Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Completely rebuilt to combine spectacular design with exceptional wildlife adventures, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge re-opened its doors on 1 September 2014.

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.

Set in a cool forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees, this flagship lodge blends seamlessly with one of Africas most breath-taking landscapes. Behind the lodge, golden-grassed floodplains inhabited by a staggering variety of wildlife stretch into the distance, framed by lush palm islands and the spires of giant termite mounds. A channel of clear, cool waters runs directly in front of the elevated guest suites, offering unrestricted views over the shimmering beauty of the Delta.

At Sandibe Okavango , guests can awaken to the sound of animals, laugh at the antics of baboons and squirrels over breakfasts and tread in the footsteps of elephants as they walk the ancient paths that bisect the forest. Days are spent exploring a maze of papyrus and exploring the wide floodplains in search of wildlife. The lodges exceptional design creates a sense of space and grandeur where guests can revel in one of Africas most untouched landscapes, drinking in the serene beauty of the unique natural spectacle that lies right on their doorstep.

Why visit Us:
- Adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve, the lodge offers some of the most exceptional wildlife sightings in the Delta, which guests can enjoy on day and night safaris, as well as bush walks.
- The dazzling architectural design brings guests closer to the exceptional natural beauty of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The lodge is perfect for adventure-seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, first-time or repeat travellers, nature lovers, couples and families.
- Sandibe is situated on the edge of the Deltas permanent waterways, which means that the areas where game drives and walks take place always remain accessible, even when the Delta waters are at their highest.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: All year round
RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN: Offering a specially designed childrens programme and a family suite, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a great destination for a family safari
GUEST SAFETY: The lodge is not fenced off and we request that guests be extremely vigilant at all times
LODGE AMENITIES: 12 guest suites with private plunge pools and fire places, Safari Shop, private outdoor showers

Activities available:
- Guided walks
- Game drives
- Scenic helicopter flights available at an additional cost

Accommodation available :
Inspired by one of the Okavango Deltas most secretive inhabitants, the guest areas of Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge rise out of the trees clad in a wooden skin of shingles and timber that mirrors the pangolins body armour of overlapping scales. Organic and handmade, the lodge blends perfectly with its surroundings, becoming one with the Delta itself.

Stairs rising out of bower of trees lead into cool and spacious interior, ending on a terrace set just above ground level. A curved wooden roof soars high overhead, creating a grand and immense sense of scale. High interiors let in the clear African light and the endless Delta horizons, while an interactive kitchen tantalises guests with the fragrant aroma of spices at each mealtime. Warm and inviting, the vast expanse of the bar invites guests to linger over a sundowner drink or a morning cappuccino, enjoying spectacular views over a sea of papyrus from the elevated viewing deck. Descending to the shaded forest floor, a series of decks open out onto a lantern-lit boma formed from huge logs of descending size that mimic the tail bones of the pangolin.

Decorated in shades of copper and wood, intricately woven baskets abound throughout the guest areas, celebrating the arts and crafts of the Delta. The vast dining room is dominated by an immense table roughly carved from the root of an ironwood tree. Two large woven carpets duplicate the intricate patterns on the underneath of the areas beautiful water lilies.

Grand interiors open out onto even grander vistas and every nook and cranny opens out onto unparalleled Delta views, even the cosy and intimate massage sala.

While the main guest areas embrace the shelter of the Delta forest, the twelve elegant guest suites peep out from beneath its canopy, raised above the fringes of papyrus that line the Delta channels.

The suites organic design, complete with hand-woven exteriors, 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 waters edge.

Simple and organic, low-key dcor complements the natural lines of the exteriors. A casual crocodile-embossed leather sofa for two and a naturally beautiful side table made from a tree trunk create an aura of casual comfort. The giant king-sized bed looks out on spectacular Delta views from underneath a dazzling white mosquito net. The sounds of Africa lull and soothe when you come awake in the morning, as elephants splash in the water, baboons chatter and birds call in the trees. Outdoor showers cater for those who simply cannot tear themselves away from the views, while discrete butler hatches add an aura of intimacy.

Sparkling private plunge pools mirror the cool waters of the Delta channels, while two large day beds invite guests to daydream away the afternoon gazing at a tranquil vista of water and sky. Presided over by twinkling, starry skies and set to the chorus of an orchestra of frogs, private meals are served on the large, elevated deck. Back inside, a wood-burning fireplace creates the ideal spot for cosy winter nights filled with reflection on adventures to be lived.

Wildlife:
Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the Okavango Delta and the areas surrounding Sandibe Safari Lodge are home to a large number of species, including many predators, as well as a number of species adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Lion prides, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered, while families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons. The area supports the continents largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo, while roan and sable antelope roam the open woodlands.

While lion are commonly encountered in the area surrounding Sandibe, they are not the only predator found in the area. Although predominantly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopards are fairly common throughout the Okavango, particularly in dense riverine forest. The most secretive of the large cats, leopard prey on anything from medium-sized antelope to birds and rodents, and have even been known to eat fish stranded in shrinking pools as floodwaters recede.

Apart from the more commonly encountered predators, the Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, although sightings of this rare animal are relatively uncommon. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair, where each individual has a place in a strict social hierarchy. Greeting ceremonies between members of the pack precede the hunt, which generally takes place twice a day and involves the entire pack in an open chase that relies on the dogs stamina to run down their prey.