Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Okavango Delta

Overview

Sanctuary Chief's 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. The vast number of animals who congregate here make it easy to understand why the area was put aside for the chief. It was Moremi's people, the Tawana, who turned it into a reserve where animals are 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.

Included Activities

mokoro excursions

Mokoros, local dugout canoes, are ideal for getting close to the bush in the company of a highly trained local guide. Each June the whole area around the camp floods and turns the Okavango Delta into a labyrinth of lily-filled lagoons and streams where hippos fight for bathing rights and crocodiles wait for unwary antelope to linger too long over a drink. Poling through the byways created by the floodwaters is a magical experience that allows guests to get very close to the biggest of game and to see the world from a totally different angle – looking up onto the banks rather than down onto them. As a change from a game drive, the quiet, gentle pace of a mokoro is a real introduction to a way of transport still used in the Delta by the ‘river bushmen’ or BaYei people. This activity is subject to water levels.

game drives

The expert guides always on hand to share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, take guests deep into the bush in specially modified open 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. The game viewing opportunities at Sanctuary Chief's Camp are awe-inspiring. On the plains one may find the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. Guests may see 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 the few. Sanctuary Chief's is the ideal place to spot the big 5 - perhaps even the rare rhino. There are several local lion prides as well as leopards, genet cats and hyena are in abundance.

Rates

Rates include:

• All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands)
• Park fees
• Laundry
• Emergency medical evacuation
  
• The following activities: Morning and afternoon game drives and Mokoro excursions (seasonal)
  

Rates exclude:

• Additional activities: Spa treatments and Helicopter flights over the Delta
• Gratuities to driver/guides and staff 
• All items of a personal nature, telephone calls and curio shop purchases
  

Getting There & Away

Sanctuary Chief's Camp has its own licensed private airstrip which is located approximately 2 kilometres from the camp. The transfer from the airstrip to the camp takes approximately 10 minutes. 

The airstrip is accessible from Maun (25 minutes), Kasane (1 hour 30 minutes), Sanctuary Stanley's Camp (15 minutes) and Sanctuary Baines' Camp (15 minutes). Please note the luggage restriction is 20kg per person in a soft-sided bag.

Additional Activities

treatment room

Guests at Sanctuary Chief’s are able to enjoy a range of spa treatments. Treatments include products from the Africology line and guests are able to choose from a range of body therapies, body rituals and facial skin care treatments. Treatments may be booked at the camp reception with the camp manager, or with the therapist. A full consultation will be held before every treatment.

• Treatment pricelist 2012
  

Guest Comments

"A wonderful experience whether you are an old African Hand or first time visitor to Africa - great staff and food, unforgettable game drives and some superb animal viewing." Randy & Sharon

"It was an amazing experience here at Chief's Camp. We saw so many terrific things… Jonathan our guide found zebra and giraffe mating, baby hyenas, impalas… and one of our absolute highlights... the lion kill where 18 lions, male , female and cubs came to enjoy the feast. Can hardly wait to come back... outstanding." Fred & Irene

"This is a magical spot in Africa - and Chief's Camp is a magical place. Thank you all for a superb time. Really wonderful!!" Geoffrey, UK

"Fabulous bush experience! A holiday to remember, the attention and friendliness of staff was exceptional." Dennis & Jane

"One of the best memories we will keep from our stay in Africa. Thanks to Rory and Jade and all the staff. May we come back to experience once more the wonder of Africa." Hughes & Marjorie, France

"Thank you for this fabulously amazing, wonderful trip... Fantastic." Elizabeth & Ted, USA

"Beautiful! Love the animals and natural habitat. Lovely people. Continue with the high conservation standards. Thank you." Julie

"We have enjoyed every minute of it, even more than we expected. The habitat and lodging were the best. We really admired the knowledge of our guide Stanza." Hans & Brigitte, Sweden

"What a perfect honeymoon getaway. Ali is Botswana's #1 guide. He made our trip. Everything was wonderful and the people incredibly hospitable. We'll be back!" John & Amy

"What a fantastic place! Good food, good wine, lovely people and of course the beautiful animals..." Sally & David

"Beautiful place, amazing wilderness, great experience, can't wait to come back." Trevor

"What an amazing experience, such a privilege." Mark

"A wonderful wilderness and fantastic experience. Everything from the lodge to the staff and the wildlife was fantastic." Albie

"The place is amazing and the game sightings unique, lodge staff and management are also great. Definitely one of the best places in Africa!" Jordi, Spain

"Best place ever!! Everyone was so nice and helpful. I will never forget this holiday, ever!" Gillian, USA

"Absolutely fantastic staff, wouldn't hesitate coming back. See you again soon." Geof & Tyson

"Many thanks for your hospitality. You spoiled us, we felt like VIPs! We hope we can come back soon." Gerald, Andre & Trudy, The Netherlands

Packages

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Best of Botswana

Duration: 8 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

This safari package provides the perfect introduction to Botswana with stays at two of our Okavango Delta camps, followed by a stay at our lodge bordering Chobe National Park.

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Heart of the Delta

Duration: 5 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, Sanctuary Chief's Camp

The Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, offers incredible game viewing opportunities and an array of ways in which to explore the reed-fringed channels and lagoons.

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Highlights of Botswana

Duration: 6 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

This shorter safari package includes stays at two tented camps in private concessions in the Okavango Delta, as well as a luxury lodge with a full spa.

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Sanctuary Spafari

Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

“Let us bestow upon you the healing hands of Mother Nature, let the tension dissipate with the setting of the sun, be absorbed in the elegant charm and surroundings allowing yourself time to indulge in the ultimate luxury of spa.”

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The Great Explorer Package

Duration: 10 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Follow in the footsteps of famous explorers from the floodwaters of Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, home to the largest population of elephants in Africa, to Zambia’s Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

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Philanthropy Projects

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Plants and People Africa, Botswana

Plants and People Africa is a botanical research and community outreach project which is supported by Sanctuary Chief's Camp in the Okavango Delta,...

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