Chief's Camp in a Nutshell
Famously, Chief’s Island, the setting for Chief’s Camp, was historically the local Chiefs’ private hunting ground. It is not hard to understand why after you have spent time here and witnessed the high concentrations of animals on the island. Indeed, this part of the Moremi Game Reserve is coveted by many safari operators because of the amazingly intense game viewing. Chief’s Camp combines this with a refined luxury that Conde Nast Magazine consistently rates as one of the top lodge destinations in Africa.
Fast Facts
- 10 “Bush Pavillions” on raised decks – incredibly spacious!
- Geoffrey Kent Suite
- High quality game drives
- 20 guests Maximum
- Price range of USD1360 – USD3285 pppn
- Inside Moremi Game Reserve
- Access by light aircraft
- Located in a private concession within Moremi
- Top predator viewing
- Rhino sighting daily
Child Policy
Children under 15 must share with an adult. Children under 5 must book a private guide and vehicle. Also, they allow “triple rooms,” so small kids can share with an adult – this is only allowed on a limited basis (2 rooms in camp on any given night). There is a “CHILDRENS’ RETREAT” space at this camp – definitely a unique feature.
How to Get There
You can fly into the lodge’s own airstrip from just about any bush airstrip, Maun or Kasane.
Game Viewing and Activities
This is where Chief’s Camp gets its high ratings from – you come here for the game drives and the chance for sightings of big game and predators. As we said before, it is the envy of all the safari operators that would love to have a camp in such a productive area. Chief’s Island is certainly one of the best game viewing destinations in Botswana, if not Africa…….seriously, its good, and you would stay here as part of your itinerary to get good genuine sightings of the animals everyone wants to see!
When water levels are high, you can also enjoy mokoro (dug-out canoe) rides on the surrounding floodplains.
A further attraction is that there is a helicopter and pilot based at another camp close by…..scenic flights are easily arranged from Chief’s.
Camp Environment
Sanctuary retreats are the owners here and are a well established safari company with properties all over Africa, built and run to high standards.
Chief’s have built a no-expense-spared lodge in a fantastic location, bringing you a top-notch experience, with matching service standards. All of this comes with excellent game drives on Chief’s Island, a location that would be hard to beat in this department.
Each splendid room might be the largest on offer in the Okavango? They call them “Pavilions” in fact, and each boasts 140m2 of floor space! You will be very comfortable here as each is thatched to keep them cool. But should you require, there is air conditioning above each bed and a ceiling fan. Bathrooms boast floor to ceiling widows and folding glass doors that lead to outside showers. Should you want to indulge yourselves, there is also a bath to relax in…..for hot days, your own private plunge pool is a few steps away on the front deck. from the comfort of your pavilion, there is also wifi available.
The expansive main areas of course have great views out onto the floodplains surrounding camp. This stylish and atmospheric social space is at the heart of camp and boasts a newly extended dining area with a PIZZA OVEN, an elegant library and a comfy seating area with ample sofas and comfortable spaces. An added feature is the “orientation room” – a space with interactive maps and insider information for curious guest that want to learn more about the local environment. This detail certainly helps the guides give guests a better perspective and understanding of the area where you will be exploring.
There is a spa offering facial treatments and massages and a decent gym should you want to stay active between activities.
We like this lodge because it is modern and extremely “green.” At great expense, it runs on a large set of solar panels and storage batteries.
There is also a dedicated space for children (The “Children’ Retreat”) with fusball, a play station and plenty of educational stuff related to local nature. This is quite a unique feature for a Botswana safari camp!
Do enquire about the GEOFFREY KENT SUITE – it sleeps 6 and you get complete privacy, your own dedicated staff and private vehicle and guide.
Why we like it
This camp offers serious luxury and service with incredible game viewing, along side the experience and service offered by Sanctuary Retreats. It comes with a hefty price, but if it is in your budget, we highly recommend it.
70% of the camps power comes from solar – as we would expect from a modern camp in this era.
Its reputation as a predator paradise is justified, and you can see rhino!
Katia Haskins 
PO Box HA 74 HAK