Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge | Chobe River Front
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the bush, located on the edge of Chobe National Park, the second largest national park in Botswana, where some 80,000 elephants roam. From the lodge’s hilltop position, guests can enjoy far reaching panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplain below. The main public area includes a lounge, library and dining room, which are linked to outdoor viewing patios.
Guests are able to relax in the split-level swimming pool or unwind with a pampering session in the full service spa complete with a treetop treatment room.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 15
Special Interests: Birding, Fishing, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero’s fourteen Suites all command fabulous views and come with every convenience guests could hope for. Each suite measures approximately 61 square and has its own private garden – the perfect spot to sip cocktails, or enjoy a private dinner served under the African sky?
Each ensuite offers a free standing bath tub, indoor and outdoor shower. The rooms are also equipped with airconditioning, hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe, mosquito nets and mini bar. Complimentary wireless internet access is available in all of the rooms of the lodge.
The Pool Suite features a private plunge pool, a private deck where guests will be able to enjoy private dinners for two under the stars (weather permitting) and special turn downs every night.
Three of Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero’s fourteen Suites also feature an extra bedroom, ideal for families. These Suites command fabulous views and come with every convenience guests could hope for. Each suite has its own private garden – the perfect spot to sip cocktails, or enjoy a private dinner served under the African sky?
Each ensuite offers a free standing bath tub, indoor and outdoor shower. The rooms are also equipped with airconditioning, hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe, mosquito nets and mini bar. Complimentary wireless internet access is available in all of the rooms of the lodge.
Property Facilities
Business Centre, Kiddies Club, Library, Pool, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Services
Babysitting Service, Credit Card
Elephants feature largely on any activity at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water's edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives lead by our qualified professional guides bring you close to hippos, buffalos, puku and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. The puku, a small rusty-brown antelope, alongside impala, kudu and red lechwe, are only a few of the common antelope found here. Naturally, lion and leopard are also found in the area.
The best way to end a day of safari here is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River from the comfort of one of our specially designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river. Chobe is renowned for its abundance of dramatic sable and roan antelopes with their impressive horns. Sitatungas - antelope with splayed feet to help them run in swamps - are often seen here, as are the wild dog and lion that prey upon them.
Our new safari boat available from Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero can seat up to 18 guests and has a lower and upper deck, both featuring 360 degree swivel seats. The upper deck offers a great vantage point of the Chobe River and wildlife while the lower deck boasts a bar area and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a scrumptious river breakfast or lunch. The boat offers a great exclusive and intimate alternative to enjoying the Chobe area especially for photographic enthusiasts.
Guests will meet up with their guide at reception and drive through to the jetty for their fishing activity. The best time for fishing in the Chobe area is in winter, May, June, July and August. Type of fish guests can expect to catch is Bream and Tiger Fish. All fishing is done on a catch and release basis. Rates include: Use of the boat for maximum of 3 hours and fishing equipment. Maximum 3 people per boat and subject to availability.
Only an hour and a half's drive from the spectacular Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a great base from which to explore this great wonder of the world. The transfer time is approximately 1 ½ hours depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts & history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets before returning to Chobe Chilwero. This activity is at an additional cost. Please enquire for rates.
Zarafa Camp | Selinda Reserve
Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four room exquisite tented suite camp located on the130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Its villa, the Dhow Suite at Zarafa, consist of two tented suites and private main area and operates entirely independently of main camp. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, Botswana’s first and only Relais & Chateaux property. Overlooking the crystal waters Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds. Zarafa Camp and The Dhow Suite at Zarafa are the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp. Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal and romance and adventure. Zarafa Camp has no equal in terms of its environmental credentials and its careful appointments.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Suites
Zarafa Camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Each suite is positioned on the forest's edge, rimming the shores of the floodplains and far from a neighbour. The 305 square metre marquis style' canvas guest suites are expansive and open-air without exposing guests to the elements. Each of the three spaces of the suite is decorated with custom-made furniture, handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, constructed of recycled African railroad sleepers, form the tent's foundation.
Upon entry is a large lounge appointed with a leather sofa, armchairs, personal bar and writing desk. Adjoining the lounge is the main bedroom and dressing area. Exiting the bedroom, a beautiful copper gas fireplace is strategically placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to allay the chill of the winter months. The main bathroom is comprised of a copper bath and shower, double sinks and private toilet. Off the bathroom, the raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower, complete with wrap around showerheads! The private verandah, running the length of the front of the suite, offers a private plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping view of Zibadianja Lagoon's waters.
Each tent comes with its own professional camera body and zoom lenses for use during a stay. Photos are then downloaded as a souvenir at the end of your stay.
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, an immense 210 square metres (2,260 sq ft) in extent, is under beige, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu door transports guests to a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Central to The Dhow Suites are a full lounge and dining area fitted dining table, coffee table with cappuccino machine and a full-length leather couch and chairs. Two large bedrooms are connected to either side of the main area designed with an open layout bathroom with impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins and even an open fire, with copper flue, to heat the room in winter. A large decking area fronts onto the suites with a 5 x 2.5 metre swimming pool, exercise bike and outdoor showers for each room, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness. The adjoining main camp has a curio shop for those who need retail therapy and an in-room massage is also available.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card
With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. Drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, but full day drives are also quite common at a guest’s request. Picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for our conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good
walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
The HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, is an utterly unique experience. The 275 sq. foot deck is complete with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can comfortably enjoy floating brunch or sundowners while watching hippos and elephants in the water. It is also an exceptional platform for birding.
Each of Zarafa’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. For stargazers, each room comes with its own telescope for use on each suite's private deck.
A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.
Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).
Explore the lagoon and channels around the area by flat-bottomed power boat.
The Spa at Zarafa is located between suite 4 and the Dhow Suite. The Spa offers guests two treatment
areas and with a range of treatments available. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.
Duba Plains Camp | Duba Plains Private Reserve
The renowned Duba Plains Camp sits in the heart the Okavango Delta on a 33,000-hectare private concession that typifies the region’s unique landscape. Duba Plains Camp has 5 bespoke suites and a 2-bedroom Duba Plains Suite. The camp sits on raised decking, with views of the surrounding floodplain; designed by Dereck Joubert to fit into the landscape and evoke the classic African safari style of the 1920’s. Each suite has a lounge area, a private verandah with private plunge pool and outdoor covered sala. The main area has a raised dining room, comfortable lounge with private dining areas, wine cellar and library. Guests staying at the Duba Plains Suite enjoy a private safari vehicle and guide as well as private butler and chef. Many consider Duba Plains to be the Okavango’s Maasai Mara because of the sheer volume of wildlife. Duba Plains prides itself on its extraordinary and intimate wildlife experiences. This is the place that owners, and National Geographic filmmakers, conservationists and explorers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert chose for their home base. Great Plains Conservation is the only operator on the concession, thereby offering guests the ultimate in exclusivity.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Suites
The intimate camp consists of five traditional-style tented suites, all on raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past. Each suite has a lounge area, with place to write and do your photographic downloads, as well as the opportunity for private dining in your suite. Each has a private verandah plus beautifully appointed en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers and luxurious baths. Fans and careful design maintain comfortable climate for rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy their own private plunge pool and outdoor under cover sala/day rest area.
The Duba Plains Suite
The Duba Plains Suite, an exquisite two-bedroom tented villa located on the 33,000-hectare private Duba Plains Reserve, ensures your private Botswana safari. Tucked into the pristine Okavango Delta wildlife habitat with views across floodplains filled with iconic African wildlife species, there is simply no other private Botswana safari experience like this in the Okavango Delta. The perfect partner to the 2-bedroomed Zarafa Dhow Suite or Selinda Suite, the Duba Plains Suite is raised on recycled railway sleeper decking and offers guests fabulous views and a steady stream of wildlife parading past. This 2-bedroomed Suite has a wrap-around private verandah complete with private plunge pools. The heart of the Suite is an indoor lounge and dining area. Each sleeping area offers guests beautifully appointed en-suite facilities, including indoor and outdoor showers and a luxurious bath. Standing fans and a solar-powered air-conditioning system over the guest’s bed area ensure that the tent’s design maintains a comfortable climate.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card
Safari drives (day & night) take place in some of Botswana’s best adapted vehicles. Duba Plain’s Toyota Land Cruisers are uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains. These are, of course, open-sided, canopied and customised for photographers (raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug inverters). Seating only four to six guests on each vehicle, the Cruisers are fully stocked with drinks and snacks. Each suite has a professional camera and lenses as a package for guests to use or try out. Images are downloaded and presented for them to take away at no additional charge.
While the focus remains on the most comfortable times of day (early to mid-morning and late afternoon to evening) for drives, it is very common in Duba Plains to spend full days out in the field, having brunch delivered to the vehicles because the wildlife is so good and our focus is on finding and spending time with these extraordinary experiences.
Our schedule is flexible and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests. Very often, our safaris will continue into the night in search of nocturnal species. Great Plains guides are also keen trackers and birders and guests are encouraged to experience everything the camp has to offer.
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
Zipping through the Okavango Delta's network of waterways is an invigorating way to get a sense of the scope of this huge wetland. You’ll undoubtedly have wonderful birding and maybe even some hippo, buffalo and elephant sightings. (Boating is a seasonal activity, typically between May and October but varies seasonally).
This is a great activity during mid-day siesta. Make sure you’re with a guide. During January and February there is a moratorium on fishing. Catch-and-release fishing only.
Duba Plains Camp offers a full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.
Each Duba Plains guest suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well as a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a memory stick on guest’s departure. Photographic tuition through the Great Plains Wild Studio can be arranged for guests (at an additional cost and booked in advance). Tuition can be either on company cameras or own guest’s personal cameras.
Enjoy an aerial viewing experience with great scenery across the northern part of the Okavango Delta. Add a 15-minute champagne stop on palm island en route. Must be booked in advance and is subject to extra cost and availability.
Explore the Okavango Delta's permanent water channels by mokoro (when water levels allow). This is truly a refreshing yet peaceful experience allowing for wildlife and bird viewing from a unique perspective.
Sanctuary Chief's Camp | Moremi Game Reserve
Situated on Chief’s Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, wildlife and wilderness are as abundant as action, adrenaline, refinement and relaxation at this remarkable remodelled luxury camp. Personal service, an extraordinary setting, exceptional viewing and enthusiastic expert guides are what sets this property apart. At Sanctuary Chief’s Camp one can expect unique attention to detail and strong environmental and philanthropic credentials to ensure the ultimate luxury safari experience.
Intimate and exclusive, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is set in an outstanding natural landscape. Thanks to soul-stirring perspectives from the private pavilions, the lounge deck and your dinner tables, you won’t ever miss the thrill of a viewing. As well as ensuring a distinct sense of Botswanan place, every encounter and activity feels authentic, thanks to the camp having been reimagined in keeping with local traditions and cultures – which is how we believe responsible tourism should be.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp’s sophisticated accommodation with natural hues and materials that complement the charismatic scenery and the first-class dining and wines, regularly earns rankings among the world’s top safari destinations from arbiters such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Luxury Pavilions
Spacious and breezy, at 460 ft2 (140m2) the 10 stylish bush pavilions are some of the region’s largest places to spend the night. Modern enhancements, such as air-conditioning, as well as traditional fans, are among the cut-above amenities. The bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and folding glass doors leading to outdoor showers and generous tubs are perfect for long, indulgent soaks. In the mood to dine alone together? Relax on your covered deck and look out for elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife as you enjoy the Camp’s excellent cuisine and wines.
The Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite
Utmost privacy and superlative comfort are assured from this 2,035 ft2 (620m2) suite, which sleeps up to six – with each guest treated like royalty, but with discretion. Named after the explorer Geoffrey Kent, and inspired by this award-winning photographer and polo-playing philanthropist’s intrepid travels, you can expect characterful interiors as well as a kitchen, indoor lounge, private boma (meaning a ‘safe enclosure’) and secluded deck areas. Included in the perks of this luxurious suite is superb service, which includes your own vehicle and dedicated guide, as well as a personal chef, waiter and a housekeeper.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service
Our expert guides are always on hand to share their wealth of wildlife knowledge as you explore the Delta in modified open 4 x 4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives. The game viewing opportunities at Sanctuary Chief's Camp are awe-inspiring. On the plains one may find the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. There are also healthy populations of wild dog. These extremely rare predators have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa and this is one of their last strongholds. There are several local lion prides and leopards, genet cats and hyena are in abundance.
Mokoros, local dugout canoes, offer a different perspective of the bush in the company of a highly trained local guide. Each June the whole area around the camp floods and turns the Okavango Delta into a labyrinth of lily-filled lagoons and streams where hippos fight for bathing rights and crocodiles wait for unwary antelope to linger too long over a drink. Poling through the byways created by the floodwaters is a magical experience that allows guests to get very close to the biggest of game and to see the world from a totally different angle. As a change from a game drive, the quiet, gentle pace of a mokoro is a real introduction to a way of transport still used in the Delta by the 'river bushmen' or BaYei people. (Seasonal Activity)
These scenic flights involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta. There is the option of the doors being removed for unrestricted photographic opportunities. Choose between 30, 45 or 60 minute tour in a single piston engine Robinson r44 helicopter with 3 seats. This activity is offered on a year round basis at an extra cost. Being a personalised activity, it's up to you what time of day you would like to do the activity, however we would recommend early morning and late afternoon as these times usually provide the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.