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OVERVIEW ON SANDIBE LODGE IN OKAVANGO DELTA
Tucked away under a cool forest canopy of wild palms and gnarled fig trees, Sandibe Lodge is just a few meters from the water, which glints through a maze of brilliant green papyrus. A private concession, Sandibe has exclusive traversing over 8000 hectares (19800 acres) of wilderness adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. Behind the lodge, golden-grassed floodplains stretch into the distance, framed by lush palm islands and the spires of giant termite mounds. The beautiful organic architecture of the thatched lodge blends seamlessly with one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Tread in the footprints of elephants on ancient game paths between the eight guest cottages. Each thatched ensuite cottage features open air showers, allowing guests to feel part of the forest. Walls are airy screens, admitting the refreshing Okavango breezes, and the cottages are furnished in a fusion of ochres and tactile textures – from leather and silk to rough-hewn wood. Private decks right on the Delta are idyllic vantage points in this birdwatcher’s paradise. Tall overarching trees inspire the soaring volumes of the guest sitting and dining area with quiet, hammocked decks offering views across the wetlands and savanna grasslands. At night, a constellation of candles illuminate the boma with its al fresco Pan African banquet and fine wines from the unique charcoal-cooled wine cellar. Alternatively, private decks provide a romantic setting for an intimate candlelit dinner for two. The shaded swimming pool is a refreshing oasis for an après-lunch cool off.
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Location Of Sandibe Lodge
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is set in a private concession of 8000 hectares (19800 acres) on the southeastern border of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, in one of the most unique regions in the world, the Okavango Delta. Renowned for its lush waterways and abundant wildlife, the Okavango is home to a number of aquatic and land species. Predators from the adjacent Moremi, renowned for its wildlife sightings, often cross into the Sandibe concession. On the outskirts of the Okavango’s seasonal swamps, slightly elevated sandy areas allow a belt of shrubs and trees to grow. Tall knob thorn, leadwood and marula trees proliferate in these areas. Grass is abundant, attracting both grazers and browsers such as giraffe, kudu, impala, warthog and elephant. The driest woodland areas are occupied by the massive baobab trees. Bats, genets, monitors and geckos also find refuge in the many crevices in these ancient trees. Impala and grey duiker feed on the baobab’s delicate white flowers, which also attract fruit bats. Baboons and other monkeys, as well as elephant relish the large, hairy fruits. Some might not believe it, but it is actually the tiny termites that are responsible for the formation of many of the small islands that are scattered throughout the Okavango Delta. The raised ground that these termites create remains dry from the floodwaters, allowing woody plants to grow in the rich, fertile soil. Silt deposits slowly build up over time, expanding the raised ground and eventually joining one or more termite mounds to form an island. Groves of tall fan palm up to 20 meters in height grow on the outer edge of the floodplains or on the larger islands. Interspersed with short, shrubby vegetation, these are favoured by elephant. In fact, the fan palm relies on this animal for its propagation, as the seed can only germinate once it has passed through the elephant’s digestive system. The elephants seem to enjoy this arrangement, relishing both the palm’s fruit and leaves. Fan palms are also a favorite nesting site for many bird species, with white-backed vultures building their nests in the crown and Dickinson’s kestrel preferring cavities that occur in their trunks.
Safari Experience At Sandibe Lodge
Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the Okavango Delta and the areas surrounding Sandibe are home to a large number of species, including many predators, as well as a number of species adapted to the semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Lion prides, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog may be encountered, while families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons. The area supports the continent’s largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo, while roan and sable antelope roam the open woodlands. While lion are commonly encountered near Sandibe, they are not the only predator found in the area. Although predominantly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopards are fairly common throughout the Okavango, particularly in dense riverine forest. Apart from the more commonly encountered predators, the Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, although sightings of this rare animal are relatively uncommon. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair with a strict social hierarchy. One of the most common antelope in the Okavango, the red lechwe is especially adapted for the swampy conditions. Its splayed, elongated hooves give it a sure footing in muddy conditions, allowing it to inhabit the outskirts of the permanent swamps. With an incredible wealth of species, the Okavango is also a haven for birding enthusiasts. One of its most sought after species is the huge but elusive Pel’s fishing owl, which roosts in the densest evergreen thickets. A quintessential African sound, the haunting call of the fish eagle can be heard echoing over the channels.
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Activities At Sandibe Lodge
Twice daily game drives – guests can explore the rich wildlife surrounding Sandibe on early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open air safari vehicle, accompanied by an armed guide and tracker. The landscape traversed on game drives includes floodplains, as well as seasonal grassland, woodland, shrubland and savanna. Game drives track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other animals, including the semi-aquatic lechwe and sitatunga antelope.
Interpretive bush walks – take a leisurely walk in the surroundings of the Camp to take in the sights, smells and sounds of the Okavango Delta, accompanied by an armed guide. Learn about how elephant are vital to the survival of the fan palm, try to spot the elusive Pel’s fishing owl and keep a sharp eye out for the shy bushbuck.
Mokoro – explore the waterways of the Okavango in the company of our experienced guides. Learn the fascinating details of the Delta’s network of channels, fringed by dense reeds and papyrus. A good variety of fish can be found in the clear waters and fishing trips can be arranged on request during fishing season (1 March to 31 December). Spot the nests of weavers and warblers in the papyrus beds and watch out for malachite kingfishers among the taller stems. Beautifully colored frog species, such as the painted reed frog, abound. Waterlilies brighten up the surface of lagoons, where sleepy hippo splash beneath the surface.
Summary For Sandibe Lodge
- Situated next to a permanent channel of the Okavango Delta, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge offers a water and wilderness experience with the excitement of viewing big game on land
- Exclusive access comprising six broad habitats and associated bird, plant and animal species
- Guided walking and mokoro excursions
- Night game drives
- Delicious Pan African meals
- Flights to Maun or Kasane. Transfer by light aircraft to Chitabe airstrip. 45-minute game drive to Sandibe Safari Lodge.
- Sandibe Lodge, Botswana, is situated in a remote wilderness area in the southeastern Okavango Delta, right on the southern tip of Chief’s Island, on the southern border of Moremi Game Reserve and within the Santantadibe River system. Sandibe has exclusive traversing rights over 270 km2 of wilderness. The site was specifically chosen for its extraordinary beauty, its prime location on the permanent Delta and its proximity to the game-rich grassy plains.
- Eight intimate African-inspired cottages with en-suite bathroom, twin hand basin, separate w.c and outdoor shower and dressing area. The cottages are airy with all windows covered in gauze to maximize views of the forest. Each cottage has an elevated viewing deck which is perfect for intimate candlelit dinners.
- The lodge is not fenced off, and we request guests to be extremely vigilant at all times. Under no circumstances is a guest to walk around the lodge/camp at night, unless accompanied by a security guard.
- In the heart of the camp, tucked under the forest canopy, is the soaring sitting and dining area with quiet decks affording views across the waterways. A shaded swimming pool and well-stocked Safari Shop are close by. Pan African dinners are prepared and served in the open boma that boasts a unique charcoal-cooled wine cellar.
- Twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles, bush walks, mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions in the Delta, bush breakfasts, elegant bush dinners and birdwatching. Fishing is permitted between the months of March and December.
- Children are welcome. Regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in the regular game drives and mokoro activities. Children 16 years and older can participate in guided walks and mokoro activities. Childminders can be booked at an additional cost. Children aged 6 to 11 years are accommodated on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion. An extra bed can be arranged for a child sharing its parents’ suite. No more than 1 triple in camp at any one time.
