andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge — Hotel in North-West District

We visited &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge at the beginning of August for our honeymoon, and from start to finish, the experience was absolutely unforgettable.

The wildlife experience was beyond anything we could have imagined. We had been told that the Okavango is unique, and it truly was – but what made it extraordinary were our guides: Boesi (guide) and Baden (tracker). They elevated every game drive into something intimate, thrilling, and unforgettable.

Baden’s tracking skills were extraordinary – it often felt like joining a real-life quest. For example, one morning we saw prey, and in the afternoon, through their coordination and incredible skills, we tracked down the leopard that had made the kill. They taught us how to read the signs in the grass, patiently following the clues until we witnessed the leopard itself. It was a spectacular moment that we will never forget.

Boesi’s attention to detail was outstanding: from positioning the vehicle to get the best photography angles and light, to ensuring we always had safe but close views of the animals, while never compromising respect for the wildlife. Boesi was also deeply knowledgeable, explaining every detail of the animals and the ecosystem. Normally I ask endless questions, but he was so thorough that I didn’t even feel the need, everything was answered before I could ask.

Then, the food!! Simply insane. Throughout our African honeymoon, where we stayed at many different lodges and hotels, the food at Sandibe stood out as the very best. The creativity, flavors, variety, and speed of service were exceptional.

The service overall was impeccable. A special mention to Moses, our butler, who was always kind, attentive, and made us feel perfectly cared for every step of the way.

From an architectural perspective, the lodge itself is extraordinary. This was one of the main reasons I chose Sandibe, and it lived up to every expectation. If I had to add one constructive note, it would be that since Sandibe is one of the older lodges, while the rooms are very well maintained, they do feel a little outdated in places. Considering the high price point and exclusivity of only 12 rooms, a light renovation could make the experience even stronger. But this is a very minor point compared to everything else.

Throughout our extensive African Honeymoon, we had to privilege to stay at 4 different safari lodges and I can easily say that no other place matched Sandibe. This is not solely because of wildlife but also thanks to the staff and their care.

Even now, a month later, we’re still praising the days we spent at Sandibe. It was truly the highlight of our honeymoon, and we will carry these memories...

From an architectural point of view, this lodge is literally a masterpiece! You can't help but meander around it in complete awe. The rooms were lovely, and the family tent that kept us linked to our kids staying in room 6, was wonderful. We enjoyed the monkeys peering down from the skylights, even in the shower! They always provide a laugh....At night the stars were spectacular from your pala - hippos snuffling as you fall asleep-and the cold plunge pool - sweet relief and perfect just before siesta! ||||Our guides, Dipps and Tayo were wonderful. Dipps pretty much has a PHD in Okavango ecosystem and wildlife. There was NOTHING he did not know, and I literally took notes while on our walking safari- every bug, plant, tree and animal he has Encyclopedic knowledge of and you can tell he just loves what he does. He manages the guides as well, and we were blown away by his personality, professionalism and knowledge. He even took us on a tour of the camp behind the scenes - showing us how the solar, water and all logistics are supplied- which only deepened our love of andbeyond as a company....||||The food was spectacular and we enjoyed all the thoughtful holiday surprises that popped up on Christmas eve and the next morning- little pumba and hippo holiday cookies with our coffee and a Christmas eve banquet by the water hole so spectacularly displayed that it actually made me tear up... ||||Sandibe thought of pretty much everything- and huge attention is paid not only to comfort but aesthetics - cozy, plaid wool blankets for morning drives in an always spotless (how do they do that?!) land rover- cold water, guide books at the ready so no animal questions go unanswered - a delightful in room bar with dried orange slices even yummy smelling mosquito repellent! The beds were amazing and the AC was delightful (and maybe a bit shame inducing when you realize how much they do behind the scenes to keep you cool)....||||I can go on and on, but in short, Sandibe is simply put, spectacular. The concession, the lodge, the guides and the entire staff - world class. What an...

Game-viewing at Sandibe is superlative. We saw almost all the animals for which Africa is famous, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and hippopotamus. The one exception was rhinoceros; during Covid, all rhinos in the Okavango were removed and resettled in the Central Kalahari due to rampant poaching. Our guide, Bob, and tracker, Segale, were expert and indefatigable in finding game.||Sandibe is a luxury lodge, and guests are pampered, at least as pampered as is possible given the 5:00 am wake-up time and the 6:00 am start time for the morning game drives. We had both a butler, Titi, and a butler trainee, Ismael; both were splendid.||The lodge treats guests to a variety of dining venues. We had dinner one night in a high, treehouse-like pavilion, one night on the main deck of the lodge, and one night in a fire-lit boma; lunch one day in the treehouse pavilion and one day privately on the deck of our cabin. Meals are served at individual tables and from a menu, which the head chef comes by to explain. The food is haute cuisine, expertly prepared.||The architecture of Sandibe is spectacular—rounded wooden shapes supposedly inspired by the pangolin and the nests of weavers, but also like something Frank Gehry might create if he worked in wood. The individual cabins are smallish but have large decks, outdoor showers, plunge pools, and abundant...