Sanctuary Baines’ Camp

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp

Traveller (237)
Inside room #5
Room & Suite (37)
Swimming pool
Pool & Beach (14)

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About

#18 of 27 lodges in Okavango Delta
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is our smallest camp with only six luxurious suites. With star baths and sky beds on your private deck, this is a romantic oasis. 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. Baines’ is also one of only two camps to offer you the opportunity to walk with elephants. The six suites at Sanctuary Baines' are opulent and luxurious, with ensuite facilities and four-poster beds. 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.
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Property amenities
Pool
Pool with view
Restaurant
Bicycle rental
Free airport transportation
Airport transportation
Mosquito net
Laundry service
Room features
Bathrobes
Desk
Safe
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Hidden Gem

Location

Boro River Botswana
Traveller rating
  • 157
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Detailed Reviews
Georgie E wrote a review Jun 2024
Cambridge, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Baines far exceeded our expectations; it really is a sanctuary in amongst the wildness of the Delta.

The staff were attentive and thoughtful with the most amazing attention to detail; particular highlights were the “white elephant” (outdoor bubble bath), sleeping under the stars, and the beautiful welcome from the staff choir upon arrival. Without a doubt, Moagi and the team did all they could to make it a memorable stay.

The food was fantastic both in the camp and during our game drives, and Twiggy served up delicious drinks in the bar and even by a hippo pool… Thanks also to Name for making sure we were always fed and watered!

From the tiny termite to enormous elephant, there was nothing Max, our guide, didn’t know. His knowledge about the Delta and his commitment to helping us see all that it had to offer enhanced our experience no end. Particular highlights included the night drive and nature walk, as these offered a totally different perspective on the landscape. Anyone who has him as their guide is very lucky indeed.

Thanks to everyone at Baines for an amazing time. We will certainly be telling everyone we know to pay a visit!
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: July/August is best for more water in the Delta. Also sleep outside if you can, and go on a night...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex B wrote a review Nov 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stayed at Sanctuary Baines for our Honeymoon in the middle of September 2022 for 3 nights.

Overall the stay was excellent; we were well looked after by all the staff, and our guide, Temo (having grown up in Maun) had incredible knowledge, and exuded a deep respect, of the surrounding area and of the animals. The staff were all extremely attentive and even surprised us on a couple of occasions with drawing us a bath under the stars, and a private dinner in the pool area.

During our time, the water level was still high enough to Mokoro and river cruise, while also low enough to drive/walk-around and get incredible game viewing opportunities.

One small thing to point out is that I wouldn't say the rooms are as luxurious advertised (for anyone looking for luxury), however, despite that, the staff and the experience of the entire delta environment more than compensated for that - the exclusivity here is amazing, there are 2 lodges on the entire concession, and you can easily go out for a few hours and not see any other vehicle.

After doing a small tour of Southern Africa (Sabi Sands, Zambia, and the Delta), I would say that this place was the favourite we stayed at (for the entire experience), and would highly recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joisey46 wrote a review Aug 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
You don't need to be a honeymooner or even celebrating a special occasion to indulge in the romance at Baines Camp. From the minute we arrived, the manager Loretta and her staff extended themselves to make our visit wonderful. Even though we were only there 2 nights, we did so much. Upon our arrival, they had cool beverages and some freshly made snacks waiting for us. That night, our guide, Max, took us on a night game drive, the only one we experienced during our stay at 5 different camps. Our room was right on the water and from the deck you could see the elephants walking by. Our bed could have been rolled out onto the deck to sleep under the stars. The next day we were surprised after our morning game drive to be taken to a private bush lunch. Not only was there delicious food and a staff of servers waiting on us, they actually set up a private toliet for us in the bush! In the afternoon we went on a mokoro (dungout canoe) ride which was the only one we experienced on our trip. Before dinner the staff entertained us with song and dance. The next morning on our way to the airstrip, Max received a call that our flight had been rescheduled several hours. So we were treated to a unexpecxted morning game drive. Not only that, when we arrived at the airstrip, they had a surprize gourmet lunch set up for us prior to our flight. We want to thank Loretta, Max and the entire staff for making our stay so special!
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Date of stay: July 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky C wrote a review Aug 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a wonderful few days at the start of a safari trip. The location on the lagoon provided an excellent viewing spot to watch birds roosting in the reed beds. Staff were excellent and out guide was fantastic. An idyllic trip on a mokoro and a sunset boat trip were high lights
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SKim646 wrote a review Jul 2024
New York City, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This camp is so warm and intimate. We were incredibly sad to leave. All the employees there are local, and you can feel it bc of the pride they have in working there. I felt welcomed every single day. What makes this camp head and shoulders above everything else, though, was our guide Prof Ice. He has a Phd level of knowledge of the people, environment, ecosystem, and animal behavior. What was equally special was his love of seeing animals. He has been tracking animals all his life, but his expressions and excitement were so that it almost felt like he was seeing them for the first time with us. He was raised a bushman, and it was fascinating to hear how he grew up and the pride he has in the land. Honestly, I teared up saying goodbye to him. He helped us appreciate the land and animals and what it means to be human in the larger context. We will forever be grateful to him. It was an absolutely special trip.
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Date of stay: July 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: This camp is located next to a body of water so travelers should expect bugs. This is the bush,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WIdrifter wrote a review May 2022
La Crosse, Wisconsin
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The camp itself is lovely with a large water hole just beyond the deck of the lodge. Animals and birds come and go through out the day so there is always something to watch. Our safari guide, Lena, was amazing in tracking animals, explaining their behavior and providing information about the Okevango delta ecosystem. The staff at the lodge made certain that our every need was met and provided a few special surprise experiences that made our stay unforgettable.
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Date of stay: May 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S wrote a review Aug 2022
Bellevue, Washington
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have stayed in six camps in the Okavongo; Baines' is the best. Small, very comfortable and in a beautiful setting. Each staff member was terrific and went beyond the norm to ensure our comfort and successful visit. Food was excellent and plentiful. Our guide, Max, was outstanding in every way; he grew up in the area and explained the why's and how's of the animals and the Delta. We hope to return.
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Date of stay: July 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry P wrote a review May 2023
Boston, Massachusetts
5.0 of 5 bubbles
we stayed here for 3 nights and 3.5 days, during a 16 day trip. We also went to Sabi Sands in Kruger. I thought this safari was better than Kruger. The lodge is very inmate. Our group of 3 was always in the Land Cruiser with no other guest. It was like a private tour. Max our guide is amazing. We saw animals all the time! I suck at pictures, However, I have a dozen pic on my iPhone that look like they came from National Geographic. We got to see African wild dogs, which was great surprise. We did a trip to Xaxaba Village. Well worth your time to go visit . This property is first class. and the food was great! BTW. just sitting on the deck in front of the watering hole is awesome. We are all in our late 60's and very seasoned travelers. I will bring my Grandkids on my next visit
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Date of stay: May 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: I thought Max was an an amazing guide. Also an elephant heard crossed the runway while we were...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CGriffiths wrote a review Jul 2019
Bethesda, Maryland
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I know one shouldn’t compare, especially considering that this camp is so remote. It also didn’t help that there were wildfires going on and the smell smoke was unbearable and I suffer from asthma. Unfortunately I didn’t know about this until we arrived. The scenery with the wildfires and severe drought was depressing, as was the wildlife. Max was a great guide and did his best to show us as much as he could. The property is not luxurious and the service is mediocre. Staff need to be trained better. For the cost, better service should be offered. Lindsay and Candy were lovely managers. The highlight to our stay and of course the main reason we went were for the elephant experience which was humbling and beyond amazing! Another highlight here was we were able to see a cheetah which we had not seen in any of the other lodges we stayed at in South Africa and Botswana, so very special indeed! I would say that if you want to do the elephant experience and have no major expectations, then book a 2 night stay and you will be fine.
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Date of stay: May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ppm1 wrote a review Jul 2017
Tampa, Florida
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have a friend who we have known since high school who has traveled to this region multiple times. She said (more like insisted) that we stay at Sanctuary Baines Camp because it was one of her favorites. She told us that she loved the intimacy of the camp (only 5 lodgings), the location, the wildlife, and most importantly the people. She said we would love this camp. She was not wrong.

Sanctuary Baines is unique in a world where almost everything is special. Seeing a vehicle with a snorkel (used to intake air into the engine when the engine is submerged in water) is certainly not unheard of, but never have we seen an area where safari vehicles spend so much time in water. The landscape is unique, much different from other higher elevation camps we visited.

The lodgings are made of recycled aluminum cans and a mixture of elephant dung and man-made products. Notwithstanding these unique construction materials, the lodgings are close to perfect in their functionality. The inside is spacious, well laid out, and very comfortable. All of the lodgings are interconnected by elevated walkways and all lead to the common areas where meals are served, drinks are enjoyed, and conversations with other guests take place. The views from the dining areas and the deck are straight out of a nature journal.

Not unlike other camps and other reviews, the focus is almost always on the guide. Baines was no different. We met Max, our guide, at the airstrip. Do not underestimate Max’s knowledge of the area, the animals which inhabit the area, and everything which walks, crawls, swims, flies, slithers, or grows in this unique corner of the world. With regard to the preserve, there was no question he could not answer. Max knows his stuff and he shares it freely. He is a professor of all things in the wild. He can track a leopard and then lecture on the intricacies of termite mounds. He can see things from a great distance that the rest of us would miss from ten feet away.

One morning, while on a boat, Max pulled into a stand of papyrus, a tubular plant that is edible and has the consistency of something between a marshmallow and a mushroom. He told us stories of how the plant is used and its historical significance in the area. We tasted the plant. He provided context and meaning to everything we encountered, and we loved our time with Max.

Perhaps the most unique and amazing part of our stay at Baines came on one beautiful evening in June when Max took us on what amounted to a sunset cruise. After encountering some boisterous hippos and several varieties of water fowl, we stopped near the edge of a large lagoon filled with glass-like water, to watch the setting sun and enjoy a cocktail. The sky was a perfect dark blue as dusk fell. Never in our lives have we seen a sunset that approaches the sunset we experienced that evening. Max brought us to the perfect place, at the perfect time. The sunset was priceless.

We cannot say enough about the staff at Baines. We have never felt so welcomed by a group of people who obviously love what they do. Every staff member is capable of conversing on a variety of topics, from nature, to local politics, to conservation and animals, to food, and to history. We thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with them. The Baines staff, most notably the manager Kenny, provided us with unexpected and unique experiences. One day, lunch was set up on a nearby island. A small group of guests were served an amazing lunch of local delicacies in a most sophisticated setting. On another occasion, after a night game drive, we were treated to a “white elephant,” a whimsical name for an outdoor bubble bath on the deck of our lodging. That same evening, we slept outside after the staff wheeled our bed, complete with all the mosquito netting, onto our deck. There were hot water bottles at our feet, extra blankets, and a peaceful rest that could not be duplicated in the best hotel Paris has to offer. It was one of the most memorable things we have ever done. At the center of all this was “BK,” a lovely woman with a constant smile and upbeat attitude that could change the temperament of a grouchy hippo. Although she was no doubt younger than us, she was our “Mom” for three days. We will not forget her.

The food, and the cooks who prepared it, were not to be outdone. With fresh ingredients and unique styles of preparation, we were treated to lunches and dinners that were both typical of high-end safaris and yet sophisticated in their own right. It goes without saying that the dedication and care provided by every member of the staff we encountered was of the highest caliber.

Even though there are other highly rated camps in the area, we will go back to Baines. Baines will never get old, and it is unlikely that it will ever lose its innate charm. Baines, and the people who make Baines what it is, are truly unique.
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Date of stay: June 2017
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from Beaumont_k
London, United Kingdom115 contributions17 helpful votes
If you can stretch to the financial uplift of the Geoffrey Kent suite at Chief's camp, I would strongly recommend it.
Answer from AKSanctuary
London, United Kingdom10 contributions
Hello, Thank you for your question. The Delta floods haven't yet reached Sanctuary Baines' Camp. We are expecting the water around the end of May. Kind regards, Sanctuary Retreats
Answer from AKSanctuary
London, United Kingdom10 contributions
Hi Lauren, Thank you for your question. As November in Botswana falls in high season, this means all our activities are running as usual, subject to availability. From morning and evening Game Drives to boat trips on Boro River to Walking with Elephants - there is certainly a lot to experience. Please visit our website for our full list of activities. Kind regards, Sanctuary Retreats
Answer from AKSanctuary
London, United Kingdom10 contributions
Hello, Thank you for getting in touch, we look forward to welcoming you soon! In answer to your question; shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, insect repellent, body lotion and toothpaste are all supplied during your stay. Sanctuary Baines' Camp recommends you bring your sun cream with you, as this is not supplied. I hope this answers your question, but please let us know if you'd like any more information! Best regards, Sanctuary Retreats
Answer from AKSanctuary
London, United Kingdom10 contributions
Hi Mike, Thanks so much for getting in touch - we can't wait to host you in June! Regarding your enquiry, we have electric blankets and how water bottles at Sanctuary Baines' Camp. At Sanctuary Chief's Camp, the rooms have AC which can be turned on hot. I hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any further questions! Best regards, Sanctuary Retreats
SKim646 wrote a tip Jul 2024
New York City, New York7 contributions17 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"This camp is located next to a body of water so travelers should expect bugs. This is the bush, remember. "
Read full review
Georgie E wrote a tip Jun 2024
Cambridge, United Kingdom118 contributions7 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"July/August is best for more water in the Delta. Also sleep outside if you can, and go on a night drive."
Read full review
Larry P wrote a tip May 2023
Boston, Massachusetts75 contributions68 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I thought Max was an an amazing guide. Also an elephant heard crossed the runway while we were waiting to depart the dirt strip"
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Tom F wrote a tip Sept 2019
2 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"All 6 rooms are comparable."
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Ronald70 wrote a tip Aug 2019
40 contributions184 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Rooms closer to the common space have views of water."
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ALSO KNOWN AS
sanctuary baines` camp hotel okavango delta
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictOkavango Delta
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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SANCTUARY BAINES’ CAMP - UPDATED 2024 Lodge Reviews (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sanctuary Baines’ Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp?
Top room amenities include a desk, a mosquito net, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Sanctuary Baines’ Camp have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Sanctuary Baines’ Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
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