Baines’ Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, reopens after complete rebuild in the Okavango Delta

The design-driven retreat, which features just six suites, is inspired by the 19th-century explorer-artist Thomas Baines and shaped around craftsmanship, sustainability and intimate wildlife viewing

Baines’ Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, has reopened in Botswana’s Okavango Delta following a complete reconstruction that reinterprets the legacy of explorer and watercolourist Thomas Baines. The new lodge – A&K Sanctuary’s smallest and most secluded – sits on the floodplains of the Boro River at the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, positioning guests within one of Africa’s most ecologically rich landscapes. 

Developed in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, the design takes its cues from Baines’ detailed field sketches, treating the Delta as a living gallery. Materials, textures and tones – soft greens, weathered timbers and papyrus shades – echo the surrounding environment, with the restrained palette framing rather than competing with the wetland.

Architecture and spatial design

The lodge adopts an “African pavilion gallery” concept defined by open, columned spaces and fluid indoor–outdoor transitions. Raised on stilts and connected by timber walkways, the six suites and communal areas share a nautical lightness that sits comfortably within the Delta’s reedy, water-threaded terrain.

The Explorer’s Lounge anchors the main area with microscopes, spotting scopes, interactive maps and a curated library, while Leica binoculars are provided on arrival for wildlife viewing from private decks. A swimming pool extends towards the floodplains, with its terrace positioned for uninterrupted views.

Craftsmanship and sustainability

Throughout the lodge, hand-built details celebrate regional artisanship. Woven ceilings created by Daliwe artisans in South Africa mimic the organic geometry of termite mounds, while navy strands nod to the Delta’s branching waterways. Carved timber elements subtly reference elephant skin textures, and reclaimed wood from the original lodge has been thoughtfully repurposed. Sustainable Lunawood, for instance, is used extensively across the property and can be removed without trace, underscoring the lodge’s light-touch approach. Passive ventilation, solar power and reduced-energy systems, too, will support year-round comfort with minimal environmental impact.

Safari and seasonal experiences

With just six suites and a maximum of four guests per vehicle, Baines’ Lodge offers safari experiences defined by both exclusivity and ecological breadth. The private concession allows walking safaris and night drives that are not always possible in the main park areas, providing opportunities to encounter nocturnal species and track wildlife on foot with expert guides.

Game drives explore one of Africa’s most biodiverse habitats, home to significant elephant populations as well as lions, leopards and wild dogs. Between May and September, when the Okavango’s seasonal floods reshape the landscape, the 5,800-square-mile wetland becomes a sanctuary for resident and migratory birdlife.

When water levels allow, traditional mokoro excursions and motorised boat trips trace the clear channels, while scenic helicopter flights reveal the full scale of the Delta’s mosaic from above. Star Baths on private decks offer a contemplative end to the day, reinforcing the lodge’s appeal for honeymooners and couples. The minimum age is 16, preserving its intimate atmosphere.

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