- Our Top Experiences -

Sanctuary Retreats offers guests so much more than heavenly beds and gourmet meals…Get up close and personal with Africa’s friendliest giants with the unique Living with Elephants activity, explore the waterways and lagoons of the Okavango Delta in our local mokoros or, experience safari from a different perspective as you rise above the grassy plains of the Masai Mara in our magical sunrise hot-air ballooning adventure. Below we have listed some of our favourite experiences, which will you choose?

Living with Elephants   
Low volumes of visitors to Sanctuary Retreats are given the rare opportunity to visit two rescued elephants, Jabu and Morula, in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

During their walk with the elephants, guests witness private moments as they forage, mud wallow and amble through the bush. This is an intimate and highly educational bush walk where you will learn about the status of the African Elephant, their role in the eco-system and conservation in general. Find out more about this once in a lifetime opportunity here.

Unforgettable dining  
After a guest requested a special surprise dinner for his fiancée whilst staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, the lodge arranged for one thousand roses to be flown in from Lusaka, plus decorated buckets with silk organza bows. The path to the spa deck was lined with buckets of roses, where a private candlelit table was laid for dinner.

Needless to say, on arrival the guest cried with joy and happiness.

Sleep Under the Stars 
Lull yourself to sleep under the stars, with the murmuring sounds of the African bush in Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge’s once-in-a-lifetime Sleep-out Hide. The secure, rustic double storey sleeping deck provides a mesmerising setting to experience the wonders of Africa. 

Wildebeest Migration
With front row seats to the greatest show in Africa - witness the Great Wildebeest Migration at Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp. Watching over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh grasses is a truly unforgettable experience.

Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Regilded
One of National Geographic’s "Journeys of a Lifetime" is about to become even more memorable.

After a dramatic transformation, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer is now setting off on luxurious 4-day cruises along this epic river. With only 32 cabins, this exclusive ship offers an intimate yet truly magnificent setting for your Egyptian adventure.

Bathe Under the Stars 
Experience ultimate indulgence with a serene Star Bath beneath the star-filled African sky. Perched above the Boro River, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp offers guests a romantic and immersive experience. With only six luxurious suites, privacy and seclusion is guaranteed.

Gorilla Trekking
Nestled deep in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp invites guests to get up close and personal with Uganda’s most fascinating families. With limited gorilla trekking permits available, this exclusive experience promises the most intimate of wildlife encounters.

Yangzi Explorer
Enjoy authentically experiencing Chinese culture on board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.

Breeze-kissed tai chi lessons before breakfast. Tea ceremonies to make you a connoisseur. Acupuncture, reflexology and Chinese medicine masterclasses. Learn how to make dumplings, or just relax and reflect on the day’s once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing. Who knew time in the slow lane could be so enlightening?

Please note - Some activities are at an extra cost.