Baines' Camp, named after the famed explorer and painter Thomas Baines, lies on the southern edge of the Okavango overlooking the perennial lagoon off the Boro River. Well shaded by huge Sausage, Jackal berry and Leadwood trees with excellent wildlife and panoramic views, Baines' is a small intimate camp of 5 luxurious and secluded suites on elevated platforms and linked by timber walkways. The décor of each room is simple yet richly textured, themed around a Thomas Baines painting. The accommodation facilities include a spacious full bathroom, personalized minibar, large wardrobe, safe, ceiling fan, a four-poster bed enclosed within soft mosquito netting, an en-suite bathroom and private viewing decks. The innovative design of the self-contained four-poster bed on wheels allows guests to choose whether to sleep in doors or out. Another great touch are the star baths on the deck for a romantic bath under the stars after an afternoon of game-viewing.
There's a fully stocked wine cellar, relaxing lounge and intimate dining area. The open deck on the water's edge has a suspended fireplace and a rim flow swimming pool. Activities include day and night game drives in open land cruisers; walking safaris with skilled guides, mokoros for virtually all of the year (water levels permitting) or boat cruises throughout the year. The unique and educational elephant interaction is recommended as an optional extra. If you wish to do this, we strongly recommend that you pre-book this to ensure that it is available.
Baines Camp also has a Euro-chopper (very quiet helicopter) which can be pre-booked or booked in camp for game-viewing flights with special pivot seats in staggered formation to gain the best photographic opportunities.
Lounge
Sundowner
Mokoro
Suite
Dining
Mokoro
Sanctuary Baines' Camp
Boma
Sky Bed and Star Bath
Sanctuary Baines' Camp
View from main area
Star Bath
Suite
There are six suites set on elevated platforms with wooden decks. The suites feature a luxury bedroom, en-suite facilities and private viewing deck. The four-poster beds are fully mobile and can easily be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck if guests want to enjoy a night under the stars,overlooking the shining waters of the Boro River. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe and minibar.
Wi-Fi available in the rooms.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service
Famed for its big cat and bird population, the Okavango Delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. At Baines' Camp, you have the opportunity to see animals up close with your expert guide on morning and evening game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles. A night game drive is the perfect means to see some of the nocturnal animals one wouldn't see during the day time. The concession also boasts a diversity of landscapes with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps all in close proximity. During higher water levels game drives will be combined with motorised boating excursions. (Night drives are seasonal, depending on water levels.)
Find out how to track and follow even the most elusive of animals in the Okavango. With the camp being set in a private concession, there is the opportunity to get very close on foot in perfect safety with one of our guides. This is an exciting activity and a little nerve wracking for first-timers who have only ever driven around in a safari vehicle and enjoyed sitting above lion, elephants and other animals. On foot, one cannot approach these animals, obviously, but learning about them, walking their walk and seeing the bush at their level is a wonderful and educational experience.
One of the best ways to see the wildlife around Sanctuary Baines' Camp is in one of the locally made dugout canoes, known as mokoros. These used to be carved from ebony but are now made from commercially grown wood and fibreglass to protect the fragile environment of the Okavango. In one of these traditional crafts it is possible to float around the waterways and lagoons that make up the delta, looking for crocodiles in the water, but also getting a remarkable view of the plains game from a new and exciting angle. This gentle and informative mode of safari is unique to the river Bushmen, comprising three different tribes who made the Delta their home. For the less intrepid, the camp also has motorised speedboats that can be used when the rivers are in flood. (All water based activities are seasonal and based on the water levels of the delta)
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 one turbine Bell Jetranger helicopter with 3 seats. This activity is offered on a year round basis. 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 this time usually provides the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.
