Sandibe Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta

About Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe is situated on the banks of the Santantadibe river in the Eastern Okavango delta, adjacent to Moremi reserve and 20km east of Chief's Island. Sandibe has traversing rights to private concession in 217 square kilometres with permanent water. Sandibe is a 15 minute flight from Maun to Chitabe airstrip, thereafter a 20-minute drive to the lodge - accessible only by air via Maun or Kasane. The lodge is situated under ancient riverine forest in deep shade overlooking a permanent papyrus waterway. The site is unfenced and escorts are available at all times to ensure safety on site.

The region is adjacent to permanent water and is characteristic of the delta seasonal floodplains. Vast ancient riverine forests of ebony, knobthorn and leadwood are characteristic of the river margins with extensive open grasslands, palm forests and acacia woodland in the drier areas. Exclusive access is possible to some 70 sq. kilometres comprising 6 broad ecotypes and associated bird, plant and animal species. As this is a wilderness area, game viewing is subject to seasonal movement of elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, and general game. (no rhino) Peak game viewing is July - October, with flood plains inundated from June - September/October.

The public area building faces into the sunset with three rooms to the north and five rooms to the south. All rooms are spaced for maximum privacy whilst still being within comfortable and safe walking distance from the public areas. Each of the eight rooms comprises sleeping area, dressing area behind the headboard, twin basin vanity, toilet, partly open shower, luggage bench and cupboard. All windows are insect gauze, no glass anywhere, to maximise views into the forest and over the floodplain. Each room has its own, comfortably accessible, elevated viewing deck. Limited triples can be accommodated on camp beds if required. A filtered plunge pool is secluded under shade near the public building. The rooms and public building reflect traditional African design, constructed in brick and plastered to a rough mud brick finish with shaggy thatch roofs. The main building comprises lounge, with fireplace, powder rooms, dining room and interior servery. An elevated mezzanine library and the use of video and TV facilities are available. Weather permitting, meals will be prepared and served under the trees from a traditional camp kitchen. Intimate dinners and sleepouts, for the adventurous, are offered. Additional features: 220-v ac current is available 24 hrs per day from a silent generator and batteries- power is however limited and the use of appliances such as hair dryers can be arranged with management. Water is gas heated to limit the use of firewood. Guest can browse and purchase from evaporation cooled wine cellar and gallery stocking exclusive clothing, books and African art.
 

Game drives, mokoro trails, fishing, bush walks, helicopter flights (which can be arranged on request), birding walks, traditional activities are led by indigenous people demon-strating their traditional bush skills. Daily game drives are arranged in the morning and evening with departure times seasonally dependant. The evening drive extends into a night drive. Drives are taken in 3 open landrovers with a 10 seater capacity which is limited to 7 guests only. Private vehicle on request subject to availability. Bush walks are with armed guides equipped with radios and first aid kits. Mokoro trails are arranged for a miximum of 6 guests and are lead by professional armed guides who carry radio and first aid equipment. Trips are arranged in both the morning and evening. Bush meals are also offered as a special experience but these are weather dependant.