&Beyond opened Sandibe Under Canvas in March 2026 on ground it already knew well: the wildlife-rich Sandibe concession in the southeastern Okavango Delta, where its permanent lodge has stood since 2014. The idea, as we read it, was to subtract rather than add. Six people, three canvas tents, and a private concession shared with no one else, in a return to the unhurried romance of a 1920s safari under canvas: open fires, lamplight, and the bush pressing in on three sides. The canvas exists to put as little as possible between you and the wild.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The Okavango Delta spreads across northern Botswana as a maze of channels and islands, but Sandibe Under Canvas sits on its drier, southeastern edge, where the water gives way to riverine forest, open floodplain and the low dry ridges that predators prefer. The camp works an exclusive traversing area of roughly 22,500 hectares within the Delta’s NG31 concession, sharing an unfenced boundary with Moremi Game Reserve, with Chief’s Island off to the northwest.
Being private ground rather than part of the reserve is the point. Inside Moremi, vehicles keep to the roads and to daylight; here, off-road tracking, night drives and walking safaris are all permitted, which is the difference between watching wildlife and following it.
Floodwater from the Angolan highlands reaches the Delta around June and peaks late in July and August, lifting the surrounding channels and drawing game towards the water. This remains a land camp, though, so the drives and walks continue regardless of levels, which is a real distinction from the water-led camps nearby and the main reason we point wildlife-minded travellers here rather than to a mokoro. By September and October, with cover thin and prey pinned to shrinking water, the big cats are at their most visible. Mornings tend to begin with whatever came to drink in the night still working the tree line, and the day’s direction set by the freshest tracks.
Getting here means flying — a light aircraft from Maun or Kasane to the Sandibe airstrip, then a short game drive into camp. The remoteness is real, and it is exactly what allows six people to have a concession this size very nearly to themselves.
Rooms
Three tents, and that is the whole camp. Each sleeps two, so Sandibe Under Canvas holds six at capacity; book all three and the concession is yours for the duration. There are no room categories to weigh up and nothing to upgrade into, which at this scale is the point rather than an omission.
The tents are canvas in the older sense: proper walls, a roomy interior, and a private veranda that faces straight into the concession rather than a tended garden. Inside sits a king-sized bed under full netting, an en-suite with an indoor shower, twin vanities and a flushing lavatory, a safe, and standing fans in place of air-conditioning. That last choice is deliberate. Canvas does little to soften the sounds of the concession at night, and the point of sleeping here is to hear the lions rather than a compressor. Each tent comes with a butler, who lights the lamps at dusk and turns down the bed while you are still out on the evening drive. A pair of Swarovski binoculars waits in each tent, yours for the stay.
What the tents leave out is as considered as what they include. There is no plunge pool, no minibar and no outdoor shower; this is a light-footprint camp, not the lodge along the same concession, and its comforts are the ones that count after a long day in the vehicle — a hot shower, a cold drink waiting at the fire, a bed you fall gratefully into. Children need to be twelve or older to stay.
Communal Areas
The whole of camp life fits in a single open-sided tent and around the fire beside it. With so few in camp, dinner is one table under lanterns and lamplight, and the cooking happens over coals close enough to watch, bread included, pulled from the embers as it is wanted. Meals and house drinks are part of the stay, and the bar runs on the easy informality that six people allow.
The camp is unfenced and runs off solar, so the line between the social space and the concession is mostly notional; a member of staff walks you between the fire and your tent once night falls, and the concession makes itself heard — lions carrying further than you expect. A pool, a spa or a gym would all sit oddly at three tents, and doing without them is what keeps the footprint light and the focus on the wildlife rather than the facilities.
Activities
Days here are built around game drives, twice daily and often on into the dark. One semi-open vehicle serves the whole camp, so the six people in residence share it — which means a couple, or a small group travelling together, effectively have a private guide and a stretch of the Delta that no other operator is allowed to drive.
This is predator country first and foremost. Lion sightings run Very High, elephant much the same through the dry months; leopard, buffalo and, unusually for the Delta, cheetah all run High. The concession’s signature, though, is the African wild dog, which runs High here; the packs den on the dry ridges around the middle of the year, and from June to August, pups at the den, the dogs are as reliable as this restless animal ever gets. Rhino are not part of the picture (they were moved out of the Delta during the poaching years), so this is honest Big Four country rather than five.
On foot, with an armed guide, the pace drops to a tracker’s questions: what crossed here, how long ago, and why it was hurrying. Birding is quietly first-rate (a checklist comes tucked into the map, and the specials run to Pel’s fishing owl and slaty egret), and the off-grid dark makes a strong case for staying out under the stars.
The conservation work sits behind all of this rather than on display: support for Oxford’s WildCRU predator research and the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust’s wild dog study, and a community partnership through Wild Impact that reaches the village of Sexaxa, near Maun. A scenic flight over the Delta by helicopter can be arranged at extra cost. There is no mokoro or boat here, though: the water and its channels belong to the sister camp at Nxabega, and Sandibe keeps its feet, and yours, firmly on dry land.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON
The Okavango River begins to flood the delta, gradually from north to south, drawing in wildlife from surrounding areas as the dry season progresses.
Midday temperatures are more pleasant, falling to an average high of 31°C/88°F by May. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON – START OF THE DELTA FLOODS
The Okavango River begins to flood the delta, gradually from north to south, drawing in wildlife from surrounding areas as the dry season progresses.
Midday temperatures are more pleasant, falling to an average high of 31°C/88°F by May. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON – DELTA IN FLOOD
The landscape continues to dry up around Botswana, with the exception of the Okavango Delta which continues to flood – this stark difference pulls in huge volumes of wildlife, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are rather cool averaging around 25°C/77°F, mornings are cold, occasionally sub-zero, so be sure to pack warm clothes!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON – DELTA IN FLOOD
The landscape continues to dry up around Botswana, with the exception of the Okavango Delta which continues to flood – this stark difference pulls in huge volumes of wildlife, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are rather cool averaging around 25°C/77°F, mornings are cold, occasionally sub-zero, so be sure to pack warm clothes!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Midday temperatures begin to rise and can at times be hot. Morning remain surprisingly cool.
Botswana has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from October through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. As Botswana is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
There are also two significant exceptions to the above rule of thumb; Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi which come into their own during the wet season as wildlife moves in to take advantage of the fresh, lush grass.
Temperatures can be very high in and around the wet season; when the sunlight is at its strongest, however nights can be cool to sub-freezing throughout the year. So, don’t forget to pack warm clothing!
DRY SEASON – DELTA IN FLOOD
The landscape continues to dry up around Botswana, with the exception of the Okavango Delta which is now in full flood – this stark difference pulls in huge volumes of wildlife, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are a pleasant to hot averaging between 28°C/82°F and 32°C/77°F. Mornings are cool, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON
It has been months since the initial flooding of the Okavango River, leading ultimately to the flooding of the vast Okavango Delta; the flood waters now gradually recede as time moves on.
Game viewing remains spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers, at the same time the delta levels continue to drop; ultimately this disperses wildlife out of the delta.
The temperatures remain hot, while the humidity adds level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be good, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.

