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: Sanctuary Retreats' Okahirongo Lodge & Okahirongo Camp | Окахиронго Намибия

Sanctuary Retreats

Escape to another world at our ultra-remote lodges in Namibia's Kaokoland

Two of the most remote camps in Namibia have joined the Sanctuary family.

These extraordinary destinations may be the most unique places you will ever visit.

Few visitors have witnessed these surreal vistas, encountered the special desert adapted elephants, giraffes and lions, or met the indigenous Himba tribespeople, who find their own ways to thrive here.

Stay at both the luxurious Okahirongo Elephant Lodge and boutique eco-friendly Okahirongo River Camp for an unforgettable Namibian safari experience.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

This tiny oasis of luxury is found in the surreal, almost lunar landscape of the deserted Kaokoland near Purros, ensuring a rare tranquil experience. The main lounge and dining room walls are open to the evocative views and the infinity pool has panoramic views from the mountains to the horizon.

There are seven private suites, each uniquely decorated with an African ambience, in tones of sand and ochre, and with a private veranda overlooking the desert. From the shaded daybed – spot giraffe strolling along the river valley or watch the moon rise. There is also a private family suite, with two bedrooms, two stunning bathrooms, private terrace and an open lounge.

This is a most serene base for your adventures, which include game drives with expert Himba guides to track desert elephants, lions, giraffe, as well as exotic birds. You can even track black rhinos on foot, followed by lunch in the bush, or take a trip to the phenomenal clay castles of the Hoarusib River valley. Another must-do is sipping a sundowner as the sun sets over the majestic dunes.

Okahirongo River Camp

This luxurious tented camp lies on a ridge above the Kunene River in northwest Namibia. The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by the well-appointed yet earth-conscious river camp. The open-plan main lodge dazzles guests with stunning views of the river and mountains. Enjoy views of the Kunene from the cool waters of the camp’s swimming pool – you may even spy crocodiles in the river.

The camp is very intimate, with just five luxury tents. Each has a covered deck with amazing river views. The rooms include a luxurious indoor shower plus an outdoor shower with panoramic views. There is also a private family tent, with a spacious king bedroom, twin room and expansive decking area.

Encounter this amazing ecosphere from every perspective. A river cruise gives you a croc’s-eye view of the scenery, as you cruise along the Kunene, sighting native birds and indigenous plants. On an early-morning walking safari you really feel the scale of the landscape, while a sundown climb will reward you with picturesque mountaintop views. 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.

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Sanctuary Retreats: Kusini Safari Camp Tanzania news | Кусини Кемп Танзания

SANCTUARY KUSINI

Africa's Greatest Wildlife Show

Witness the Great Migration at Sanctuary Kusini Tanzania (reopening 1st December 2021) - watch as over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti in search of fresh grasses. From December to March, thousands of calves are born daily in the nutrient rich plains surrounding Sanctuary Kusini.

Namibia information is here.

The only permanent camp in the Serengeti's remote south, Sanctuary Kusini has the privilege of overlooking predator-populated plains where game viewing is in high-definition.

The main lodge is set around a cluster of spectacular kopjes - rocky outcrops - so at Sanctuary Kusini you don't just have front-row seats for when the Great Migration passes through at full throttle, but you can ogle game congregating on these grassy plains all day long.

WHY SANCTUARY KUSINI

On the path of the great wildebeest migration

Incredible sundowners and cosmic safaris on top of the kopje with 360 degree views

The only permanent camp located in the southern Serengeti

Contribute to the cheetah watch project with your cheetah sighting images

YOUR PRIVATE SERENGETI

Part of Sanctuary Kusini's charm is its remote and private location within the park, offering exceptional and essentially private game viewing. Built around a spectacular rocky outcrop, or kopje, the camp's communal areas include a dining area, lounge and library, as well as a campfire. The views from the kopje are simply sensational - the perfect spot for sundowners and stargazing. The library is stocked with reference books to read up on the day's discoveries, and of course, our experienced guides are always on hand to fill in about local knowledge where books cannot. Like all Sanctuary properties, Sanctuary Kusini is designed to have minimal environmental impact, in fact the camp can be packed up and removed without leaving a trace.

SPACIOUS TENTS

The open-plan en-suite twelve tents at Sanctuary Kusini are shaded from the sun by acacia trees and all are extremely spacious. Nestled in amongst the woodland, each tent has carefully thought-out views of the bush making it the perfect hideaway for casual game viewing.

Each tent features mosquito netting, hairdryers and in-room safe. A large private wooden veranda with comfortable furnishings extends in front of each tent, with many having views of the plains below where zebra, buffalo and lion are a common sight, the ideal spot to relax for a sundowner after a hot restorative shower.

The only permanent camp in the Serengeti's remote south, Sanctuary Kusini has the privilege of overlooking predator-populated plains where game viewing is in high-definition.

The main lodge is set around a cluster of spectacular kopjes - rocky outcrops - so at Sanctuary Kusini you don't just have front-row seats for when the Great Migration passes through at full throttle, but you can ogle game congregating on these grassy plains all day long.

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Sanctuary Retreats: Gorilla Forest Camp Uganda | Горилла Кемп Уганда

SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP

Walk on the Wild Side

Experience once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda's endangered gorillas as you track these incredible creatures through one of Africa's most remarkable landscapes while staying at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. With limited gorilla trekking permits available each day, this exclusive experience promises the most intimate of wildlife encounters.

Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these only ten private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Ecologically respectful, contemporary-yet-classic in style, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape and, situated uniquely inside the national park, you are only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure.

WHY SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP

Frequently visited by gorilla families due to its unique location

Exclusive camp with ten tents 

This is the perfect base for a once in a lifetime trip to track mountain gorillas

Opportunity for community interaction, including the local Batwa Pygmies

Specially customised sedan chairs with support and harness allows less able guests to be carried into the rainforest to track the gorillas in their natural habitat

An established philanthropy project at Bwindi Community Hospital which guests can visit

SANCTUARY RETREATS PHILANTHROPY (SRP)

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is proud to be involved with the Bwindi Community Hospital and Victory School in the area, supporting them through various projects.

Read more about our work in this community or take a look at our other philanthropy projects throughout Southern and East Africa.

EATING, DRINKING AND BEING MERRY

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp’s communal area stars a comfortable lounge with a well-stocked bar and elegant dining area, bestowing great views over the verdant rainforest. Come dusk, under star-strewn skies, and accompanied by the night-chorus, guests gather around the central campfire and swap stories of that day’s adventures. Mealtimes lend a taste of the destination: expertly prepared dishes promise simple flavours and showcase fresh local ingredients — try traditional smoked beef in peanut sauce served with Kalo (millet bread). Candlelit alfresco dining is also available on your tent’s private deck.

HIGH-DRAMA ACCOMMODATION FOR A HIGH-DRAMA LOCATION

Located in one of the remotest areas of Africa, these comfortable canvas spaces are dressed with indigenous prints and furniture made from natural materials. Beds are draped in neutral-toned linens, and local artefacts set a scene that ensures memorable moments both inside and out the accommodation. Each tent has a spacious, stone-walled bathroom with private sections, and a free-standing bath for a relaxing soak after a day’s trekking. The trees around the camp light up in the morning when the sun starts shining, and thanks to there being so few tents, the camp retains an intimate, exclusive feel, enabling you to experience Africa’s magic with the lightest of footprints yet with practically every mod con.

SILVER SERVICE

The bar and dining cottage overlooks the rainforest and a raised natural platform is built for open air-dining. A full English and continental breakfast is served before your morning activity. Trekking gorilla's today? The camp will pack you a scrumptious lunch including fresh fruit, sweet and savoury delights to take with you. Once back at the camp, enjoy drinks under the stars by the roaring campfire as you discuss your amazing adventure. All meals are à la carte and served in the bar and dining area overlooking the rainforest. Chef Medard serves a silver service dinner with three courses each evening. One of the mains might even include his favourite dish - black pepper beef with stir fry noodles.

Celebrating a special occasion? We are able to offer romantic private dinners.

GORILLA TRACKING

The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Tracking through dense forest with steep slopes means that participants do need to be physically fit to enjoy the track. Once the gorillas are located, spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to camp. Please note only children aged 15 and above can track gorilla.

A tracking permit must be bought in advance in person in Bwindi. We are happy to purchase your permit on your behalf, please contact us for more details.

BATWA TRIBE EXPERIENCE

Learn about and interact with the local Batwa People. This full day activity involves a three hour walk followed by about an hour spent with the Batwa. The walk back to camp is two hours. The visit includes a music performance, visitation by the goddess, hunting and gathering demonstration and an opportunity to see how they live. The Twa tribe who are also known as the Batwa are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa. They speak the same language as the Hutu and Tutsi groups of Rwanda. Like most of the tribes in Africa, they have moved from place to place and are now found in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and eastern portions of the DRC. Statistics show that by the year 2000 their numbers were approximately 80,000 people, making them a significant minority group in these countries. The first records of the Batwa were made by the Egyptians over 4,000 years ago. They described them as short statured people living near the "Mountains of the Moon" extolling their abilities as dancers and story tellers.

BIRDING WALKS

Bwindi boasts over 350 bird species, including 24 that are endemic to these highlands straddling Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo - the so-called the "Albertine Rift Endemics". For keen birders, we can arrange for a local expert to guide you on a fascinating 2-3 hour walk through the park.

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East Africa: Sanctuary Retreats' Swala Camp - Experience the Extraordinary | Свала Кемп Танзания

Sanctuary Retreats: Experience the Extraordinary in East Africa

At Sanctuary Retreats, we offer guests so much more than luxurious accommodation and gourmet cuisine. We pride ourselves on giving guests a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with a diverse range of exciting activities and unique experiences.

SANCTUARY SWALA CAMP

Sanctuary Swala is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park, one of the most exciting and least visited parks in the country.

In the heart of Maasai country and a remote corner of the Tarangire, in total seclusion amongst giant acacia trees and looking out beyond the flat savannah, Sanctuary Swala offers a very exclusive safari experience. The picturesque landscape is filled with ancient baobab trees, ambling elephants and birds in flight. Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint.

WHY SANCTUARY SWALA

Located in an exclusive pocket of Tarangire National Park

Twelve luxurious canvas pavilions, all shaded by acacia trees and with views over the waterhole

Variety of activities include morning and evening game drives, walking and night game drives

Sundowners, bush dinners and picnics

Hot Air Balloon Safari (New for 2021)

Set off early from Sanctuary Swala for your magical sunrise hot air ballooning adventure. Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunshine and once aloft, floats over the Tarangire National Park. Gaze down upon towering baobab trees and spot leopards and herds of elephants from the sky.

Canoe Safari (New for 2021)

Experience the beauty of Tanzania from a unique perspective on a canoe safari on Lake Gursi. Paddling through the water is a magical experience, seeing elephants swimming and game drinking at the shore shows the natural world from a totally different angle. A highly-trained canoe guide will be present to teach guests about the wildlife and environment.

Walking Safaris

Put on your walking shoes and experience the beautiful Tarangire National Park from a different perspective. With our professional walking guide and ranger, explore the grassland around camp in one of the most secluded areas of the park. You may encounter zebra, waterbuck, elephant, impala, ostrich and a number of birds.

Game Drives at Night

Experience the wonders of a safari at night. As dusk falls, venture into the park in search of nocturnal animals. You may encounter an African wild cat, the elusive leopard or feel the round eyes of a bushbaby peering down at you as the moon rises into the sky. With specialised lighting on the vehicle, you'll also be able to look for lion and hyena.

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Sanctuary Retreats news: Sussi & Chuma, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park | Сусси и Чума Замбия

Experience phenomenal natural beauty in Zambia!

We're delighted to announce the reopening of Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park from 1st August 2021.

Located on the edge of a dramatic bend in the Zambezi River, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is just a short distance from the world-famous Victoria Falls. Guests staying at the camp have an array of exciting activities to fill the days, including walking safaris, sundowner cruises, touring the Victoria Falls, canoeing on the Zambezi and visiting the local village.

COVID-19 precautionary measures have been introduced at all Sanctuary Retreats properties to ensure the safety of guests and staff and with flexible booking conditions in place, we are ready to welcome guests back to enjoy all Africa has to offer!

Sanctuary Retreats has been awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council's Safe Travels stamp. This stamp certifies that Sanctuary Retreats properties have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols so guests can experience 'Safe Travels'.

Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy

At Sanctuary Retreats, commitment to conservation and responsible tourism has always been an integral part of our ethos. With the past year posing many new challenges, we're pleased to say our full portfolio of projects in Zambia remains active.

Nakatindi School

The construction of the Learning Centre is now in its final stages and the building is being equipped with new resources. Over the past year, the old classrooms and school buildings have also been refurbished.

Nakatindi Clinic & Maternity Ward

Since opening the ward in April 2018, 330 healthy babies have been born! Over the past year, there have also been essential renovation works to the clinic building and we have provided emergency Covid equipment and PPE.

Chipego Bike Shop

Chipego has received its 10th container of bicycles! Chipego continues to support the community by sponsoring school fees for 10 pupils and donating bikes to Nakatindi School graduates pursuing secondary education in schools in the nearby town.

Sishemo Bead Studio

Over the past year, the artisans have done an excellent job in adjusting and adapting to the circumstances and have managed to keep the business going. New initiatives going forward include expanding the product range and diversifying the skills of the artisans.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

REOPENING 1st AUGUST 2021

Tour of the Falls

Listen to the roar of the world famous Victoria Falls and view the cloud of spray where the mile-wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet. Watch as rainbows constantly form and collapse in the tropical sunlight.

Fresh Design, Age-old Craftsmanship

All 12 Sussi treehouses are enriched with Zambian character - from the carefully considered furnishings and fittings to the camp's culture of sincere warmth and genuine hospitality.

Sociable Spaces

The intimate spaces at the lodge for drinking and dining strengthen the connection with nature. The outdoor bar overlooking the Zambezi River offers guests uninterrupted views of soul-stirring sunsets.

Stays at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma can be combined with Sanctuary Chief's Camp and Sanctuary Stanley's Camp in the Okavango Delta and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero in Chobe National Park to create a unique itinerary.

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News from Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats

Experience thrilling game viewing and outstanding natural beauty in Botswana and Zambia!

With borders now open and travel at the forefront of everyone's mind, we’re delighted to announce the reopening of Sanctuary Stanley's Camp in Botswana and Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma in Zambia.

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp - Reopening 1st June 2021

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma - Reopening 1st August 2021 

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp offers guests some of the world's best game viewing as predators such as lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard freely roam the lands. Located on a 260,000 acre private concession in the Okavango Delta, the camp's area is renowned for its rich wildlife and waterways dispersed between extensive grassy plains and sandy pockets.

Located on the edge of a dramatic bend in the Zambezi River, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is just 12km from the world-famous Victoria Falls. Guests staying at the camp have an array of exciting activities to fill the days, including walking safaris, sundowner cruises, touring the Victoria Falls, canoeing on the Zambezi and visiting the local school and village.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Okavango Delta and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Chobe National Park continue to be open.

COVID-19 precautionary measures have been introduced at all Sanctuary Retreats properties to ensure the safety of guests and staff and with flexible booking conditions in place, we are ready to welcome guests back to enjoy all Africa has to offer!

Sanctuary Retreats has been awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council's Safe Travels stamp. This stamp certifies that Sanctuary Retreats properties have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols so guests can experience 'Safe Travels'.

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp

Okavango Delta

REOPENING 1st JUNE 2021

Dramatic Views

This intimate camp features just 10 luxury classic-style tents, each individually furnished with a large wooden deck offering views over the expansive floodplains, allowing prime game viewing from your bedroom.

Camp with a Conscience

Constructed with sustainability in mind, the tents have a light footprint yet are strong in style. A solar farm minimises the impact on the local environment and generates 80% of the camp's electricity.

Wildlife in Widescreen

Sightings of the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo and African leopard are practically guaranteed here in the Okavango Delta where the game viewing is staggeringly special.

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

REOPENING 1st AUGUST 2021

Tour of the Falls

Listen to the roar of the world famous Victoria Falls and view the cloud of spray where the mile-wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet. Watch as rainbows constantly form and collapse in the tropical sunlight.

Fresh Design, Age-old Craftsmanship

All 12 Sussi treehouses are enriched with Zambian character - from the carefully considered furnishings and fittings to the camp's culture of sincere warmth and genuine hospitality.

Sociable Spaces

The intimate spaces at the lodge for drinking and dining strengthen the connection with nature, whether you're inside or out. The outdoor bar overlooking the Zambezi River offers guests uninterrupted views of soul-stirring sunsets.

Nakatindi Village, School and Bike Shop

We work closely with the Nakatindi Village and School to positively impact lives and livelihoods at the household level. While in Zambia, you can visit the village, the Chipego Bike Shop and Nakatindi Primary School.

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Sanctuary Chief's Camp and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero.

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