= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Africa Sanctuary Retreats
 Mokoro excursion on the floodplains of Sanctuary Stanley's Camp |
Conceived with the discerning adventure traveller in mind. Sanctuary Lodges and camps are unique wilderness properties in areas of outstanding natural beauty that have been designed to operate on an environmentally sustainable basis.
No two of these refined, stylish and idiosyncratic places are alike. They do however, share a common inspiration: a desire to welcome guests to the sights, sounds, flavours and experiences that are the heart and soul of Africa. Be it luxurious, thatched cottages with private gardens and freestanding baths or modern canvas tents raised on pavilions overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Lodges are limited to a maximum of fifteen cottages or tents as part of a commitment to low impact, high-quality tourism. Rooms are designed for the ultimate in privacy and comfort with en suite facilities
A staff to guest ratio of 2:1 allows for extremely high levels of efficient, unobtrusive, personal service. Lodges do not have rigid activity schedules to follow. Your stay is customized according to your desires and game movement.
Your guide is the single most important element of a safari and Sanctuary’s guides are amongst the world’s best. Experienced, English-speaking professionals whose education, field experience and personal accomplishments make them ideal interpreters and companions. Each has an intimate knowledge of local flora and fauna, geography and animal behaviour. Custom-built 4WD LandCruisers are used at the camps. These offer more space and comfort and better sight lines. These are fully-equipped with radios, bottled water, field guides, binoculars and other amenities for comfort and safety.
Due to the privacy of Sanctuary’s locations and the small number of guests in each lodge, there is the flexibility to offer a wide range of activities. Game viewing possibilities may include picturesque bush breakfasts, picnic lunches or "sundowner" cocktails. In many areas, private concessions afford guests the rare opportunity for exclusive night game drives and intimate walking encounters. At Sanctuary Stanley's Camp and Sanctuary Baines' Camp you can spend the morning walking with a herd of semi-habituated elephants, learning about their daily habits, from the foods they eat to their favourite bathing spot. A non-intrusive glimpse into the life of these grand beasts is an unforgettable experience offered exclusively to our guests.
Botswana | Sanctuary Baines' Camp
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp
Okavango Delta
5 luxury suites all elevated
Set amongst the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta, the intimate Sanctuary Baines' Camp features five luxurious suites set on elevated platforms in the tree line. Wooden decks offer expansive views over the permanent water of the Boro River and a lagoon teeming with life. The elevated suites feature a luxurious bedroom, with softly draped fabrics adding the romantic touch of a bygone era. The four-poster beds are fully mobile, giving guests the choice of slumber under star laden skies. Avid astronomers will delight in stargazing from the privacy of their own deck. This exclusive lodge is named after the famed nineteenth century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines. The main area features an oversize deck for outdoor dining and views over the permanent water of the lagoon, as well as a swimming pool with two sala's for refreshing sunbathing. Activities include day and night game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle, walking safaris, mokoro and motorboat excursions (seasonal) and the Elephant Experience.
Botswana | Sanctuary Chief's Camp
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
Moremi Game Reserve
12 luxury bush pavilions
Located on Chief's Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. In this "predator capital of Africa", wild dog, lion, cheetah and leopard abound, and guests enjoy exceptional opportunities to interact with this amazing environment. Since the introduction of white rhino into the area, this is the only place in Botswana where these magnificent animals can be seen in their natural environment. Sanctuary Chief's Camp has been so skillfully integrated into the landscape that guests can often view game without even leaving camp. Shaded from the heat of the day by a beautiful grove of jackalberry trees, Sanctuary Chief's Camp is so remote you'll feel like the only humans for miles and miles. Twelve secluded, permanent luxury bush pavilions are designed for ultimate privacy and comfort, and to offer you a front row seat for this rich and rewarding African adventure. Each pavilion features a thatched roof, spacious seating area, en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor shower as well as a private game viewing deck with deck chairs. Each unit boasts a generous mosquito net on a four-poster bed, two wardrobes, a book shelf, writing desk and mini bar. The main lodge complex houses the dining area, curio shop, library and reception area. There is an exquisite swimming pool and a range of spa treatments are offered from the treatment room offering treatments from the Africology and Thalgo treatment ranges. Activities include day game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle and mokoro excursions (seasonal).
Botswana | Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
Chobe National Park
15 luxury cottages
Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge, one of the most enchanting places on earth. With gorgeous, breathtaking vistas as a backdrop, you'll come face-to-face with the abundant creatures of the bush, and some of the most spectacular sunsets Mother Nature bestows. You will enjoy creature comforts - elegantly appointed accommodations, silver service, gourmet meals and fine wines. Relax in luxurious thatched cottages, with modern freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace and private garden with hammock. There is also a library, curio shop and a communications centre. Although located in Botswana, this intimate lodge is easily accessed from Zambia and the world famous Victoria Falls. Activities include 4WD game drives, water safaris, Sundowner cruises and fishing excursions. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero’s new Spa has opened and offers a range of spa and hydrotherapy treatments from both the Thalgo and Africology ranges.
Botswana | Sanctuary Stanley's Camp
Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp
Okavango Delta
8 classically styled safari tents
Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is situated on a 260,000 acre private concession, bordering the southern section of the famous Moremi Game Reserve, thus affording guests absolute exclusivity. The area is home to a wide variety of big game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
Guest accommodation consists of 8 classic styled safari tents. The delicately appointed tents exude classic Africa; handcrafted beds dressed with the finest linen, antique furniture individually selected and oriental carpets that transport you to early 19th century Africa. Each unit offers en-suite facilities and a private deck verandah. Hammocks and Morris chairs on the balcony are perfect for relaxation in the African sunshine. The main building is raised on decking and offers expansive views over the surrounding floodplains. Sanctuary Stanley's is carefully blended into the existing tree line, its main support being a large sausage tree. Activities include game drives by open 4WD safari vehicles, walking safaris, mokoro excursions (seasonal) and the Elephant Experience.
Kenya | Sanctuary Olonana
Olonana
Masai Mara Game Reserve
14 spacious tented pavilions
Situated on the banks of the Mara River, in the heart of the Kenya’s big game country. This unique setting offers a world of remarkable opportunities for safari adventurers. In addition to big game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve, visitors are offered a close cultural experience and a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of the Maasai people in the adjacent Maasai village or 'engang'. Guests also have the opportunity to relax and revitalize while indulging in luxurious treatments at Sanctuary Olonana’s new mini-spa. Sanctuary Olonana features 14 spacious permanent tents, 12 tents are tastefully appointed with two comfortable queen-size beds, 1 tent with a king size bed (suitable for a honeymoon coupe) and one tent with two twin beds, en suite bathrooms with showers, and large, riverview verandahs. Enjoy a quiet evening drink, cozily seated on your verandah, watching the hippo frolicking just before heading out for their nightly grazing. Activities include game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle, walking safaris and visits to the local village.
Tanzania | Sanctuary Kusini
Sanctuary Kusini
Serengeti National Park
12 private terrace tents
Perfectly sited in a cluster of kopjes, Sanctuary Kusini blends seamlessly into the delicate environment of the predator-rich plains of the Serengeti. The surrounding short grass plains provide the setting for the most spectacular natural phenomenon in the continent of Africa, the wildebeest migration, during which time the hordes amass around the camp for the birthing of their young. The migration comes with its own retinue, and the predators - lion, leopard and cheetah – plus countless zebra, gazelle and other plains game add to a diverse eco-system that evolves around you during your stay. Each of the 12 classic styled safari tents feature ensuite bathrooms with showers and elevated terraces overlooking the plains. Activities include game drives by open 4WD safari vehicle.
Tanzania | Sanctuary Swala
Sanctuary Swala
Tarangire National Park
12 luxury bush pavilions
Nestled in a remote pocket of Tarangire National Park, Sanctuary Swala is sited in a copse of majestic acacia trees at the edge of the Gurusi wetlands. The stands of ancient baobab trees, large family herds of elephants, prolific bird life and dry season concentrations of wildlife make Tarangire the classic Africa of lore. Sanctuary Swala's 12 private, permanent tents feature ensuite bathrooms with showers, complemented by fittings and fixtures crafted from local materials. The tents, elevated terraces face the waterhole, offering year-round wildlife viewing. Meals are taken in the comfortable dining tent, with full silver service, Pan-African cuisine and fine wines adding to the "country house under canvas" ambience. Sanctuary Swala's accomplished hosts, personal tent attendants, safari guides and Masai askaris that accompany you to your tent at night enhance your stay with their own personalized African affability, professionalism and knowledge.
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.
Uganda | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
8 spacious permanent tents
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is a permanent luxury tented camp nestled in the mist-swathed rainforests of a mountainside in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The exclusive location – one of only two properties within the park's boundaries - afford Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp the status of being the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing and birding excursions in the park. Bwindi is situated on Uganda's extreme western border, very close to the geographical heart of Africa where the confluence of the Rift Valley and the Great Lakes have created an eco-system that perhaps defines the very essence of the continent. Fittingly, Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Bwindi is home to seven species of primates, attracting the attention of international conservation efforts, of which the most endangered is that elusive giant of Africa-- the Mountain Gorilla. Only 600 of these magnificent animals remain worldwide, and Bwindi is home to just over half of them. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp has been designed to blend seamlessly into this most atmospheric of environments, carefully-appointed towards the misty valleys and looming, forest-clad mountains that protect this fragile eco-system. Accommodation is in 8 double tents, raised on wooden platforms, each with en-suite facilities and hot and cold running water, WC, basin and unusually – a bathtub looking out onto the forest. Each tent has a spacious wooden verandah where guests can relax, enjoy a private meal and absorb the exotic mystery of the surrounding rainforest. Activities include gorilla tracking, bird watching, forest walks and visits to a local village.
Zambia | Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge
Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge
South Luangwa National Park
10 elegant Victorian style suites
The South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest and lush savanna, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of different habitats extending outwards from the central river. Formerly a private Presidential retreat, Sanctuary Chichele occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire park. Since the original structures, built in 1972, the building was transformed to create a spectacular 'turn of the century' safari lodge, designed to complement its natural surroundings. In order to exploit the wonderful floodplain vistas offered by the site, 10 air conditioned, elegant Victorian style suites are built along the edge of the hillside, each providing guests with private panoramic views. Each includes en-suite facilities and is equipped with a mini-bar, mosquito nets as well as hair dryer. The lodge also boasts a relaxing swimming pool, well stocked curio shop as well as conference facilities. Meals are table d'hôte with a wide selection of scrumptious dishes. Meals may be served in the luxurious indoor dining room or on the scenic verandah and boma area outside. Activities include game walks, game drives in open 4WD LandCruiser and night drives.
Zambia | Sanctuary Puku Ridge Tented Camp
Sanctuary Puku Ridge Tented Camp
South Luangwa National Park
7 spacious walk-in safari tents
Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp is situated in the remote, wildlife rich South Luangwa National Park. Named for the Puku antelope that inhabits the Kakumbi Dambo (floodplain), which the camp overlooks, Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp is built on a hillside, providing stunning vistas of the floodplain and the wildlife that frequents it.
The camp is small and intimate and has been constructed to blend in to the local surroundings. Each of the 7 luxury oversized tents has a comfortably furnished sitting area, en-suite facilities with a stunning outdoor shower and a private wooden deck where guests can game view from the privacy of their own rooms. There are a variety of sleeping configurations to suit each guest, with tents having options of two three-quarter beds, double or king size beds. Each tent also has mosquito nets, ceiling fans and hair dryer. Tea and coffee is brought to the rooms each morning by a room attendant. Activities include day and night game drives by open 4WD safari vehicles and walking safaris.
Zambia | Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
12 luxury tree-houses
2 Chuma houses
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone’s faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides.
Guest accommodation at consists of 12 luxury tree houses and two 2-bedroomed houses, built into the canopy of majestic ebony trees, which shelter a stunning variety of bird life. Each unit has a private view of the Zambezi and is en-suite with air conditioning, mini bar, mosquito nets, overhead fan & hairdryer.
The central lodge building features a raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, curio shop, swimming pool and a spa which provide incredible views of the mighty Zambezi. Meals are table d’hote with a wide variety of dishes available, served alfresco, often around a roaring fire in the evening. Activities include Victoria Falls tour, Semonga village visit, game drives, motorboat excursions, sunset river cruise and fishing.
Zambia | Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp
Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp
Lower Zambezi
7 spacious safari tents
The Lower Zambezi was for many years a forgotten wilderness and because of its remote location, has become a haven for many of Africa’s ‘big game’ species. The park is situated in the Zambezi Valley, opposite Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site. It is bordered by the steep Mukamba Escarpment to the North and the Zambezi River to the South, which concentrates the animals in a fairly narrow riverine corridor, making for excellent game viewing. Sanctuary Kulefu – “the faraway place”, located on a permanent channel of the Zambezi, is shaded by massive Winterthorn Acacias which provide a cool and relaxing location to watch the world go by. The camp offers seven spacious tented chalets with twin or double beds, mosquito nets and en-suite facilities, offering a relaxing view of the mighty Zambezi.
The central lounge and dining area are housed in a magnificent Bedouin style tent which gives a lovely open air feel to the setting and allow guests to feel as though they are part of the surrounding environment. Teak furniture and natural fabrics add an authentic feel to this incredible bush experience as well as providing luxurious comfort. The location is enhanced by a swimming pool right on the river bank as well as a teak deck overlooking the river. Activities include day and night game drives by 4WD safari vehicle, canoeing, fishing, walking safaris and motorboat excursions.
