile phone signal in this location.

Child policy

The minimum child age at this property is 12 years.

Children 6-11 are accepted but a private safari vehicle has to be booked at significant additional cost. Younger children can only be accommodated with a whole camp booking.

The property is not specifically geared up for children, is unfenced and could be potentially very dangerous, mainly due to wild animals. Adult supervision is essential at all times.

Although the staff and guides will naturally try to tailor the experience to suit all guests, there are no special facilities for children, who are obliged to behave with due consideration for other guests.

There may be higher age limits on certain more risky activities.

Tipping guide

In Africa tipping is definitely not obligatory, but it is commonplace. If you feel that the service provided has been excellent, then you may consider giving tips as follows ...

Lead guide : USD 10 per guest per day Assistant guide or tracker : USD 5 per guest per day Camp staff : USD 5 per guest per day

Staff understand that guests of different nationalities come very different tipping cultures and adjust their expectations accordingly, so you really should tip as you feel comfortable.

Tips are usually given in cash, preferably in the currencies listed below. Where card payments are accepted, then it is often possible to settle tips by bank card.

Any extra payments can be made on some common cards or in cash USD, EUR, GBP and BWP (Botswana Pula). There are no currency exchange facilities.

There is also a separate gym and spa facility.

Guest accommodation is in eight lavish Suites, each with air-conditioning, butler service and plunge pool.

Activities include vehicle safari, walking safari and night vehicle safari.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge offers a range of guided activities ...

Vehicle safari

Vehicle safari is usually the best method for viewing wildlife in the bush. The majority of your up-close animal experiences are likely to come about in this way, since the animals are quite habituated to the presence of vehicles and do not feel threatened.

The density of lions and leopards here can be truly exceptional, cheetahs, wild-dogs, aardwolves and honey-badgers tend to be less frequently seen, but they are around.

Other animals include elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, sables, roans, reedbucks, bushbucks, lechwes, kudus, impalas, warthogs and baboons.

Throughout the May-Oct dry season we would expect very strong animal sightings, especially given the quality of the safari guiding.

One thing we really appreciate is that the vehicles here are manned by a head-guide in the driving seat and a spotter seated on a small chair out front. There is no doubt that this arrangement makes finding wildlife a whole lot easier and it really annoys us that the majority of camps have scrapped their spotters.

The camp guarantees a maximum of six guests per vehicle, in three rows, so no one gets stuck in the middle seats.

Night vehicle safari

On a night vehicle safari a guide or specialist spotter uses high-powered torches to find  animals.

It is a good chance to see some of the nocturnal animals in the area, including bush-babies, genets, civets and porcupines.

If you are lucky, then you may catch up with lions, hyenas or leopards out hunting, which can be a truly extraordinary experience.

At this particular camp, night safari is usually only operated only for an hour or so on the way back to camp from sundowner drinks.

We would usually prefer to do a proper night drive after dinner, since we believe that this delivers a much better chance of properly following hunts, we expect that the guides will be willing to do this if you ask.

Do bear in mind that a proper night drive can be a real hit or miss affair, they can be incredible, but they can also be incredibly tiresome. It's a gamble.

Walking safari

Walking safari in this particular area tends to be quite a gentle affair, the chance to get out on foot in the company of an armed guide and get a little bit of exercise.

We do not expect these walks to include deliberate approaches to potentially dangerous wildlife such as elephants and lions, which are rarely done in  Botswana. For serious high adrenaline walking safari you generally need to head to the specialist camps of Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Instead, the walk here tend to concentrate much more on the lesser flora and fauna, as well as the chance to learn a little bit about tracking and other bush skills.

The primary activity is vehicle safari, by day and night.

The best time of year is the May-Sep dry season, although there are reasons to visit during other months.

The main potential downsides are the extremely high prices, the relatively limited range of safari activities and weaker wildlife viewing  during Nov-Apr green season.

AndBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, like all properties, has a long list of potential downsides. Please do not be unnecessarily put off by this section. Our only intention in raising these issues is to ensure that you get to the best and most appropriate places and that your expectations are met and hopefully exceeded ...

High prices

The main problem with this property from most people's perspective are the high prices during the main Jul-Oct safari season.

The camps out in the prime Okavango Delta private concession areas are inherently pricey due to the complicated logistics and the tiny number of guests that the government permits to stay on each concession. Conservation needs to pay for itself in Africa and this is the price that needs to be paid to keep these wonderful areas under full protection.

Relative to other properties in this area, it is certainly towards the top end of the range. There is little disputing the quality here, but there is a very significant premium to pay for the privilege.

Rates at other times of year may be considerably lower, so that may be worth considering, although the wildlife viewing does become more challenging. Check the seasonality section above for more details.

It is worth noting that there are sometimes long stay discounts available, as well as discounts for combining with other camps under the same ownership. Please ask us for more information.

Lack of availability

The next problem is the lack of availability. These premium Okavango camps are heavily over-demanded during the main safari season Jun-Oct season, it really is best to book a year ahead if you possibly can.

No wet safari options

There are no water-based activities here, which is unusual in the Okavango Delta and can make the place feel relatively one dimensional. This is easily overcome by combining it in trips with other wetter camps.

Weaker green season wildlife

During the Nov-Apr green season the wildlife viewing in this area is likely to be considerably weaker, as the rains fill seasonal pans in the hinterland, enabling the high dry season concentrations of animals to disperse.

The price of the camp is considerably reduced during this time by way of compensation and the experience here can still be strong, with the bush being full of flowers and baby animals.

There are also much lower guest occupancy rates, so the camp experience can be more intimate and the service more tailor-made.

But the core wildlife interaction is likely to be significantly reduced.

Adverse weather

There is the potential for significant rainfall during the Nov-Apr period, usually centred on Jan-Feb, which can really hamper safari activities.

There can also be extremely high temperatures during Oct-Dec, which is known locally as the Suicide Season for that reason. The presence of air-conditioning in the rooms should go a really long way to alleviating this issue.

The very low temperatures at night during May-Jul tend to be much less of an issue, although night vehicle safari can become wretched and getting out of bed early in the morning quite a challenge.

Shared safari

In common with most other camps in this region, separate groups of guests are often obliged to join together when out on safari. This is not necessarily a negative, sometimes it can be a great chance to get to meet some very interesting people and the best camp managers usually work hard to ensure guest compatibility. But some guests do find it to be a considerable negative.

The issue can be officially side-stepped by paying a private safari supplement, but this bumps the cost considerably.

Gentle safari activities

Some people may find that the approach to safari on this concession can be a little bit too gentle, with excursions usually being operated as relatively short morning and afternoon activities, with a long lunch and siesta back in camp in between.

Guides seem to rarely volunteer full day activities, longer walks with pack lunches for example, although they have always managed to accommodate our wishes when we have asked. We would certainly encourage you to request for longer safaris if you wish, there is no harm in asking.

Low cultural interaction

In common with virtually all safari camps in this part of Botswana, guests are likely to encounter very low cultural interaction.

This is a pure wilderness experience, flying in and out of remote bush airstrips, so you don't get to see or visit local villages and get to meet local people.

Having said that, it is always a delight to meet and mix with the camp staff, who are often keen to share aspects of their culture with songs, dances and stories.

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