Unique safari experiences with Sanctuary Retreats

Wonderful, wild animals roaming nearby and only the noises of nature, as your soundtrack…

An African safari is a one-of-a-kind experience. Nevertheless, there are some destinations and lodges that elevate the safari experience with unique adventures, creating once in a lifetime memories for those who choose to veer, from the beaten track and really delve into the life of Africa. Exploring, sleeping and dining deep in the African wilderness.

Inspired by their philosophy of ‘Luxury, naturally’, Sanctuary Retreats aim to form real African experiences for their guests, using their small and intimate lodges as a luxury base. Remarkable wildlife experiences are synonymous with the Sanctuary brand. Each of their safari lodges and camps in Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda offer an exclusive ambience, with a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism.

What could be more romantic, than sleeping under the stars in a four-poster bed? With only the Milky Way star canopy overhead, this is the perfect way to get back to nature. Sanctuary Baines’ Camp in Botswana offers this unforgettable skybed experience, with beds in its five luxury suites that can wheel out onto private viewing decks, this camp is perfect for those celebrating a milestone event. The star baths on deck are sensational too – sink into a large bubble bath, bubbly served on the side, surrounded by ambient lanterns and the nocturnal sounds and views of the Okavango Delta.

Awake to the cry of an eagle and the golden sunrise, as Botswana’s verdant landscapes reveal another immersive nature experience; slowly drifting along in the Okavango Delta in a mokoro dugout canoe, up-close to magnificent antelope and elephant. The tranquil water safari surroundings, sometimes interrupted by the grunt of a hippo or the chirping of birds.

From Sanctuary Baines’ Camp you can opt to walk through the delta with three adult elephants; Jabu, Morula and Thembi, getting an up-close insight into how they go about their day, while taking amazing photo and video memories of a lifetime.

The perfect ending to a day on safari, is a laidback sundowner. Few experiences are as satisfying as watching a dramatic African sunset with a refreshing G&T in hand. Only five minutes upstream from the Victoria Falls in Zambia, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma affords an unforgettable sundowner cruise on the Upper Zambezi River. Your guide will navigate through winding rapids before finding a spot on one of the river islands for a tranquil cocktail, where you can slowly drink in the glorious sunset views.

Whilst sundowners equate to breath taking sunsets, a balloon ride offers panoramic sunrises. A hot air balloon safari from Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya offers spectacular aerial views of the untouched Masai Mara landscape and the incredible wildlife that call these plains, home. A champagne breakfast follows and is a decadent start to your day on safari. At Sanctuary Olonana the sundowners are out of this world too, the lodge is nestled at the foot of the Siria Escarpment near to where the famous last scene from ‘Out of Africa’ was filmed. It is this setting, that affords dramatic sunset views of the Mara. For dinner guests gather alongside the Mara river and enjoy Masai folklore around a bonfire, while a barbeque feast is prepared under the stars.

See the epic Mara river crossings, feel the crescendo of a thousand thundering hooves, the soundtrack to the annual wildebeest migration. This natural phenomenon of a moving feast is experienced in both Kenya and Tanzania. Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp offers the ultimate, front-row seat to the migration with this tented safari camp moving three times a year to ensure it is always, right in the middle of huge herds of majestic wildebeest. 

A great East Africa safari combination is Kenya or Tanzania and gorilla trekking. With gorilla at a very high risk of extinction, gorilla trekking is the ultimate eco safari.  The moment you first come face to face with one of these magnificent apes, will give you goosebumps. The intelligence in their eyes, stays with you forever.  African safari veterans love Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, sited right in Bwindi National Park, Uganda. The rustic, open-air lodge is the perfect respite in between gorilla treks for which you do, need to be walking fit.

If you’re hoping to delve into the soul of Africa and you fancy a good safari standards, Sanctuary Retreats truly embodies a sense of natural luxury with amazing wildlife experiences, great guiding, comfortable and luxurious accommodations and gourmet cuisine in every property. Sanctuary Retreats is the perfect escape to a unique safari experience.

Safari is such a life-changing experience and we love the delight of discovery. Africa Sky Safaris and Sanctuary Retreats have recommended a couple of itineraries that can guide you towards the luxurious safari retreats:

7 Nights Zambia & Botswana
From £4395  for travel period 1May – 14 June & 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2017
Saving of £700 pp

Return flights from London Heathrow into Livingstone and out or Maun
All internal flights and transfers
Full board with Game Drives & Activities
2 NIGHTS - Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma - Livingstone, Zambia                                                                                                                                               
2 NIGHTS - Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero – Chobe, Botswana                                                                                                                                                
3 NIGHTS - Sanctuary Stanley Camp - Okovango Delta, Botswana, Elephant Interaction Activity at Stanleys Camp

or

7 Nights Tanzania & Kenya
From £4279 – for travel period 1 – 20 June 2017
From £3299 – for travel period 1 Nov – 10 Dec 2017
Saving of £500 pp

Return flights from London Heathrow into Kilimanjaro and out of Nairobi
All internal flights and transfers
1 NIGHT - Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha

2 NIGHTS - Sanctuary Swala, Tarangire National Park

2 NIGHTS - Sanctuary Kusini, Serengeti National Park

2 NIGHTS - Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara       

•  Full Board accommodation through-out the safari, including Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers except in Arusha with Half Board accommodation

•  Refreshments while on game viewing drives

•  Laundry

•  Park/Reserve fees

•  2 daily scheduled shared safari activities with our highly qualified guides including:

•  Morning and afternoon game drives

•  Walking safari at Sanctuary Swala

•  Serengeti Cheetah Project at Sanctuary Kusini

•  Maasai village visit at Sanctuary Olonana

•  Sundowners and bush meals in specially selected spots

For more information, please visit our Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Sanctuary Swala Camp or Sanctuary Olonana or Africa Sky site.

We look forward to booking your next authentic safari adventure tailor-made just for you.