Sandibe Okavango | Best Botswana Safari Lodges

The place

From the window of our plane, we can see where the Kalahari Desert merges with the floodplains of the Okavango Delta; crystal-clear waterways and wetlands spreading out across the thirsty Kalahari basin. It feels surreal to be here at last – one of the only inland river deltas in the world. Back on terra firma, we drive through the 22,500ha concession that Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is situated in. As we reach a forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees, we spot the beautiful safari lodge, cleverly designed to blend seamlessly with this compelling landscape. After a refreshing welcome drink in the cathedral-like main lodge, which is open on its sides so we don’t miss a second of the stunning views, we’re guided to one of the 12 guest suites set against the shimmering waters of the delta.

From the window of our plane, we can see where the Kalahari Desert merges with the floodplains of the Okavango Delta; crystal-clear waterways and wetlands spreading out across the thirsty Kalahari basin. It feels surreal to be here at last – one of the only inland river deltas in the world.

Back on terra firma, we drive through the 22,500ha concession that Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is situated in. As we reach a forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees, we spot the beautiful safari lodge, cleverly designed to blend seamlessly with this compelling landscape.

After a refreshing welcome drink in the cathedral-like main lodge, which is open on its sides so we don’t miss a second of the stunning views, we’re guided to one of the 12 guest suites set against the shimmering waters of the delta.

The room

Our suite nestles beneath the forest canopy at the water’s edge, clad in an armour of timber that mimics the overlapping scales of the pangolin – one of the delta’s most elusive inhabitants. As we walk inside, I immediately feel how cool its interior is; a curved wooden roof soars above us, letting in the clear African light. The cocoon-like space was inspired by the nests of weaver birds. Indeed, the enormous bed in its centre – set against sculpted wooden tables, copper-clad mekoro and earthy, rust-coloured hues – makes me feel like I too am nesting in the bush. The bird’s-eye views from here are unforgettable: infinite water, sky and abundant wildlife. I follow my partner out to the deck, which looks out into the endless horizons of the delta. Behind us are golden-hued floodplains bordered by verdant palm islands and, stretching futuristically to the skies, the spires of large termite mounds, home to mongoose. We’re delighted to have our own private plunge pool, and we intend to spend many happy afternoons cooling off in it while watching this serene landscape for visiting wildlife. But first, we decide to join the other guests for sundowners on the main lodge’s elevated deck, which looks out over a sea of papyrus.

Our suite nestles beneath the forest canopy at the water’s edge, clad in an armour of timber that mimics the overlapping scales of the pangolin – one of the delta’s most elusive inhabitants. As we walk inside, I immediately feel how cool its interior is; a curved wooden roof soars above us, letting in the clear African light.

The cocoon-like space was inspired by the nests of weaver birds. Indeed, the enormous bed in its centre – set against sculpted wooden tables, copper-clad mekoro and earthy, rust-coloured hues – makes me feel like I too am nesting in the bush. The bird’s-eye views from here are unforgettable: infinite water, sky and abundant wildlife.

I follow my partner out to the deck, which looks out into the endless horizons of the delta. Behind us are golden-hued floodplains bordered by verdant palm islands and, stretching futuristically to the skies, the spires of large termite mounds, home to mongoose.

We’re delighted to have our own private plunge pool, and we intend to spend many happy afternoons cooling off in it while watching this serene landscape for visiting wildlife. But first, we decide to join the other guests for sundowners on the main lodge’s elevated deck, which looks out over a sea of papyrus.

What sets it apart

I fell in love with Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge from its pictures, and while its design is certainly unique, it’s the extra touches that make it unlike anywhere else on earth. I especially love the numerous levels of decking, which give you different perspectives on the landscape. There also seem to be surprises at every turn, from the intimate massage sala to the many hidden nooks and crannies that suddenly open up to majestic views of the delta. The expert guiding, first-rate cuisine and attentive service didn’t feel skin deep, but rather as natural as our surroundings – an integral part of the lodge and the people who work there. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed chatting to the chefs in the interactive kitchen, learning a bit about them – or just shooting the breeze – as we picked out toppings for our pizzas. Finally, I was delighted to see for myself that the lodge is also wonderfully green. It actively conserves wildlife, supports the neighbouring communities, and does its best to limit the use of fossil fuels, opting for renewable energy (and recycling) where possible.

I fell in love with Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge from its pictures, and while its design is certainly unique, it’s the extra touches that make it unlike anywhere else on earth. I especially love the numerous levels of decking, which give you different perspectives on the landscape. There also seem to be surprises at every turn, from the intimate massage sala to the many hidden nooks and crannies that suddenly open up to majestic views of the delta.

The expert guiding, first-rate cuisine and attentive service didn’t feel skin deep, but rather as natural as our surroundings – an integral part of the lodge and the people who work there. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed chatting to the chefs in the interactive kitchen, learning a bit about them – or just shooting the breeze – as we picked out toppings for our pizzas.

Finally, I was delighted to see for myself that the lodge is also wonderfully green. It actively conserves wildlife, supports the neighbouring communities, and does its best to limit the use of fossil fuels, opting for renewable energy (and recycling) where possible.

At a glance

Luxury eco-lodge with 12 elevated suites (including one family suite), each with private plunge pool.
Private concession, World Heritage Site, private vehicles available (additional cost), individual dining and flexible schedules.
Game drives, walking safaris, spa treatments (additional cost), gym equipment, helicopter rides (additional cost), Tsodilo Hills half-day trip (additional cost) and cultural tours (additional cost).
Children welcome, with one family suite and triples available. Children’s programme and childminding available (additional cost). Some age restrictions on activities.

Luxury eco-lodge with 12 elevated suites (including one family suite), each with private plunge pool.
Private concession, World Heritage Site, private vehicles available (additional cost), individual dining and flexible schedules.
Game drives, walking safaris, spa treatments (additional cost), gym equipment, helicopter rides (additional cost), Tsodilo Hills half-day trip (additional cost) and cultural tours (additional cost).
Children welcome, with one family suite and triples available. Children’s programme and childminding available (additional cost). Some age restrictions on activities.

Prices

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.

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.