Intimacy is guaranteed at the romantic Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge, an exclusive hideaway perched above the Boro River. Located in a private concession (N32) bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana. Every detail of the space has been crafted to foster romance and connection (no children under 16). From the star baths and sky beds found on each private deck to the camp’s elevated position on raised platforms high above the water. Named after the 19th century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, a pioneering spirit runs through the camp’s design. With its wide wooden walkways that connect the large communal areas and luxurious, stilted stand alone suites.
The extended decking of this papyrus fringed camp ushers in the Okavango Delta. This ensures guests feel fully part of this extraordinary wildlife rich ecosystem. Where desert meets wetland and wilderness meets luxury.
One of the finest places to experience the magic of this location is the swimming pool. The ideal spot to observe the varied wildlife present here. Watch hippos wallow at the edge of the lagoon. Or get to know one of the many elephants who live in the area.
Sustainability is not a feature but a foundation. Built from sustainably sourced Lunawood and raised on stilts, each structure is designed to touch the earth lightly and leave no trace. The design team repurposed timber from the original camp into new façades and furnishings. Ensuring a tangible continuity between past and present. Above the bar, ceilings handwoven by Daliwe artisans mimic the structure of termite mounds. While carved timber detailing draws from the texture of elephant skin. A tactile tribute to the wildlife that defines the region.
Every element of Baines’ Lodge has been crafted to enhance both guest experience and environmental integrity. Passive cooling and solar power reduce energy use without compromising comfort. While a minimal, consistent material palette ensures visual harmony across the camp.
Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge – a personal experience for each guest. Don’t forget to unmute to hear the audio and sounds of the bush.
Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge Accommodation
Stilted Suites x 6
The 6 x suites at Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge are luxurious, light and airy. Raised on stilts with curved terraces overlooking the Boro River and the Okavango Delta. Large windows flood the rooms with light and frame the endless Delta horizons. Equally divided into interior (61m2) and exterior (58m2) spaces, each suite comprises a bedroom, bathroom, lounge, and outdoor deck. Super king size beds are made up with high thread count linens and plush pillows. While en-suite bathrooms have a double rain shower, bath, double vanity unit, premium toiletries and bathrobes. All suites have an outdoor shower. Ceiling fans and mosquito nets create a vintage feel, but the vibe is modern boutique retreat.
Suite interiorRoom deck with sunken lounge and bath
In the spirit of indulgence, your bed can be wheeled onto the deck for a night under the stars. Or why not enjoy a celestial soak on your private viewing deck in the lavish star bath? Gazing at numerous hippopotamuses enjoying a dip of their own below.
Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge Activities
Set on a bend of the Boro River, the lodge places guests within easy reach of Moremi Game Reserve. While enjoying the benefits of a private concession: guided walking safaris, seasonal mokoro canoe excursions, motorboat explorations and night drives. Experiences not always permitted in national parks.
The game viewing around camp is thrilling. Water crossings are part of the adventure. Watching zebra standing belly deep grazing is a sight to see! Key wildlife include: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, impala, zebra, wild dog, hyena, and hippo. And over 400 bird species. Ensuring each stay is as thrilling as it is luxurious.
Game Drives
The Okavango Delta is a protected area that offers a peaceful haven for its abundant big cat and bird population ensuring that the animals can thrive without disturbance. Experience the region’s remarkable creatures up close with expert guides on game drives in open 4×4 vehicles. Looking for thrills? Note that night drives are seasonal and depend on water levels.
Lions
Walking Safaris
Explore the art of tracking under the guidance of their expert staff. In pursuit of the most elusive animals in the Okavango. The camp offers the unique opportunity to safely approach these creatures on foot. A thrilling activity if you’ve only ever observed wildlife from the vantage point of a safari vehicle. Learning about their behaviors, analyzing their paths, and experiencing the bush from their perspective. It’s truly an enlightening and unforgettable experience.
Mokoro And Motorized Boat Excursions
One of the finest ways to witness the wildlife in the Okavango Delta is from a locally made dugout canoe (mokoro). Float around the waterways and lagoons that make up the delta. Scouting for animals such as crocodiles. While enjoying a remarkable view of the plains game from a new and exciting perspective. The camp also offers motorized speed boats for use when the rivers are in flood. All water based activities are seasonal and dependent on the water levels of the delta.
Mokoro on the Delta channels
Generally mokoros are available from June to October. With motorized boating from February to September. But this can’t be guaranteed.
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Discover the breathtaking Okavango Delta from the air on a scenic helicopter flight. A fully personalized experience that showcases the untamed wilderness and diverse wildlife in widescreen. Soaring westward toward the permanent delta, the flights unveil areas unreachable by land or water. This reveals the vast expanse of the Okavango, its permanent waterways, palm islands, lagoons, sweeping floodplains, and remarkable game. With doors removed for unobstructed views, these flights offer exceptional photography opportunities. Guests are provided with headsets for constant communication with our very knowledgeable pilots. Ensuring a guided and informed experience. The timing is up to you. However, we recommend early morning or late afternoon flights for optimal lighting conditions. Please note that this activity incurs an additional cost.
A champagne stop is possible on any scenic flight from any Sanctuary Retreats camp. The pilot finds a deserted palm island halfway through the flight. Once on the ground, enjoy some champagne. While further information is given about the delta from your engaging pilot. An incredible moment mid-flight that offers a special touch.
Dining At Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge
Expect a remarkable culinary experience at Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge. Each of the expertly crafted meals is bursting with African spices and flavors. With dishes such as Baked Kingklip and chargrilled Eland on the menu, meals from the grill are sure to impress.
Start the day with a scrumptious continental breakfast and enjoy brunch in camp after your game drive. After afternoon game drives, unwind by the pool or enjoy a drink on your private viewing deck. Then reconvening at the main area for a three course plated dinner. As evening falls, gather in the vibrant lounge or around the boma, sipping freshly made cocktails from the bar. For those celebrating special occasions, a romantic private dinner by the pool can be arranged. Setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.
Light and tasty food on safari
Best time to Visit Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge
The Okavango Delta boasts a unique and ever changing climate. Offering diverse highlights for visitors in each season. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The green season usually begins in late November and lasts through early March. This season has hot sunny days. With occasional afternoon thundershowers cooling down the surrounding area. Average daily temperatures range from 20°C-38°C. The dry season runs from late May to early October. In winter (June–August) temperatures can plummet as low as 0°C at night. With a daily maximum of around 26°C-28°C.
The rains in Botswana come between December and April.
May to October (Dry Season / Flood Season)
The dry season brings mild temperatures and clear skies. The weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and wildlife congregates around the waterways. Game drives and mokoro excursions reveal an abundance of wildlife. Including elephants, lions, giraffes, and various bird species. Throughout these months, the Okavango Delta is transformed into a lush and vibrant ecosystem. The delta swells with floodwaters from Angola. Creating a breathtaking landscape teeming with life.
November to April (Wet Season / Green Season)
The delta experiences rainfall often coming in short showers in the afternoon. The landscape is lush and green. Attracting migratory birds. This means it is the best time for bird watching enthusiasts to witness a plethora of species. Experiencing a walking safari during this season allows visitors to appreciate the intricate beauty and biodiversity up close.
How to get to Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge
Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge has its own registered private airstrip. The driving journey to the camp from the airstrip will take approximately 45 minutes.
The camp is accessible by air from:
Maun (15 minutes)
Kasane (1 hour 30 minutes)
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp airstrip (10 minutes)
Helicopter transfers are private and direct. With a guaranteed window seat for potential wildlife sightings throughout. Guests are provided with headsets for constant communication with the very knowledgeable pilots. To make sure that they have a truly guided experience. This experience can accommodate all group sizes, including couples, families, friends, and larger groups traveling together.
Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge Accommodation Rates
The longer you stay, the less you pay
Stay 4-6 nights & save between 10% and 20%.
Stay 7+ nights & save between 15% and 25%.
Please note:
There is no supplement for single occupancy of a maximum of 3 x tents in the low season. Further single occupancy bookings in the low season are subject to a 50% single supplement.
Due to the room layout and open door access to the bathroom facilities, it is not recommended for a third adult to share at Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge.
Rates Include:
All meals
All drinks
Laundry
Emergency medical evacuation
Two daily shared game viewing activities. Including morning and evening game drives. And mokoro excursions, motorized boating, and walking safaris (seasonal)
Return transfers to and from the airstrip to the camp
Rates Exclude:
Additional activities include scenic helicopter flights over the Delta
Gratuities to driver / guides and staff
All items of a personal nature; telephone calls, travel insurance, and curio shop purchases
Private vehicle and guide
International and internal flights, landing fees
Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges
Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
All offers are subject to availability.
Okavango Delta Honeymoon Offer
Book at least 2 nights at Sanctuary Baines’ Lodge and one partner gets a 50% discount on accommodation. For a honeymoon safari like no other!
Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.
This special offer can be combined with the above long stay discount throughout Southern and Eastern Africa for even greater savings. Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Private Villa at Tambarare Camp.
Valid for travel within 6 months of marriage certificate.
Valid from 1st January – 31st December every year.
Stay 5 Pay 4 in Southern or Eastern Africa
Stay 5 nights across A&K Sanctuary safari lodges and camps in Southern and Eastern Africa and receive your 5th night free.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings but no other offers. Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp, Olonana Lodge and Villa at Tambarare Camp.
Fifth night is free if itinerary is five nights or more.
Single Supplement Offer
The single supplement for all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa is wavered.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May, and 1st September – 31st December every year.
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
This is in addition to the low season single supplement that is wavered.
Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Olonana Lodge, Private Villa at Tambarare Camp and Geoffrey Kent Suite at Chief’s Camp.
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