Sable Alley | Okavango Delta One Of Botswana’s Best Safari Lodges

As we step out from under the thatched eaves of Botswana’s Sable Alley, we inadvertently startle a small group of red lechwe antelope, which power away through the shallow water. An old bull elephant, in contrast, barely pauses from the rhythmic transfer of water plants into his mouth. The splashing fades; peace is restored. We feel contentment wash over us. To our left and right, the treeline extends along the edge of the lagoon with guest tents nestled beneath the jackalberry and mangosteen trees. The guide who met our light aircraft at the airstrip points out a pied kingfisher hovering over an open stretch of water, and then I allow my eyes to wander where they will. The landscape is very level, but there is no shortage of points of interest, from the termite-mound islands to the white daylilies just beneath us (the water reaches to the foot of the poles supporting the deck).

We’re both struck by the clean lines and uncluttered style of our Sable Alley tent. The palette is mostly neutral shades so that nothing distracts from the beauty of the scene outside, and the almost constant parade of animals and birds crossing our line of sight. A snatch of birdsong breaks the silence, and I realise that my phone has not pinged or beeped since we left Maun. Glancing at the screen, I see I’m bereft of signal and any kind of Wi-Fi. Gladly, I toss the now useless device onto the bed (when we return later, it’s been placed carefully on the bedside table, and its impression smoothed away). I make a mental note to ask where the water-lily-pattern cushions are from, and follow my partner to the en-suite bathroom. We’ve already learned that everything in our tent is solar-powered, but as I open the taps to wash the journey from my face and hands I’m still surprised when the hot water arrives instantaneously.

Sable Alley conveys a real sense of sanctuary. The chance to see further, breathe deeper and genuinely relax is a rare treat, but here it’s just another moment in the day. The setting is quintessentially Okavango, straddling as it does both land and lagoon, wet and dry – the yin and yang of the delta. The beauty of its setting is not the only important factor in Sable Alley’s geography. Being sited in the 200,000ha Khwai Private Reserve, this safari lodge’s neighbours include not just the wildlife we’ve come to see, but also local communities who benefit from ecotourism through a partnership approach that provides employment and a meaningful say in how this sanctuary is managed. We’re delighted to learn that most of the staff who are looking after us, including our eagle-eyed guide, are from the immediate area. In other words, we’ll be able to benefit from their local knowledge when it comes to making the most of our time here.

• Luxury tented camp with a line of sumptuous safari tents (12 in all, of which two are family units) stretching each side of the main thatched area. It has a lounge, bar, firepit and pool, all enjoying the same harmonious lagoon and floodplain views, across the unfenced boundary with Moremi Game Reserve.
• Beautiful location in the Okavango Delta, private concession, private airstrip, private vehicles available (additional cost) and private dining available.
• Game drives, mokoro and boat excursions (seasonal), guided walking safaris, Skybeds sleep outs, sundowners and watching wildlife from a hide.
• Children aged six and over are welcome. Each of the two family tents consists of two discrete units connected by a private boardwalk and sleep up to two adults and two children.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.