Sanctuary Chief's 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 that congregate here make it easy to understand why the area was set 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 are hidden away in a jackalberry and sausage tree woodland that is characteristic of the area.
All have their own private decks and indoor and outdoor showers. Generously draped mosquito nets and traditional ceiling fans are also featured.
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, allowing guests to continue their game viewing while enjoying fine cuisine and wines.
Activities
The expert guides are always on hand to share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, taking guests deep into the bush in specially modified open 4x4 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 Chief's Camp are awe-inspiring. On the plains, one may find roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra, and buffalo that live here all year round.
Guests may also see wild dogs, which are extremely rare predators that have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa.
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 a few.
Chief's Camp is the ideal place to spot the Big Five – perhaps even the rare rhino. There are several local lion prides, as well as leopards, genet cats, and hyenas in abundance.
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, turning 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 see the world from a totally different angle – looking up at the banks rather than down onto them.
As a change from a game drive, the quiet, gentle pace of a mokoro offers a real introduction to a mode of transport still used in the Delta by the ‘river bushmen’ or BaYei people. This activity is subject to water levels.
Treatment Room
Guests at Sanctuary Chief's Camp can enjoy a range of spa treatments.
Treatments include products from the Africology line, and guests can choose from a range of body therapies, body rituals, and facial skincare treatments.
Treatments may be booked at the camp reception with the camp manager or with the therapist. A full consultation will be held before every treatment.
Helicopter Flights over the Delta
Experiencing Botswana’s Okavango Delta by helicopter is an incredible and unrivalled experience, allowing for easy viewing of a large variety of game as well as the region's stunning landscape.
Together with our preferred partner in Botswana, Mack Air, we now offer scenic helicopter flights over the Okavango Delta, allowing you to venture to parts of the Delta that are inaccessible by game vehicle, providing an excellent opportunity to explore an array of truly unspoilt wildlife and scenery.
The helicopter used provides incomparable comfort with air conditioning, leather seats, and a large cabin, easily seating six passengers.
Each passenger is provided with a David Clarke headset, allowing guests to freely talk to each other as well as the pilot.
In terms of the environmental aspect, both Sanctuary Retreats and Mack Air are mindful of the sensitive areas in which we operate.
This helicopter is arguably one of the quietest and most technologically advanced civil helicopters in the world, minimising impact on the surrounding environment.
How to Get There
Sanctuary Chief's Camp has its own licensed private airstrip, located approximately 2 kilometres from the camp. The transfer from the airstrip to the camp takes approximately 10 minutes.
The airstrip is accessible from Maun (25 minutes), Kasane (1 hour 30 minutes), Sanctuary Stanley's Camp (15 minutes), and Sanctuary Baines' Camp (15 minutes). Please note that the luggage restriction is 20kg per person in a soft-sided bag.
Features of Chief's Camp
- Hairdryer
- Ceiling fan
- Game drives
- In-room safe and emergency intercom
- Helicopter flights
- Mokoro excursions
The camp also provides a flashlight, as well as complimentary mosquito repellent and toiletries. Electricity, at 240 volts, is supplied by a combination of a silent packed generator and battery system, allowing for a 24-hour power supply.
Where is Chief's Camp?
Chief's Camp is situated on the northwest tip of Chief's Island in the exclusive Mombo concession of the Moremi Game Reserve.
More information about Chief's Camp Moremi coming soon.