andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Although I am writing this review nearly a year from when we stayed at &beyond sandibe, I am writing it because I cannot stop thinking about the amazing experience we had. |We stayed 3 nights at Sandibe and had an incredible time. The room was just stunning. Spacious, beautifully decorated and with an incredible view. We even had elephants visit us while we chilled at the pool in our room. The main lodge is also spectacular - the design is modern, sleek and very tasteful. But to top all of that, the game viewing was phenomenal. We saw an abundance of big cats including lions, cheetahs with cubs and leopards. The guides were knowledgable and dined with us for breakfast and lunch every day. |This was the last of the 3 &beyond lodges that we visited during this trip and I am glad it was - save the best for last!|Highly recommend. One of the best places I've ever stayed at.

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 with us forever.

We had a superb family safari at Sandibe, and it is truly a slice of heaven, and I am grateful for all the joyful memories we carry from our visit there. The guides and trackers were superb and our group was composed of those who wanted to see predators, birds, trees, reptiles, and primates. Depending on who was in the vehicle the guides tailored our day for those interests. I found the guides and trackers eager to share their knowledge and love of the land, plants, animals, and geologic history of the region. I found myself gobsmacked by the depth and breadth of their knowledge, but also by their ability to make it relatable to an audience composed of tourists from 18 - 84 years of age. The safari side was coupled with superb hospitality and incredible meals on site. I am pretty sure that I weighed several kilos more at the end than I did at the start of our holiday. The architecture, location, and comfort were exceptional. Sandibe continues to populate my dreams these many months afterwards, and I would eagerly visit again.

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 storage space.

Wow wow wow! The experience we have just had at Sandibe was extraordinary! From the warmest welcome, to the amazing attention to detail, the unbelievable food, the most amazing staff to the surreal sightings! We are blown away. Thuso, Segela, Taps and Grace made our trip completely unforgetable and we cannot thank them enough! Highly recommended and cannot wait to return! Thank you to our beautiful Sandible family! We miss you all already!

Difficult to imagine a better place to enjoy the beauty and wilderness of the Okavango Delta. From the welcoming song at your arrival, you enter a universe of beauty and comfort. Excellent food, and enjoyable wines. Spa, private pools and a gif shop complete the offer. A special mention to the whole staff, friendly and welcoming.

We were blessed to have stayed 4 nights in this unique place - the rooms are built like weaver's nests with opulence.||Thuso our Guide and Joel our tracker were so enthusiastic, your sense of humor was great, and we saw so much wildlife, they went out of their way to accommodate us re bird watching and the highlight was seeing the Kori bustard ( "A" team) twice. My bird list went to 107 for our stay in the Okavango. Their knowledge of animals and birds were first class and learned so much from them.|The animal and bird sightings were excellent - Thank you from the bottom off our hearts.||Our lady butler Noami was lovely and never missed anything, always smiling.|The food was excellent (yummy) and Tians and his team delivered 5 course food at every meal.|The interactive the Chef and kitchen was fun - Thank you so much. ||Sega our housekeeper - thank you our room was always spotless, and we loved the notes you left us each night - special.||All the staff were excellent and so passionately trying to find the Pels Fishing Owl, I so appreciate your efforts and kindness maybe next visit.||A big thank you to all the staff and the behind-the-scenes staff, this was a trip we will always remember.

Amazing Safari Lodge! We had a wonderful time. The accommodations, food and game drives were all wonderful! Our guide and tracker provided an amazing experience and we were able to have numerous different wildlife encounters.