Overview
Sanctuary Baines' Camp is our smallest camp with only five 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, Sanctuariser 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.
Accommodation
Named after the 19th century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, this is Sanctuary's smallest camp with just five 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 five 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 our opulent star bath. At Baines' Camp, the sky's the limit.
The five luxury suites are set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. Each luxury suite features ensuite facilities, a private viewing deck and four-poster "sky beds" swathed in mosquito netting.
The four-poster beds are fully mobile and can easily be wheeled out onto the private wooden deck overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River. For the ultimate indulgence, guests can enjoy a "star bath" on the deck. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe, minibar, and mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include an indoor shower and double vanity. Complimentary wireless internet access is available in all of the rooms of the camp.
The camp also has a swimming pool with two thatched salas on either side. Electricity supply is a combination of silent packed generator and battery system.
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1
Luxury suite is set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer
expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. Suite features ensuite facilities, a private viewing deck and
four-poster "sky beds" swathed in mosquito netting.
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe,
minibar, and mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include an indoor shower
and double vanity. Complimentary wireless internet access is available
in all of the rooms of the camp.
Bedroom 2
Luxury suite is set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer
expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. Suite features ensuite facilities, a private viewing deck and
four-poster "sky beds" swathed in mosquito netting.
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe,
minibar, and mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include an indoor shower
and double vanity. Complimentary wireless internet access is available
in all of the rooms of the camp.
Bedroom 3
Luxury suite is set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer
expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. Suite features ensuite facilities, a private viewing deck and
four-poster "sky beds" swathed in mosquito netting.
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe,
minibar, and mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include an indoor shower
and double vanity. Complimentary wireless internet access is available
in all of the rooms of the camp.
Bedroom 4
Luxury suite is set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer
expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. Suite features ensuite facilities, a private viewing deck and
four-poster "sky beds" swathed in mosquito netting.
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe,
minibar, and mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include an indoor shower
and double vanity. Complimentary wireless internet access is available
in all of the rooms of the camp.
Bedroom 5
Luxury suite is set on elevated platforms with wooden decks that offer
expansive views over a permanent lagoon on the Boro River. Suite features ensuite facilities, a private viewing deck and
four-poster "sky beds" swathed in mosquito netting.
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe,
minibar, and mosquito nets. Ensuite facilities include an indoor shower
and double vanity. Complimentary wireless internet access is available
in all of the rooms of the camp.
Living & Dining Areas
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.
Comfort & Amenities
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Bed linen |
Ceiling fan |
Pool towels |
Toiletries |
|
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hair dryer |
| High-Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Book Library |
TV |
Wi-Fi access |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Beach umbrella |
Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
| Security | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
24-hour, multilingual Concierge |
All meals |
Laundry services |
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Activities and excursions |
Transfers |
Wine card |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef |
Concierge |
Gardener |
Maid Service |
|
Pool Attendant |
Staff & Services
One of the greatest advantages of staying in Baine's Camp is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff.
Baine's staff have been professionally trained and will do their
utmost to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Manager
Your manager and staff provide you with a dedicated and highly personalised concierge service during your stay.
Housekeeping Staff
A discreet daily housekeeping service is provided at the camp.
Private Chef
Sanctuary
Baines' Camp prides itself on its personalised service and this
includes your culinary preferences and needs.
*Wine list can be provide.
Pool Attendant
A full-time pool attendant ensure the pool look their best.
Pool
Swimming pool.
Location
Sanctuary Baines' Camp is located in the 260,000 acre private NG32 concession which neighbours the game rich Moremi Game Reserve. The camp is accessible by air and has its own registered private airstrip located approximately 45 minutes from the camp.
Flying times: (dependent on multiple pick-ups and drop offs)
- Maun to Baines' airstrip - 15 minutes
- Chief's airstrip to Baines' airstrip - 10 minutes
- Kasane to Baines' airstrip - 1 hour 30 minutes
- Livingstone to Baines' airstrip via Kasane airport - 2 hours
- Livingstone to Baines' airstrip via Kazangula and Kasane - 2 hours and 30 minutes
PLEASE NOTE: All inter-camp flights are done by Mackair and the luggage restriction is 20kg / 44lbs per person in a soft-sided bag with no wheels.
Walking Safaris
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.
Activities
Game Drives
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.)
Mokoro & Motorised Boat Excursions
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)
Living with elephants immersive experience
An extraordinary treat available at Sanctuary Baines' Camp is the opportunity to go walking in the bush with semi-habituated elephants. Jabu and Morula are elephants that were orphaned nearby and adopted by Doug and Sandi Groves. The elephants 'take' guests on long walks, foraging in the area in absolute safety. They show travellers how they look for food, strip leaves from branches with their long trunks and take showers in the lagoons of the delta. What better guide to the African bush than a fully-grown African elephant? This activity includes a leisurely paced walk with these semi-habituated elephants, observing and interacting with them, and a picnic lunch in their company.
In order to avoid disappointment, pre-booking is recommended.
The activity is available to a minimum of two guests and a maximum of ten.
Children over nine years are allowed to enjoy the activity with their parents.
Please note the elephants are on annual leave from 15 January to 15 February each year.
Additional cost
Walking Safaris
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.
Scenic helicopter flights
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. There is the option of the doors being removed for unrestricted photographic opportunities. Choose between 30, 45 or 60 minute tour in a one turbine Bell Jetranger helicopter with 3 seats. This activity is offered on a year round basis. 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 this time usually provides the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking. (Additional costs)
Services included
Rates include
- All meals
- All drinks (excluding premium brands)
- Park fees
- Laundry
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Two daily shared game viewing activities. These include morning and evening game drives, mokoro excursions and motorised boating (seasonal) and walking safaris
- Return transfers to and from Baines' Airstrip to the camp
- Premium alcoholic drinks
- Additional activities including scenic helicopter flights over the Delta and the elephant interaction activity
- Gratuities to driver / guides and staff
- All items of a personal nature, telephone calls and curio shop purchases
- Private vehicle and guide
Additional Notes
Children
We welcome children 6 years and older at Sanctuary Baines' Camp.Our friendly guides will be able to offer special children's activities. These include teaching them the art of poling a mokoro, a local dug-out canoe commonly used in the Delta. It is propelled through the shallow waters of the delta by standing in the stern and pushing with a pole, in the same manner as punting. Find water and identify edible plants in the bush. Learn how to make rope out of natural materials.
Children under 15 years are required to share with an adult. The camp is able to accommodate 1 triple per night. Private vehicle must be booked for children aged 15 years and younger. Children aged 15 years and younger aren't allowed on walking safaris. Housekeepers are able to baby sit children while guests are on an activity. Child minding is charged at a nominal fee, which is paid to the child minder.
Dinning
Sanctuary Baines' Camp prides itself on its personalised service and this includes your culinary preferences and needs. Please let us know how we could make your experience even more memorable.From delicious dining with spectacular views to sundowners drinks in the middle of the bush - Sanctuary Baines' Camp has so much to offer.
Secluded bush brunch
Start the day with a delectable meal consisting of a full English and continental breakfast, before departing for your morning game drive. If you decide to experience our unique elephant interaction activity you will meet Jabu and Morula and enjoy a secluded bush brunch in the company of these gentle giants - now that is lunch with a difference. Elegant high teas are served in the afternoon just before departing for your afternoon game activity. It is often hard to believe that the chefs are able to make such delicious cakes, cookies and treats - all here in the middle of the African bush! On return, relax at the pool or sip on a cocktail on your private viewing deck before returning to the main area for your three course plated dinner.
If you are celebrating a special occasion we could arrange a special private dinner by the pool for a romantic night under the African stars - the perfect way to start an evening under the African sky.
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks during activities and dinners are all included in your stay. Breakfast is served before the morning game activity. During your morning game viewing activity, coffee, tea and a selection of pastries and biscuits will be served out in the bush. Lunch will be enjoyed back at the camp.
Afternoon tea is served just before the afternoon game activity and offers a selection of cakes, sweet and savoury treats, tea, and coffee and fresh fruit juices. Afternoon and evening game drives include classic sundowner cocktails and canapés at specially selected spots before returning to the camp for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Romantic private dinners on your room deck or by the pool can be arranged upon request. With prior notice, our camps are able to arrange halaal meals, however, please note our kitchens aren?t strictly halaal and our chefs are not trained in halaal food preparation. Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange kosher meals.
Meals typically consist of the following:
Breakfast: Continental and full English Breakfast
Lunch: Buffet style lunch with a variety of choices, one being a vegetarian
Dinner: Table d'Hote, 3 course meal with 2 to 3 choices, one being a vegetarian
Honeymoons and special occasions
Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.Our honeymoon services include:
- Sparkling wine on arrival in the room
- Romantic turn downs
- Private candle lit dinner at the pool deck
- Private island lunch in the bush (if possible)
- Star baths set up on room deck as a surprise (in summer months)
- Star beds rolled out onto room deck for a night under the stars
Climate
Green season usually begins in late November and lasts through early March. This season has hot sunny days with occasional afternoon thundershowers cooling down the surrounding area. Average daily temperatures range from 20°C-38°C. The dry season runs from late May to early October. In winter (June-August) temperatures can plummet as low as 0°C at night with a daily maximum of around 26°C-28°C.Clothing
Clothing should be cool and comfortable. Greens, browns and khaki coloured clothing are advisable for safaris especially when doing a walking safari. We suggest long sleeves and long trousers and for morning and evenings due to mosquitoes and a fleece jacket as it could be cold early mornings. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential. A complimentary overnight laundry service is offered in the camp.
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