Architectural drama in the heart of the Okavango Delta
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge sits beside a permanent waterway on a wildlife-rich private concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Its position gives guests access to a broad mix of Delta habitats while the private-concession setting allows safari activities to continue beyond the restrictions of a national park.
The lodge is also one of Botswana’s most distinctive pieces of safari architecture. Its sweeping timber structure was inspired by a pangolin, while the guest suites take their cues from the nests of golden weaver birds. The design is striking, but importantly it never overwhelms the landscape around it.
The lodge
Sandibe has exclusive traversing rights across approximately 22,500 hectares of private wilderness. The main guest area rises through a canopy of palms and fig trees, opening towards the Delta through a largely glass-free design that keeps the environment constantly present.
Elevated decks lead between the dining area, lounge, bar and viewing spaces. Closer to ground level there is a boma, small gym and a dedicated massage sala.
Sustainability is built into the operation as well as the architecture, with a substantial proportion of the lodge’s energy supplied by solar power.
Accommodation
There are 12 air-conditioned suites, including a family suite connected by a covered interleading walkway.
Each suite is raised above the papyrus-lined landscape and has its own private plunge pool, fireplace and generous views across the Delta. The combination of privacy, air-conditioning and a personal pool makes Sandibe notably more polished than a traditional tented safari camp.
Children of all ages are welcomed, with childminders available on request and &Beyond’s WildChild programme providing activities for younger guests.
Safari experiences
Twice-daily game drives explore the private concession, with both daytime and after-dark wildlife viewing possible. Vehicles are configured with photography and comfort in mind, including individual-style seating arrangements, charging facilities and camera supports.
The varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife and the concession is particularly well suited to travellers who want a strong vehicle-based safari in the Okavango Delta.
Guided walking safaris provide a slower, ground-level interpretation of the landscape, focusing on tracks, plants, smaller species and the details easily missed from a vehicle.
Scenic helicopter flights can also be arranged, giving an exceptional aerial perspective of the channels, islands and floodplains that make up the Delta.
Dining and time at camp
Sandibe’s dining experience ranges from meals overlooking the landscape to informal interaction with the chefs in the lodge’s kitchen. The boma provides a more traditional open-air setting in the evening.
Between activities, guests can retreat to their private plunge pool, use the gym or arrange a treatment in the massage sala.
Good to know
Sandibe is particularly strong for travellers who want excellent safari access without giving up the comforts of a highly designed luxury lodge.
Access is normally by light aircraft from Maun to Chitabe airstrip followed by a game-drive transfer. Helicopter transfers are another option.
Highlights
- Private 22,500-hectare Okavango concession
- Bordering Moremi Game Reserve
- 12 air-conditioned suites including family accommodation
- Private plunge pool at every suite
- Day and night game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Scenic helicopter flights available
- Gym and massage sala
- Distinctive pangolin-inspired architecture
- Children of all ages welcomed
Why we like it
Sandibe manages to be visually spectacular without losing sight of why guests have come to Botswana. The architecture gives it a strong identity, but the real substance is the large private concession, flexible safari programme and ability to continue exploring after sunset.
Speak to Private Hideaway Escapes about including &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in a tailor-made Botswana safari.
