Classic Botswana
Arrival
On arrival at Kasane Airport, a Sanctuary Retreats representative will meet you and drive you to Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. Deep in the heart of the Botswana wilderness lies Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. This luxurious retreat is located on the edge of Chobe National Park, the second largest national park in Botswana, where some 80,000 elephants roam. From the lodge’s hilltop position, guests can enjoy far reaching panoramic views over the Chobe River and floodplains below.
The main public area includes a lounge, library, and dining room, which are linked to outdoor viewing patios. Guests are able to relax in the split-level swimming pool or unwind with a pampering session in the full service spa complete with a treetop treatment room. Relax in luxurious thatched cottages, with modern freestanding baths, indoor and outdoor showers, terrace and private garden overlooking the magnificent Chobe River. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the game viewing activities on offer which include game drives, motorised boat safaris, and sundowner and photographic cruises on the Chobe River.
Chobe National Park
Today is at leisure to explore the area. Our morning drives include coffee, tea and freshly baked confectioneries. This thrilling experience aboard a custom 4X4 vehicle brings you to the heart of Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, as well as hippos, buffalo, antelopes, lions and other creatures that gather on the banks of the Chobe River. Alternatively, guests can take part in additional activities (at an extra cost), such as fishing excursions on the Chobe. The best time for fishing is in winter: May, June, July and August. Guests can expect to catch Bream and Tiger Fish, during one of the most sought-after game fishing experiences. The use of the boat during this activity is for a maximum of three hours and includes basic fishing equipment. A maximum of three people are allowed per boat and the activity is subject to availability. We suggest booking this activity while at the lodge.
At midday, return to camp for lunch and relax, or head out to spot wildlife from the water, joining one of the acclaimed guides on a water safari on specially adapted motorboats. The best way to end a day of safari here is by sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River, all from the comfort of one of our specially-designed riverboats. Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river.
Okavango Delta
Enjoy breakfast and then a morning game viewing activity. A camp representative will transfer you to the airstrip for your charter flight to Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp airstrip. On arrival at the Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp airstrip, a representative will meet and transfer you to the camp. The transfer time is approximately 20 minutes. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is situated in a 260,000-acre private concession, thus affording guests absolute exclusivity. The accommodation consists of ten classic styled safari tents set among ebony and sausage trees. The natural wonders of the area constantly change over the seasons from lush green when the rain flows down the Angolan highlands, to dry savannah when the neighbouring Kalahari Desert tightens its grip on the terrain.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the activities available including serene mokoro excursions (subject to water levels), exclusive bush dinners, and game drives in customised, open 4 x 4 vehicles - including the rare opportunity of night drives.
Okavango Delta
Start your day with a game drive tracking the ‘Big Five’ as well as other species local to the delta. While you are soaking in the beauty of this region, let our guides take you to a small secluded area for you to have breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the bush. Return to camp to freshen up, have lunch, and relax in the pool to escape the afternoon heat. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy.
Come the evening, head back out for a memorable sundowner experience in the delta before enjoying a sumptuous dinner prepared by our skilful chefs back in camp.
Okavango Delta
For your last day at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, explore the Okavango Delta on foot. Alongside your professional guide, walk through the bush and don’t miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with your surrounding environment. These walks allow you to read the news of the night in the smooth sand of the road. Lions, leopards, elephants, genets and even millipedes are all part of the signs, each with their story to tell. A walking safari is about seeing the small five and the various flora in the area.
In the afternoon, should the water levels allow it, cruise through the waterways of the Okavango Delta aboard a local dug out canoe, known as a mokoro. This mean of transport will offer you a whole new perspective of the region as you see the local wildlife quenching their thirst or playing in the water just a few metres away from you.
Finally, enjoy an evening game drive to see the plains become even livelier as the sun begins to set. On your return to camp, freshen up and relax to a private dinner on the boma to end your stay at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp.
Okavango Delta
After breakfast and a morning game drive (time permitting), a member of our team will transfer you on to the next leg of your journey. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp is a luxury bush camp situated on Chief’s Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve. This region is known as the “predator capital” of Africa and is considered to have the finest game viewing in Botswana including the Big Five and is also home to large herds of elephant as well as over 500 bird species.
The decked lounge, dining area and atmospheric fire pit all overlook expansive floodplains so that guests can continue game viewing in camp. Guest accommodation is comprised of 12 secluded, luxury bush pavilions. The main deck area is split-level and offers expansive views over the floodplain while the lower level of the deck houses an exquisite plunge pool. The afternoon is at leisure. Activities available include game drives and seasonal mokoro excursions (subject to water levels).
Okavango Delta
The day is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer. The game viewing opportunities around Sanctuary Chief’s Camp are awe-inspiring. Expert guides are on hand to share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, take guests deep into the bush in specially modified 4 x 4 vehicles on morning and afternoon game drives to find the secluded places where elephant families congregate in search of the tastiest fruits and berries. In the plains, one may find the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. There are several local lion prides as well as leopards, genet cats and hyenas are in abundance. You may even spot wild dogs. These extremely rare predators have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa and this is one of their last strongholds. Intensely curious, painted dogs, as they are known here, are extremely rewarding to view and accessible to only a few.
Guests can also enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. These flights involve heading west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta. Being a personalised activity, it is up to you what time of day you would like to do the activity; however we would recommend early morning and late afternoon as this time usually provides the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.
End your last night in the bush with a private dinner under the starry African night sky, all while being soothed by the sounds of the bush.
Departure
Enjoy a relaxing morning in the camp and its surroundings. At the agreed time, please meet the camp representative in the reception area of the lodge for your transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun where you will connect for your outbound flight. Your transfer times will be advised to you by the camp managers.