Sanctuary Retreats: Embrace the spirit of carefully crafted safari lodges

Sanctuary Retreats

Embrace the spirit of our carefully crafted safari lodges

Discover Striking and Stylish Interiors

At Sanctuary Retreats we think of every last detail when it comes to the design of our lodges. We consistently provide guests with thoughtful touches and go above and beyond to ensure they are eager to return. When guests visit one of our lodges in Africa we guarantee the attentive staff, the inviting rooms and the beautiful interior will make them feel at ease from the minute they walk in the door. We aim to provide an extraordinary setting for all guests to ensure the ultimate safari experience for them to cherish.

Discover some of our favourite design elements from our portfolio of safari lodges:

Sanctuary Olonana

The soothing interiors within the main lodges at Sanctuary Olonana are an extension of the surrounding wilderness. Ornamentation includes hand-crafted Masai spears on the walls and specially commissioned African art.

Contemporary architecture is juxtaposed with time-tested building practices such as stone walls with the mudding of the walls done by the Masai women every year. Soothing organic tones and a variety of textures add warmth and character and provide a nod to African culture. This lodge is a visual masterpiece that showcases ingenious architecture and artistic interiors.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is a stylish retreat in Namibia's northwest wilderness. The lodge makes use of shapes, colours and materials that echo the local environment with a dome-like Himba entrance, focal fireplace, and traditional boma. Open-sided communal spaces allow for dazzling desert views.

This lodge makes fantastic use of local materials such as driftwood, clay and stone and is stylish and full of contemporary design, with local customs and culture referenced throughout. Find solace in this incredible space and experience the ultimate respite on your trip.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Sanctuary Chief's Camp provides guests with contemporary design and stylish interiors, rich in reference to the camp’s royal heritage. This lodge is designed in a classic, characterful 'safari chic' style. Our Sanctuary staff aim to make this space feel like home for our guests and have taken part in small gestures such as handmaking laundry baskets to help make this feeling a reality.

Condé Nast Awards 

We're delighted to share that Sanctuary Retreats has been listed twice in The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.⁠

Sanctuary Olonana has been voted 6th in the ‘Best Resorts in the World: Rest of Africa’ category.

Sanctuary Retreats has been voted 9th in the ‘Best Cruise Lines in the World: River’ category. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

Being recognised in these awards is a remarkable accomplishment and an honour and demonstrates how the boutique experience delivered to each and every one of our guests is mirrored in their levels of satisfaction and desire to stay in Sanctuary Retreats properties again.

World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards are a prestigious honours program within the travel and tourism industry, the awards are recognised across the globe as the ultimate gold standard accolade. Sanctuary Retreats are thrilled to have won the following categories...

Botswana's Leading Safari Lodge 2023: Sanctuary Chief's Camp

Uganda's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2023: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp 

We are incredibly excited to share that Sanctuary Olonana has been nominated for the 2023 World’s Leading Eco-Lodge. With your support, we will be able to win the ultimate recognition in global travel and tourism. Global voting is open now and will be open until midnight on 17th November 2023. Votes can be cast by travel professionals, media and tourism consumers.

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Namibia: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Reimagined

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Reimagined

Immersed in the great wilderness of Kaokoland, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge has reopened its doors following an extensive refurbishment.

With seven suites, a two bedroom private villa and a spectacular infinity pool, this extraordinary lodge may be one of the most unique places you will ever visit. Located in a remote, untouched region of Namibia, few visitors will have witnessed the surreal vistas that await you with rugged mountains, shifting sand dunes and curious rock formations.

This oasis is rendered in an organic architectural style that echoes the topography of the desertscape, with a striking dome reflecting the indigenous Himba culture. The open plan, main areas dazzle guests with stunning views of the vast mountainous landscape.

Watch the sun rise over the glistening turquoise infinity pool above the rising hills beyond. With 360 degree views of the breathtaking landscape, take a moment to soak in the stillness.

The expansive and numerous social spaces offer panoramic views of the untouched wilderness. With open sides allowing the outside in, immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscape and experience a strong connection of place. After an action packed day in one of the world's oldest desert landscapes, unwind in comfort on the shaded patio.

Welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. In the main lounge, chunky recessed shelves are dressed with white, clay amphorae, curios and inspiring books.

Each of the seven spacious suites and the two bedroom private villa has been designed as a sanctuary from the harsh desert environment with soothing tones to inspire relaxation. Find solace on the private shaded terrace and keep an eye on the horizon to spot giraffe, springbok and ostrich strolling by.

The serene ambience continues to the en-suite bathrooms where an indoor shower is rendered in bleached-white plaster. In the private villa, large free-standing baths encourage rest and relaxation after a day in the desert.

Learn the ancient history of the unique landscapes and discover cultural tales of the indigenous people from our expert staff, 90% of whom are employed from the local village.

This is a most serene base for your adventures, which include scenic drives with expert Himba guides to track desert elephants, giraffe and plentiful gemsbok and springbok. Another extraordinary activity is a visit to an authentic Himba village, where you’ll meet the indigenous people and learn how they have adapted to desert life.

For those searching for history, take a trip to the phenomenal clay castles of the Hoarusib River valley or visit a Skeleton Coast view point. The mystery doesn't end there – spot the Lone Men of Kaokoland while on scenic drives. These postured rock sculptures blend seamlessly with their surroundings, adding to the extraordinary atmosphere. At the end of a day's adventure, stop to sip a sundowner as the sun sets over the majestic dunes.

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Namibia: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, reimagined

Immersed in the great wilderness of Kaokoland in Namibia sits Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, a magnificent camp on the banks of the Hoarusib riverbed currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment. Due to reopen April 2023 and comprising seven private suites, a two bedroom private suite with open lounge area and a spectacular infinity pool, the lodge blends seamlessly with the otherworldly terrain, ushering in dramatic views of rugged mountains, shifting sand dunes and curious rock formations.

Luxurious living, naturally

This oasis is rendered in an organic architectural style that echoes the topography of the desert scape and makes fantastic use of local materials – think driftwood, clay and stone. Local customs and culture are referenced in the design, as seen in the striking dome roof, which is styled after a traditional Himba home.

Embrace peace in the elements

Each of the seven spacious suites has been designed as a sanctuary from the bright desert glare, decorated in soothing tones to encourage moments of reflection, repose and rest. Throw open the door to your private veranda and find solace in the shaded terrace and glamorous daybed – ideal for an afternoon nap or getting stuck into a novel. Keep an eye on the horizon and you might spot giraffes strolling along the river valley.

The tranquil ambience continues through to the en-suite bathrooms, where an indoor shower is carved from gentle, undulating lines and rendered in bleached-white plaster.

Elevated interiors that sing with style

Expect panoramic views from the generous communal spaces, which take in the sparkling azure of the infinity pool and majesty of the soaring peaks beyond. In the main lounge are chunky, recessed shelves either side of an open fire, dressed with terracotta amphorae, curios and inspiring books, exquisite details that add depth to the room and create pleasing silhouettes in the flickering light. In this peaceful setting, guests can relax with a glass of wine or cocktail before settling down to a delicious dinner in the dining room, now reimagined in opulent umber tones, offset by distressed wooden furniture and oversized rattan lampshades. As another action-packed day in one of the world's oldest desert landscapes comes to a close, guests are invited to gather at the traditional boma to sip and share around the flames, as the inky sky bursts into life from the light of a million twinkling stars.

Life-affirming adventures

Embrace life in the bush with a variety of activities distinct to Kaokoland. Embark on scenic drives with expert Himba guides and spot desert elephants, giraffe and plentiful gemsbok, springbok and kudu. If you prefer a spot of culture, then take a trip to the majestic clay castles of the Hoarusib River valley. These towering natural wonders are thousands of years old and soar hundreds of metres high from various gorges along the riverbed – thanks to the isolated location, you might well have them all to yourself. The mystery doesn’t end here – spot the Lone Men of Kaokoland while out on your scenic drives. These almost life-size rock sculptures blend in seamlessly with their surroundings, further adding to the extraordinary atmosphere.

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Namibia: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge | Окахиронго Намибия

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Okahirongo Namibia

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is located in the Purros Conservancy, 55 km from the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Often described as one of the last true wilderness areas, the Kaokoveld is home to the nomadic Himba tribe as well as uniquely desert adapted Elephant, lion, black rhino and giraffe. Terracotta buildings are cleverly positioned to make the most of the grand views over the rugged Purros valley – blessed with its lush green river bed and purple mountains in the distance.

Okahirongo River Camp is an eco-friendly lodge built on a sweeping ridge and opening up to breathtaking views of the Kunene River. Tucked far into the north-western reaches of Namibia, the Marienfluss region is a remote wilderness area where the rough roads and lack of facilities keep travellers at bay. Cleverly built into the rocky terrain, the four luxurious double tents, one twin tent and one family suite are constructed with wood and canvas and each have a magnificent view of their own.

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Namibia: important lodge closure periods 2017 - 2018

Namibia: Lodge Closure Periods

Please take not of the following lodge closure periods.
°    Hoodia Desert Lodge, 01 - 15 December 2017
°    Oase Garni Guest House, 23 - 26 December  2017
°    Waterberg Guest Farm, 22 December 17 - 03 January 2018
°    Mondjila Safari Camp, 20 December 2017 - 10 January 2018
°    Lianshulu Bush Lodge, 01 December 2017 - 15 February 2018
°    Intu Afrika Suricate Lodge, 10 December 2017 - 15 March 2018
°    N/a’ankuse Lodge, 13 - 28 January 2018
°    Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, 01 - 28 February 2018
°    Okahirongo River Camp, 01 February - 15 March 2018

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