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Guest lounge at Sandibe Lodge

&Beyond Sandibe Lodge

Chitabe Concession, Botswana

Sandibe is stylish, comfortable and totally original in design, built in a grove of jackalberry, fig trees and ilala palms. Its unusual design was inspired by the body shape of a pangolin. In the main boma, thick tree branches extend through the walls and roof and huge tree trunks hold up the curved wooden roof. It's not unusual to look up from lunch and find an inquisitive baboon high up above having a good look at you, while fruit bats roost high up in the beams in the evenings.

The lodge's 12 sophisticated chalets are connected by a winding pathway and boast views over the Delta from private decks, which also come complete with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. During your stay, you also have the optional use of a personal butler.

OUR OPINION:

A stay at Sandibe feels as if you're deep in the jungle. We like how it has been built around the tree branches rather than cutting them down, which gives it a very natural feel. There's lots of wildlife in camp, from baboons to tree squirrels, fruit bats, elephant and hippo.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Rooms

Paths meander through the forest and lead to 12 suites, including one family room comprising two interconnecting suites. The suites are simple and low-key yet elegant, using natural resources to provide a good range of amenities. From your large double bed you can enjoy views of the Delta, where elephant wade in the early mornings and the wood-burner offers warmth on chilly winter evenings. The en suite bathroom consists of double basins behind the bed partition, a separate toilet and both indoor and outdoor showers. Outside on the private deck are day beds and a small private plunge pool to while away a peaceful afternoon.

Location

Located on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, and flanking the Moremi Game Reserve, Sandibe is ideally placed for excellent wildlife sightings in both areas. Only an hour’s drive from the Chitabe Airstrip, Sandibe is easily accessed. The area is secluded, and there are few other vehicles on the concession, making sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard and zebra feel all that more special. Away from the plains and closer to the waters of the Delta, elephant and hippo may come into view.

Food and drink

From the dining room, you can see and smell the delights of the open kitchen, or opt to dine alfresco by candlelight, in the boma or on your private veranda. Pan-African dishes pair well with wines from the well-stocked cellar. Enjoy sundowners and coffees at the bar, with views out across the Delta. You can also enjoy bush breakfasts, served hot during morning game drives.

Families

Sandibe allows children aged six and up to take part in game drives, though this is at the lodge's discretion. There is, however, &Beyond’s WILDchild programme, specifically designed for younger guests, allowing children to learn about the environment and wildlife around them. At Sandibe, WILDchild activities may include fishing expeditions, crafting and tracking.

Facilities and activities

Activities at Sandibe include game drives and guided bush walks. Game drives are particularly good at Sandibe, taking you across open plains and through small forests. The pace is leisurely rather than dashing from place to place, and both a guide and spotter accompany you to ensure you have the best chance of encountering the wildlife on your list, whether it's leopard or wild dog. Within the lodge itself is a gym and a luxurious spa. Wi-Fi is available throughout the rooms and lounge area.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Chitabe Concession and nearby places