Baines' Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

Named after the 19th-century explorer and painter Thomas Baines, the lodge sits on the Boro River floodplain at the edge of Moremi Game Reserve, within a 260,000-acre private concession in the Okavango Delta. The property was completely rebuilt in 2025 to run on 100 per cent solar power. Six suites rise on stilts from the papyrus reeds, each divided equally between interior and exterior space — 61 m² inside, 58 m² on the deck. Super-king beds are made up with high-thread-count linens; en-suite bathrooms have rain showers, baths, double vanities, and robes. Outdoor showers and baths sit on the private decks overlooking the floodplain. Elephants, buffaloes and hippos wander into view from the deck.

Communal areas are arranged around a dormant termite mound and linked by elevated wooden walkways. The open-sided restaurant faces the delta; the circular bar is angled for 360-degree sunset views. A pool edges the water beside the Explorer's Lounge, which is equipped with a microscope, spotting scopes, interactive maps and books. Leica binoculars are provided at check-in. A boma sits beside the water for stargazing and fireside evenings. The Bush Boutique sells local crafts.

Morning and evening game drives in four-seat vehicles track lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, impalas and African wild dogs. Night drives and walking safaris are permitted within the private concession. Between May and September, when the delta floods, mokoro canoes skim the waterways; motorised boats run year-round. Scenic helicopter flights lift west over the permanent delta. Each guest works with the same guide throughout their stay.