Reviews of Sandibe Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
78 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sandibe Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
83% success
58% success
82% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
91% success
45% success
11% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Exactly what I did not come for"
Detached from nature and africa.
Just chasing lions at high speed.
Negative advise." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Unfortunately the manager was not at camp when they visited, which probably didnt help. Were assured that Sandibe is due for some extensive renovations in the next 12-18 months, which should (eventually) address any feelings that its looking tired.
"Stunning wildlife plus a wonderful setting"
From a pure camp (design, built) and comfort perspective Sandibe was probably the winner. Their main lodge was really nice, so was the verandah of our hut. We had elephants going through the camp (in a somewhat controlled way).
The food in Sandibe was best, mostly for two reasons: 1) they served more 'local' food, like our first Kudu steak (whereas Kwando seemed to have rather neutral 'western' food; nothing wrong but not special), 2) we asked for one of the dinners to be served on the verandah of our hut (built into the papyrus); very special! (I think you talk about it in your brochure, so you are fully well aware).
Suggestions for improvements:
When we arrived on the airstrip in Sandibe there was no-one to pick us up; waited for about 30 minutes. We waited for some 30 minutes before anyone arrived. At Sandibe a little sorry would have been nice…. Our pilot (Ed) was great. Moremi Air might improve by purchasing some satellite phones." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
More difficult to spot things in December as the rains produced a green explosion, but more than compensated for by the plethora of birds - I saw 125 species in 6 days ! I never ceased to be amazed at the expert knowledge of the guides and their fantastic eyesight." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana
"Excellent time at Sandibe Safari Lodge"
Once again the habitat here was slightly different from the other two lodges. One of the highlights of the safaris here was seeing, on two differnet occasions, a pack of 18 African wild dog. The first time we came across them after they had finished a kill and they were in a playful mood. We were able to watch them playing around as it got dark and they eventually settled down for the night - what an amazing experience. Also got good views of steenbok, reedbuck, bushbuck and several different types of mongoose.
The rooms at the lodge were lovely and spacious. We got very close views of an elephant that had taken a fancy to fruits on the tree just outside our room and this really brought home why it is important that you get escorted back to your rooms after dark, you never know what might be round that corner!
The food at this was lodge was to a very high standard and always hot and freshly cooked." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
The food is great, rooms were very comfortable. But the most important - the quantity and variety of wildlife we saw here blew us away. Every game drive had exciting moments and one day we saw every possible animal you can see outside of a unicorn. Also, the terrain you drive through is extremely varied, more than any other.
Overall, everything clicked at this place and you get the impression that it is very well run." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
Very friendly and convivial and again at this time of year some storage heaters in the rooms would be a benefit for the Ladies." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
The staff were excellant and our guide "Speedy" was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Game drives were great with plenty to see, though missed the elusive leopard." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Really part of the landscape"
Trouble with monkeys snatching food made breakfast not very relaxing but a small price to pay to be part of the environment.
Really liked the different settings for the evening meal. One evening around the candlelit swimming pool, another was a barbecue. Individual tables meant it was no so easy to meet other guests and chat to game drive people as meals." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Sensational Speedy (guide) at Sandibe!"
Speedy was another amazing guide and his partnership with Ba-Ba the fantastic spotter, really enhanced our enjoyment of the game drives." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Sandibe Safari Lodge review"
The only hiccup in transfers was when WIlderness Air picked us up at the Chitabe airstrip on our way out: The plane arrival time was erroneously given to Sandibe as later than when the plane actually arrived (we were just able to make it); and when we got there, the co-pilot told us that they only had seats for 4 on the plane, despite our party being 7 people. We were told that they had to call to order another plane for us and started to depart with none of us. Just as they were about to depart, the plane suddenly returned for four of us and another 3-passenger plane showed up. It was quite confusing but fortunately it all worked out. All the other transfers went very smoothly. In any case, we could hear Katherine (was that the Sandibe manager's name?) on the radio figuring out what to do for us, and I could tell that she was working hard on making our transfer work.
We also were able to have our own vehicle because we had 7 people, so our 2.5 year old son was able to join us on all the game drives and boat ride. It was wonderful. Our guide/driver and tracker were all very good and we were able to see many animals, some of which we had to hunt down! It was fantastic.
One suggestion for the Sandibe would be for the store to have more smaller sizes available, especially for men's shirts. There were plenty of 2XXLs available!" See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.