Sandibe Safari Lodge is a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and boasting breathtaking views of the Delta’s floodplains, Sandibe offers an immersive safari experience. From its award-winning design to its exceptional wildlife sightings and warm hospitality, Sandibe is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire wildlife lovers and travel fanatics alike.
In this review based on our honeymoon to Sandibe in 2022, we will delve into the unique features that make Sandibe an ideal choice for anyone seeking an unforgettable African safari.
Rooms & Suites
Each of the 12 guest suites at Sandibe has a private outdoor deck with comfy benches and a private plunge pool overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The interiors are tastefully decorated, blending contemporary and traditional African design, natural materials and comfy furniture too.
The suites are large, spacious and airy, while the panoramic windows promise stunning views no matter where you sit. And speaking of sitting, you’ve got plenty of choices! Inside, you’ll find a seating area with armchairs, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in the morning or relaxing with a book in the afternoon. After a busy day on safari, you’ll be extra grateful for the king-size bed, complete with plush pillows and silky sheets.
The suites are open plan, so just steps from your bed you’ll find double sinks and shower, a vanity area with premium toiletries, cosy bathrobes and slippers too. But fancy getting even closer to nature? Why not try out the outdoor shower, so you can bathe with a view? You’ll need it after a dip in the freezing waters of the plunge pool!
Lodge Facilities
The communal areas of the lodge are designed to seamlessly blend in with the surroundings, but at the same time are an architectural masterpiece. The open-plan design is inspired by the shape of a pangolin, with curved wooden beams and thatched roofing to represent the animal’s scales.
Inside you’ll find a lounge area with comfortable seating, swinging chairs, multiple fireplaces and stunning views of the Delta. Overlooking the boma, the dining area is spread across two levels so you can eat with a view. Tables are mostly arranged to allow couples to eat in private with candles, fresh flowers and table linen too, making it feel more like a fine dining restaurant rather than a safari lodge in the middle of the Okavango Delta!
For those seeking relaxation and pampering, Sandibe’s wellness centre is the perfect place to unwind with a massage or exercise in the fully equipped gym. But if you’re in need of a different type of therapy, the onsite gift shop may have just what you’re looking for. There, you can buy handmade crafts, branded merchandise and souvenirs.
Food & Drink
Sandibe’s chefs are known for their delicious and creative cuisine made with the freshest and most sustainable ingredients. And don’t worry about going hungry because they’ll keep the food coming all day with three main meals, three drink stops, and plenty of snacks.
Start your day with a hot drink brought to your room and served through the private hatch to help you wake up. Then, instead of the typical safari routine, breakfast is served before the game drive. You’ll be given a platter of yoghurt, granola, fresh fruit and pastries, as well as a cooked breakfast to keep your hunger at bay until a coffee stop during your morning safari.
After a few hours of driving through the game reserve, your guide will stop to serve fresh coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, along with homemade biscuits and other healthy snacks. Watch the tracker grind the coffee beans and warm everything over a portable gas flame every morning – who knew you could get fresher coffee in the bush than at home?!
Once you return from the game drive, you’ll usually have an hour or so to wait until lunch. This meal is often a buffet or DIY dish, with options including nachos, pizza and burgers cooked right in front of you in the interactive kitchen. Choose your own toppings from the vast selection – it’s a fun way to eat after being waited on hand and foot throughout your stay. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! These are usually light treats, including ice cream, cheesecake or fruit salads.
Before your afternoon game drive, you’ll have afternoon tea in the dining room. Sweet and savoury snacks, tea, coffee and juice are served on platters brought right to your table. Your guide will often join you for this meal to chat and discuss the plan for the afternoon’s safari, so save any leftovers for them!
The sundowner is another highlight of your day at Sandibe. During the game drive, your guide will stop at a scenic spot to watch the sun go down with a drink in hand. A fully-stocked bar is transported via coolbox for every afternoon game drive, so you can take your pick from wines, spirits and beers, as well as a selection of soft drinks. And if you’re still hungry at this point, don’t worry – snacks are provided. Because why not?
On special occasions, sundowners are particularly thoughtful. To celebrate our honeymoon, we were treated to sparkling wine and extra-special canapes out in the bush as the sun went down. It was a complete surprise, but as we turned a corner, we spotted a trestle table decked out with linen, ice buckets, champagne and canape trays surrounded by gas lanterns, all for us. It was such a special moment and something we’ll remember forever.
As soon as you return from the game drive, the onsite barman will make you a drink. These are usually non-alcoholic cocktails, including a delicious passion fruit lemonade, which we couldn’t get enough of during our stay.
Sandibe also offers a full bar, with a selection of premium wines and spirits, as well as local beers and soft drinks. These drinks can be brought to your table during mealtimes, or you’re welcome to sit up at the bar or one of the comfortable seating areas in the lodge to enjoy a drink throughout the day.
The most unforgettable moment of our time at Sandibe was on our last night. Instead of eating in the dining room like everyone else, our butler surprised us with a private dinner on our balcony. Each delicious course was brought out to us, with the table set beautifully with crisp white linens, wine glasses and cutlery, all under the soft glow of gas lanterns. Surrounded by the sounds of the bush and flickering stars above us, our private dinner on the balcony was the perfect ending to our stay at Sandibe.
Game Drives & Activities
Sandibe Safari Lodge offers exceptional game drives and safaris that allow guests to explore the beauty and diversity of the Okavango Delta. Led by expert guides who have an intimate knowledge of the area, the game drives and safaris are a highlight of any stay at Sandibe.
The lodge’s location within the Moremi Game Reserve means that guests have access to some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Africa. The Delta is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. Guests on game drives and safaris have the opportunity to spot these animals in their natural habitat, often at close range, providing unforgettable wildlife encounters.
The game drives and safaris at Sandibe are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles, allowing guests to enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings. The vehicles are custom-designed for safari conditions, with comfortable seating and shade canopies to protect from the African sun. The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, providing guests with insights into the behaviour and ecology of the animals they encounter, as well as the plants and landscapes of the Delta.
One of the most impressive aspects of the game drives and safaris at Sandibe is the level of exclusivity and privacy they offer. The lodge limits the number of guests on each drive, ensuring that every guest has a personalised experience and the opportunity to ask questions and learn from their guide.
Sandibe Staff
The staff at Sandibe are all highly trained and courteous and greet you with a smile. It may be a cliche, but they really would do anything for you. Every guest is assigned a personal butler, who brings you drinks, takes your food order and greets you back at the lodge after a game drive. And, though you rarely see them, the housekeeping staff keep the whole lodge exceptionally clean; and that’s no mean feat with communal areas that are open to the elements!
From thoughtful touches like hot water bottles on chilly nights to the sparkling wine put on ice for special occasions, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels pampered and cared for.
General Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Sandibe Safari Lodge is elegant and polished, with every detail carefully considered to provide a luxurious safari experience. The lodge’s design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, with high-end furnishings, and upscale amenities that provide a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere. While the lodge maintains a connection to the wilderness, the refined atmosphere may not appeal to those seeking a more rustic or laid-back safari experience over something this high-end.
The staff at Sandibe are attentive and professional, providing exceptional service that is designed to meet the needs of each guest. Overall, the atmosphere at Sandibe is one of refinement and luxury, providing a unique and unforgettable safari experience.
It’s worth noting that Sandibe Safari Lodge is a high-end, luxury safari experience and is priced accordingly. While the lodge’s amenities, service, and cuisine are exceptional, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be within everyone’s budget. However, for those who are willing to invest in a truly remarkable safari experience, Sandibe is a fantastic choice.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a super luxe, design-led safari accommodation that feels more like a hotel and restaurant than a traditional lodge, Sandibe is certainly for you. But, if you prefer a slightly more rustic place to rest your head after an incredible day of wildlife spotting, I would recommend taking a look at other Botswana lodges.
