The twelve luxury bush pavilions at Sanctuary Chiefs Camp are tucked away in the Mombo Concession, part of the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve. This area is known as the ‘predator capital of Africa’ and is also home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, making Sanctuary Chiefs Camp the ideal place to experience African wildlife at close hand. Sanctuary Chiefs 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.
Accommodation
The guest pavilions of Sanctuary Chiefs Camp are hidden away in a jackalberry and sausage tree woodland that is characteristic of the area. All have their own private decks and outdoor showers, as well as fully-equipped bathroom inside. 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 Chiefs Camp 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.
Facilities/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.
COST
From US $ 700.00 per person sharing per night incl. of meals, drinks and game activities
Children over the age of 9 years are welcome
To book a stay at this stunning ccamp, or for more information, click here