Why Visit the Okavango Delta?
In the heart of the country’s Kalahari Desert expanse is an unexpected oasis of lagoons, channels and islands known as the Okavango Delta. Fondly known as ‘the river that never finds the sea’, it is constantly adapting to the ebb and flow of the seasonal floodwaters in a truly miraculous natural spectacle. It’s little wonder that the Delta has been honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
The area is teeming with wildlife, with visitors spotting everything from lazy hippos to hardcore honey badgers in broad daylight. Africa’s famous lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs live alongside large herds of elephant and buffalo, and there are moments when visitors are surrounded by so much wildlife that they really don’t know where to look first.
Where to stay in the Okavango Delta
One of four exclusive &Beyond lodges in the area, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is situated in a private concession of over 20 000 hectares of wildlife sanctuary next to Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Set on the edge of the Delta’s permanent waterways, it enjoys exclusive rights to the area, and offers guests the most spectacular views of the Delta. Framed by a forest canopy and set amidst stretching golden floodplains, the lodge disappears into its wild surrounds.
Staying at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Twelve elegant raised suites perched amidst a canopy of trees offer intimate luxury accommodation, private plunge pools, cosy fireplaces and traditionally decorated interiors. Guest areas sport organic and handmade touches, and blend perfectly with the natural surrounds to become one with the magic of the Delta. An inviting bar serves morning cappuccinos or evening sundowners overlooking the Delta, an expansive viewing desk serves as the perfect wildlife viewing spot all day long, and a lantern-lit boma hosts festive communal meals prepared with characteristic African flair. The interactive kitchen offers a selection of local meats as well as artisanal breads and pizzas and other African-style comfort food.
What to Do at Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
The myriad wildlife can be seen on exclusive day and night game drives as well as interactive bush walks during the day. Expect to spot everything from elephant, lechwe and giant horned kudu to wild dogs, big cats, sitatunga, hippo and giraffe. Sandibe’s exclusive-use rights of the area combined with the rangers’ skillful and sensitive off-road practices make for unique close-up game sightings. For those looking for a completely unforgettable experience, a scenic helicopter flight will offer an unprecedented bird’s eye view of the Delta. For guests wanting to fully relax their bodies and minds, a selection of sensual massages can be enjoyed in the spectacular natural surrounds. There’s even a well-equipped gym for active visitors, and a children’s programme for the little ones.
No trip to Botswana is complete without a visit to the Delta, and there’s no doubt that Sandibe is the crème de la crème of places to stay in the area.
