&Beyond

NG31 is some of the strongest game country in the Delta: lion in numbers, leopard thick in the riverine cover, wild dog denning in winter, elephant and buffalo herds on the floodplain, and every sighting yours to follow off the road, after dark, with seldom another vehicle. The lodge answers in kind: twelve suites in sculptural timber beneath the pangolin roof, each with a plunge pool over the channel, a fireplace and a butler. The pairing is exactly why this is known as &Beyond's flagship property in Botswana.


Plan your journey

Awarded: Silver

Location

Sandibe occupies the northern portion of NG31, a private concession in the south-eastern Okavango Delta that shares an unfenced boundary with Moremi Game Reserve. The distinction between concession and reserve is the most important fact about where you are. Inside Moremi, vehicles keep to the roads and turn for home at dusk. Here your guide can leave the track to follow a leopard into the thickets, stay out after dark for the animals the daylight never shows you, and lead you into the bush on foot. Those three freedoms, off-road, after dark and on foot, are much of the reason a private concession costs what it does.

The Delta is a system of moving water, and the two halves of NG31 sit on different sides of it. The Sandibe ground has become largely permanent water: the Santantadibe Channel runs past the suites the year round, and hippo, red lechwe and elephant work the floodplain in front of camp without anyone starting a vehicle. The drier southern portion, where Wilderness runs its Chitabe camps, floods only seasonally, and the two operators keep their vehicles to their own halves, so you seldom meet another car. Roughly 22,500 hectares of exclusive traversing, with little competition for the sightings.

Timing rewards a little planning. The dry winter, June to October, draws the animals onto the permanent water and is the prime game-viewing season, with wild dog denning peaking from June to August, the one window worth planning a trip around. The green season, November to April, thickens the bush, scatters the game and brings the migrant birds; September and October are superb for predators, though the heat by then is serious. We will say what the brochures tend to skirt: this is a land safari in a water world. The mokoro trails and boat cruises belong to the sister camps down the channel, and what Sandibe offers, it offers on wheels and on foot.

Communal Areas

The heart of the lodge is the pangolin: a long, low sweep of shingled timber that curls over the main area like the scales of the animal it was modelled on, open-sided and copper-toned, with the deck running out past the roof to a raised platform above the floodplain. It is a building people photograph before they have set their bags down.

Dining is a single kitchen doing several things well rather than a run of restaurants. Breakfast might be a surprise brunch laid out in the bush; dinner is often in the boma, under lanterns, around a central fire, with the day’s sightings retold in the order they happened. The open kitchen invites you in to build your own pizza or burger at the wood-fired oven, and there is a charcoal-cooled wine cellar, stocked with South African labels, that will seat a private dinner among the bottles. Almost none of it turns up later on the bill.

Elsewhere there is an upstairs bar for the long light of late afternoon, a small gym, a sala for massage, and a shop worth the browse. Both of the honest notes here are consequences of the design rather than oversights. The main areas are open to the air, so at midday in the hot months they hold the warmth rather than the cool; the compensation is that nothing stands between you and the sound of the Delta. And a lodge of twelve suites is not a resort: there is no communal pool, because every suite already has its own.

Rooms

The suites are the reason Sandibe appears in architecture magazines as often as safari ones. Nicholas Plewman Architects and Michaelis Boyd designed them to sit above the papyrus like the nests of golden weavers, dressed inside by Fox Browne Creative; the whole lodge is built from glued-laminated pine, Canadian cedar shingles and woven eucalyptus laths, with no concrete anywhere.

No two suites differ in any way that matters, and that is deliberate: no one is quietly sold the lesser room. Each is raised on stilts and reached by a short flight of steps: a cocoon of curved timber and woven wall, with a wood-burning fireplace, a personal bar, and a shower open to the reeds as well as one within. A private plunge pool sits on the deck angled at the channel, and on a hot afternoon it is where the day happens; the papyrus rustles, something grunts in the water below, and the swim becomes a game drive you did not have to book. Your butler lights the fire against the evening chill and has the bath drawn by the time the vehicle brings you home.

Families get real provision here, which in our experience is rarer than it should be at this price: one Family Suite links two suites by a covered walkway, and children of all ages are welcome. Beyond that the configuration is uniform, and the honest notes are all to do with the design rather than any shortfall in it. The suites are raised, the decks run over several levels, and there are steps throughout, something to weigh for anyone who finds stairs a trial. The build is timber, canvas and mesh, so the air-conditioning tempers the heat rather than defeating it in the hot weeks of October. Because the camp is unfenced, you are walked to and from your suite after dark, and the furthest suites are a longer stroll from the fire. Stays are capped at three nights, an &Beyond house policy across its Delta camps.

Activities

Days here run to the old safari rhythm: out before dawn while the light is low and the predators are still working, back for brunch, out again as the afternoon cools. Drives are in open vehicles with no more than six aboard, and because the concession’s freedoms travel with you, a fresh track can be followed off-road and a sighting held after dark under a filtered spotlight. A private guide and vehicle can be arranged for those who want to set their own pace. This is a lion stronghold: the floodplain prides run Very High, and leopard, helped by the impala the thickets carry, run High in the riverine cover. Elephant, buffalo and hippo all run Very High, the herds at their biggest as the dry season starts. Four of the Big Five are here in good numbers; rhino are not part of the Delta safari, and we would rather say so than let the label ‘Big Five’ do work it cannot.

The wild dog are the ones to travel for. Botswana holds close to a third of the world’s remaining population of this Endangered predator, and NG31 is among its more reliable corners; sightings run High, and from June to August, when the packs settle at a den, they turn from lucky to likely. On foot, an armed, licensed professional guide leads and the minimum age is sixteen; the reward is the detail a vehicle rolls past: the age of a track, the direction a herd fed, the alarm call that names an unseen predator. Photographers are well served, with beanbags and charging points built into the vehicles and a pair of Swarovski binoculars in every suite, and birders have more than 340 species to chase, the elusive Pel’s fishing owl chief among them.

The drives quietly fund the concession’s other work. Sandibe works with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, whose wild-dog study is among the longest-running in Africa, and through Wild Impact it supports the Sexaxa school near Maun. The lodge draws roughly seventy per cent of its power from solar, the first such plant in Botswana when it was built in 2014. For families, the WILDchild programme gives younger children their own version of the day; children of any age can stay, the drives take sixes and over, and the walks start at sixteen.

 

 

Fully inclusive

Accommodation
All meals
All house drinks (except premium imported brands and champagne)
Safari activities
Laundry

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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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.

Explore Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve Properties

What People Say

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  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

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  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

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  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

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  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

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  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

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  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

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  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

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  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

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