Set in a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. We encouraged the local community in Maun to collect cans, with a fee paid for every can, which were recycled to form the backbone of the camp’s structures.
From delicious dining with spectacular views to sundowners drinks in the middle of the bush – Sanctuary Baines’ Camp has so much to offer.
WHY SANCTUARY BAINES’ CAMP
Set in a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, this low environmental impact camp has been built using commercially grown wood and recycled tin cans.
Named after the 19th century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, this is Sanctuary’s smallest camp with just six suites. An eco-friendly property built using only commercially grown wood, with over 150,000 recycled aluminium cans incorporated within the walls to provide insulation. The camp is raised above the permanent water of the Boro River while wooden walkways connect the main areas and luxury rooms. The swimming pool and the wide wooden deck that surrounds the main dining and sitting room is the ideal place to relax while observing the varied wildlife present here. Watch hippos wallow at the edge of the lagoon that the camp overlooks, or see one of the many elephants who live in the area.
The six suites at Sanctuary Baines’ are opulent and luxurious, with ensuite facilities and four-poster beds. Traditional safari ceiling fans create a cooling breeze at even the hottest times of the year. Should you wish, your bed can be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck for a night under the stars, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River where hippo can often be spotted. Or take an indulgent soak under the stars on your own private viewing deck in an opulent star bath. At Baines’ Camp, the sky’s the limit.
Famed for its big cat and bird population, the Okavango Delta is a peaceful haven where animals have been protected for decades and know they will not be disturbed. At Baines’ Camp, you have the opportunity to see animals up close with your expert guide on morning and evening game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles. A night game drive is the perfect means to see some of the nocturnal animals one wouldn’t see during the day time. The concession also boasts a diversity of landscapes with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps all in close proximity. During higher water levels game drives will be combined with motorised boating excursions. (Night drives are seasonal, depending on water levels.)
One of the best ways to see the wildlife around Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is in one of the locally made dugout canoes, known as mokoros. These used to be carved from ebony but are now made from commercially grown wood and fibreglass to protect the fragile environment of the Okavango. In one of these traditional crafts it is possible to float around the waterways and lagoons that make up the delta, looking for crocodiles in the water, but also getting a remarkable view of the plains game from a new and exciting angle. This gentle and informative mode of safari is unique to the river Bushmen, comprising three different tribes who made the Delta their home. For the less intrepid, the camp also has motorised speedboats that can be used when the rivers are in flood. (All water based activities are seasonal and based on the water levels of the delta.)
Experience the magnificent Okavango Delta by air with Helicopter Horizons Scenic Flights – a completely personalised experience offering the very best of the untamed wilderness and wildlife in widescreen. These scenic flights involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta. Helicopters are a perfect way to explore deep into the Delta exposing permanent waterways, palm islands and lagoons, with sweeping views of floodplains and incredible game sightings. Doors are removed for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities.
Being a personalised activity, it’s up to you what time of day you would like to do the activity, however we would recommend early morning and late afternoon as these times usually provide the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.
Find out how to track and follow even the most elusive of animals in the Okavango. With the camp being set in a private concession, there is the opportunity to get very close on foot in perfect safety with one of our guides. This is an exciting activity and a little nerve wracking for first-timers who have only ever driven around in a safari vehicle and enjoyed sitting above lion, elephants and other animals. On foot, one cannot approach these animals, obviously, but learning about them, walking their walk and seeing the bush at their level is a wonderful and educational experience.
