Botswana | Sanctuary Baines' Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana
5 luxury suites all elevated

Sanctuary Baines' Camp is located on a huge private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on Earth. This is Sanctuary's smallest and most intimate camp, with only five luxurious suites. Set in a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, this low environmental impact camp has been built using commercially grown wood and recycled tin cans. The local community in Maun was invited to collect as many cans as possible, a fee was paid for every can collected. The cans were then incorporated into the camp buildings, forming the backbone of the structures.

The camp has a lovely central swimming pool and the wide wooden deck that surrounds the main dining and sitting room is the ideal place to relax while observing the varied wildlife present here. See prowling lions on the hunt for prey at the edge of the lagoon which the camp overlooks, or watch the many elephants who live in the area. The five suites at Sanctuary Baines' have en suite facilities and four-poster beds swathed in mosquito netting. Traditional ceiling fans create a cooling breeze at even the hottest times of the year. Should you wish, your bed can be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck for a night under the stars, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River where hippo can often be spotted as well as heard.

Activities include: day and night game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle, walking safaris, mokoro and motorboat excursions (seasonal) and the Elephant Experience.

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is featured on A&K’s African Waterways itinerary

View our 'Botswana | African Waterways Itinerary'

Botswana | Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
12 luxury bush pavilions

The 12 luxury bush pavilions at Sanctuary Chief's Camp are tucked away in the Mombo Concession, part of the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve. This area is known as the 'predator capital of Africa' and is also home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, making Sanctuary Chief's the ideal place to experience African wildlife at close hand.  The camp is located on Chief's Island, one of the many islands created by the seasonal floodwaters of the Okavango. The island was named after Chief Moremi, the hereditary king of the area who used the lands as his royal hunting grounds. It was Moremi's people, the Tawana, who turned it into a reserve where animals are now protected.

The guest pavilions are hidden away in a jackalberry and sausage tree woodland that is characteristic of the area. All have their own private decks and indoor and outdoor showers. Generously draped mosquito nets and traditional ceiling fans also feature. There is a communal decked living room with stunning views over the floodplains, while the dining area surrounds a fire pit on the very edge of the Piajio plains so that guests can continue their game viewing while enjoying fine cuisine and wines.

Sanctuary Chief's has been designed with consideration for the environment - all rubbish is taken outside the park for responsible disposal and the whole camp can be removed without anyone knowing it was ever there.

Activities include: game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle and mokoro excursions (seasonal).

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is featured on A&K’s African Waterways & Delta to Desert itineraries

View our 'Botswana | African Waterways Itinerary'

View our 'Botswana | Delta to Desert Itinerary'

Botswana | Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Chobe National Park, Botswana
15 luxury cottages

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero borders Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants. This luxurious lodge with just 15 guest cottages has the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit.

A great deal of thought has gone into making Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush, with all the facilities of a larger resort. Guests can relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge is known for.

The main area commands fabulous views over the Chobe River which borders Chobe National Park to the north. As well as the elephants, for which the park is famous, there are also huge herds of buffalo living in the towering teak forests that are characteristic of the area. Each room has two showers - inside and out. The freestanding tubs in the bathrooms are big and comfortable. Each cottage has its own private garden where guests can sip cocktails after a day of game viewing, or why not enjoy your very own private dinner served under the African sky.

While at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, a visit to the spa is an absolute must. It is full-service and offers a range of treatments of the highest quality to relax, restore and revitalise guests. Authentic African design has been integrated with, and inspired by, the abundance of nature that surrounds the lodge. Great care has been taken in selecting brands, treatment methods and practices that are environmentally friendly. Treatments are provided by trained professionals, and include products from both the Africology and Thalgo lines. Spa facilities include an indoor spa bath, Vichy showers, hydrotherapy, plunge pool, relaxation area and private treatment rooms - one of which is elevated in the treetops.

Activities include: 4WD game drives, water safaris, Sundowner cruises, fishing excursions and spa treatments.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is featured on A&K’s African Waterways itinerary

View our 'Botswana | African Waterways Itinerary'

Botswana | Sanctuary Stanley's Camp

Okavango Delta
8 classically styled safari tents

Sanctuary Stanley's is a classic tented camp with just eight tents built around an imposing sausage tree on a private concession overlooking the Okavango floodplains. The area around the camp changes with the seasons - from lush green when the rain flows down from the Angolan highlands to dry savannah when the Kalahari Desert tightens its grip.

This intimate camp is gathered around a large sitting and dining area which affords magnificent views over the floodplains of the Okavango Delta. From the swimming pool, watch giraffe and other plains game march across the savannah. You might even catch a glimpse of rare wild dogs stalking the plains. This is one of the best places in the world for seeing buffalo in large numbers, with herds often exceeding 2,000.

Each canvas tent at Sanctuary Stanley's boasts a traditional ceiling fan and is individually designed, but all have a classic and understated elegance that harks back to the explorers and colonialists of the 19th century. Large wooden decks provide private areas for guests to relax in hammocks or enjoy cocktails before dinner in the spectacular dining mess.

Activities include: game drives by open 4WD safari vehicles, walking safaris, mokoro excursions (seasonal) and the Elephant Experience.

Sanctuary Stanely’s Camp is featured on A&K’s African Waterways itinerary

View our 'Botswana | African Waterways Itinerary'

Kenya | Sanctuary Olonana

Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya
14 spacious tented pavilions

Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning tented camp on a private stretch of the Mara River, at the foot of the impressive Siria Escarpment close to where the famous scene from "Out of Africa" was filmed. Located close to the border with Tanzania, the game concentration is high - and during the annual wildebeest migration, the action happens right on the camp's doorstep.

This small and exclusive camp, the first of Sanctuary's luxury safari properties, was built along sustainable lines which, along with their innovative wetlands and tree-planting projects, have earned Sanctuary Olonana a silver award from Ecotourism Kenya.

The Masai Mara is fabulous for seeing big cats, their prey and the Big Five. It is also the stage for the greatest show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. From around July to October grunting herds of wildebeest and zebra cover the plains, often crossing the river between Tanzania and Kenya, attended by predatory crocodile, lion and cheetah.

Sanctuary Olonana's main dining room and veranda command views over a dramatic stretch of the Mara River. See, and hear, the family of noisy hippos who colonise the banks below the camp. The camp has a library, a pool and an organic garden where much of the food served in camp is grown. And who could forget the mini-spa where guests can experience traditional African remedies alongside French marine therapies from Thalgo.

The 14 canvas tents at Sanctuary Olonana are extremely comfortable and spacious. All have parquet floors, four-poster beds and private verandas overlooking the river.

Activities include: game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle, walking safaris and visits to the local village.

Sanctuary Olonana is featured on A&K’s Great East Africa Expedition and Kenya Wildlife & Warriors itineraries

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View our 'Kenya | Kenya Wildlife & Warriors Itinerary'

Tanzania | Sanctuary Kusini

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
12 private terrace tents

Sanctuary Kusini is the only permanent tented camp in the southern Serengeti and provides extraordinary views of the plains below. Set on a rocky outcrop, or kopje, surrounded by woodland, the 12 tented bush camp is so remote that it needs its own airstrip. The site was selected after a great deal of research and input from Sanctuary's guides and local experts.
Sanctuary Kusini offers a Serengeti safari like no other. Every year wildebeest congregate on the camp's "doorstep" in this unspoilt and remote part of the park during the calving season. There’s few better ways to experience the Great Migration than on safari at Sanctuary Kusini.

Zebra, Cape buffalo, lion and cheetah are a common sight year-round. The communal tent has a library, sitting room, dining room and veranda. Bush breakfasts and sundowners are served on the giant boulders of the kopje overlooking the endless plains for which the Serengeti is so famed.

The 12 tents at Sanctuary Kusini are shaded from the sun by acacia trees, and all are positioned carefully with thought out views of the surrounding plains. Each tent has its own personal attendant to look after guests during their stay. The private wooden veranda with comfortable furniture is the ideal spot to relax for a sundowner after a hot restorative shower.
Like all Sanctuary properties, Sanctuary Kusini is designed to have minimal environmental impact, in fact the camp can be packed up and removed without leaving a trace.

Activities include: game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle.
Sanctuary Kusini is featured on A&K’s Cradle of Mankind itinerary

View our 'Tanzania | Cradle of Mankind Itinerary'

Tanzania | Sanctuary Swala

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
12 luxury bush pavilions

Sanctuary Swala is located in an exceptionally private section of Tarangire National Park, offering visitors a luxurious and very exclusive safari experience. The camp, which has 12 tents, has recently been completely rebuilt to the highest eco-friendly standards.

The 12 tents surround the main dining area, deck and library which are raised on stilts around an enormous and ancient baobab tree. There is also a stunning infinity swimming pool overlooking the water hole. Each tent is shaded by tall acacia trees and all are within sight of the well-frequented water hole which regularly draws lions, leopards and the resident bull elephants for which Sanctuary Swala is famed. The tents feature a spacious open plan arrangement with comfortable king or twin beds, campaign chairs and plush sofas, as well as en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower. Each tent has its own personal attendant who will attend to guests' every need. Exquisitely furnished with traditional materials, the tents at Sanctuary Swala are unashamedly luxurious but still close enough to nature to permit an exciting night under canvas.

As part of their commitment to this forgotten corner of Tanzania, the staff and management team at Sanctuary Swala have initiated a pioneering community conservation project that has recently led to the building of a school for the children of a village that borders Tarangire. Guests at Sanctuary Swala are offered the privileged opportunity to learn more about these projects and become involved as part of their stay.

Activities include: game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle and visits to the A&K sponsored project, Gijedabung Primary School.

Sanctuary Swala is featured on A&K’s Cradle of Mankind itinerary

View our 'Tanzania | Cradle of Mankind Itinerary'

Uganda | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
8 spacious permanent tents

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is nestled deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Uganda. This eight tent camp is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest impresses with a truly theatrical landscape - this is a region of volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes and dramatic mountain ranges. And it is here, on a flat ridge high in the forest, that Sanctuary's Gorilla Forest Camp is tucked away. It's hard to fathom that such luxury and sophistication could be possible in an area as remote as this, and indeed enormous logistical obstacles were hurdled in its creation.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the ideal base for a gorilla tracking adventure in Bwindi. Guests can dine under the stars and relax by the roaring campfire. On cooler evenings, the central cottage provides a warm shelter. The camp is the only accommodation located within the National Park, offering guests an unrivalled location, including the best bird and wildlife viewing in the Bwindi area. In fact Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the only camp to receive regular visits from the gorillas themselves, up to 4-6 visits per month. For the lucky guests in camp at those times, there’s the chance for a gorilla encounter without even leaving camp!

The eight tents are just as impressive as the communal areas. Wooden floors and decks support comfortable warm beds, and each tent boasts a bathtub, ideal for soaking tired muscles after a day spent observing and meeting gorillas.  

Activities include: gorilla tracking, bird watching, forest walks and visits to a local village.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is featured on A&K’s Primates of Uganda itinerary

View our 'Uganda | Primates of Uganda Itinerary'

Zambia | Sanctuary Chichele

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
10 elegant Victorian style suites

This historic hilltop lodge with just ten suites is found in Zambia's vast South Luangwa National Park. Home to probably the highest concentration of hippos in the world, as well as lions, leopards and elephants, South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris.

Sanctuary Chichele was originally built for Kenneth Kaunda, the former Zambian President, in the 1970s and the original colonial style has been retained in the furnishings. A long veranda stretches outside the dining room, from which guests are afforded views down the valley to the Luangwa itself. When possible, dinner is served outside. On cooler nights, roaring fires take the chill out of the air. The roar of lions or the saw of leopards can often be heard from the wooded valleys that surround the lodge.

Each of the ten elegant suites at Sanctuary Chichele boast four-poster beds, air conditioning and a private veranda. In keeping with the rest of Chichele, the suites are decorated in an understated colonial style with a fully appointed en suite bathroom. Large French windows offer a light, airy feel to the suites, opening onto private terraces - the ideal vantage point to relax and enjoy the wildlife.

Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge making it an excellent family safari choice. A swimming pool is a welcome distraction during the heat of the day.

Activities include: guided walks, game drives (day and night) in open 4WD LandCruiser.

Zambia | Sanctuary Puku Ridge

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
7 spacious walk-in safari tents

Sanctuary Puku Ridge is an intimate camp with seven tents. Named after the Puku antelope that grazes on the floodplains below, this traditional safari camp is perched on an escarpment in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park.
This camp offers guests an authentic tented safari holiday in Zambia. The South Luangwa is one of the country's best areas for game viewing and bird spotting. The region is home to some 60 mammals - including elephant, lion, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and, of course, antelope - as well as over 400 bird species.
Spend an afternoon relaxing in the camp's large living area in between thrilling game drives or walking safaris. You might even hear the Puku antelope whistling to one another when danger threatens. The central dining area produces gourmet meals despite its remoteness. Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp is designed to leave no trace on the environment and has embraced a very natural kind of African chic in its decor.

The seven tents are spacious and comfortable, each with a soothing hot tub and an outdoor shower shaded by trees and stocked with luscious and environmentally friendly Africology products. Watch the sun rise from your double bed, or spot animals making their way across the plains to a waterhole from your private viewing deck.

Activities include: day and night game drives by open 4WD safari vehicles and walking safaris.

Sanctuary Puku Ridge is featured on A&K’s Wings over Zambia & Zimbabwe itinerary

View our 'Zambia & Zimbabwe | Wings over Zambia & Zimbabwe Itinerary'

Zambia | Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia
12 luxury tree-houses
2 Chuma houses

Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is built on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi. The main lodge includes 12 tree houses connected by stilted wooden walkways. There are also two luxurious houses available, ideal for family groups.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is named after explorer David Livingstone's two faithful companions who carried his body all the way back to England from Zambia. The lodge itself is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which in addition to the mighty roar of the Victoria Falls, also boasts a wide variety of game as well as countless opportunities for adventure.
The main lodge is built on two levels, perched in giant ebony trees overlooking the river. Guests can relax in the swimming pool or the treatment room, or enjoy a drink in the elevated bar. There are 12 air-conditioned tree houses here, connected by wooden walkways. Each one enjoys superb views over the river and is open plan with shower, bathtub, vanity area and private toilet. In addition, there are two private houses available, each with two bedrooms, their own dining areas and decks with plunge pools, and their own chefs and house staff.

Activities include: Victoria Falls tour, Nakatindi village visit, game drives, motorboat excursions, sunset river cruise and fishing.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is featured on A&K’s Victoria Falls Extension itinerary

View our 'Zambia | Victoria Falls Extension'

Zambia | Sanctuary Zebra Plains Walking Safari Camp

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
4 luxury tents

Sanctuary Zebra Plains offers an authentic walking safari in Zambia. This is Africa away from the crowds and an adventure that doesn’t compromise on life’s luxuries.  You are joined by Garth Hovell, one of the best guides around who shares his passion and knowledge of the African bush while your evenings are spent in classic style ‘under canvas’ without forsaking personal service and comfort.

Situated in the South Luangwa National Park at the confluence of the Luangwa and Chibembe Rivers, Sanctuary Zebra Plains is the perfect location for walking safaris. This specific area of the park boasts many unique game species including eland, Roan antelope, Cookson’s Wildebeest and the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe. Game viewing here is considered some of the best in the world and the park has considerable populations of elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and puku. The area is also an ornithologist’s paradise with well over 400 bird species.

Sanctuary Zebra Plains has four tents - all with mosquito nets, en suite facilities and creature comforts including flush toilets. Hot showers are filled manually by your tent attendant for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day spent walking in the bush. The main mess tent offers a dining area serving gourmet, energy filled meals. There is also a small library and bar where guests can sip cocktails as they watch the sun set over the Luangwa River, snorting hippos in the background. Seasonal, this camp operates from June to November, and has been designed to leave the lowest possible carbon footprint.

Wake up to an early breakfast served in the mess tent before starting your exploration of the South Luangwa on foot.  All walking safaris are accompanied by Garth Hovell, an experienced safari guide who will share with you some of the most fascinating, yet easily missed sights and sounds of the bush. In the company of Garth, along with an armed game scout, guests follow animal tracks along sandy paths or watch the grass spring back minutes after a puku antelope has passed. It’s not just the big animals that are fascinating – termites, dung beetles, chameleons and the prolific bird life all have their stories to tell.

Garth Hovell, widely regarded as one of Zambia’s most experienced and dynamic  guides, hosts all walking safaris at Sanctuary Zebra Plains. Born in Zimbabwe, Garth’s guiding career began at an early age when he completed his Zimbabwean Pro Guides Licence aged 22. He has been leading walking safaris for 13 years and considers walking the purest form of bush exploration. His wealth of knowledge and true sense of adventure will ensure every guest has the experience of a lifetime.

Sanctuary Zebra Plains is featured on A&K’s Zambia Walking Safari itinerary

View our 'Zambia Walking Safari' itinerary