Last 10 years: 2 Awards
Sure, the design is appealing, but it takes second place to the main attraction. From every corner of the lodge, nature is fron and center.
Robb Report, June 2026Expansive decks, open-plan interiors and romantic star baths immerse guests in the landscape, while private-concession safaris and water excursions deliver an exclusive, connected wilderness experience.
Modern Luxury, April 2026Best of The Best 2026
Luxury experts at Robb Report pick a handful of new (or upgraded) hotels that truly represent the best of the best in hospitality this year.
Robb Report
Best of Travel Awards 2026
The editors of Modern Luxury have curated the ultimate list for today’s luxury travel around the globe. We include the hotels and resorts on the list.
Best Safari Lodge Renovation
Modern Luxury
Hotels own information
An Intimate Safari Retreat in the Okavango Delta
On the edge of the Kalahari Desert lies Botswana’s extraordinary Okavango Delta, a remarkable landscape where winding waterways, lagoons, and lush islands create one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems. Throughout the year, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers exceptional safari experiences, from tranquil mokoro canoe journeys and motorboat excursions to unforgettable encounters with elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and countless bird species.
Suites
Completely rebuilt in 2025 and designed to the highest contemporary standards, Baines’ Lodge is one of Botswana’s most intimate luxury eco-lodges. Fully powered by solar energy, the lodge features just six elegant suites elevated on stilts above the papyrus reeds, creating an extraordinary sense of immersion within the Delta. Chic yet understated interiors, spacious private decks, and uninterrupted water views provide a tranquil sanctuary where nature is always close at hand.
Safari & Experiences
Exploring the Okavango Delta from Baines’ Lodge reveals the extraordinary diversity of this unique ecosystem. Glide silently through reed-lined channels in a traditional seasonal mokoro, cruise the waterways by motor launch, or discover the surrounding wilderness with expertly guided safari experiences. Wildlife is never far away, with elephants and buffalo frequently visiting the lodge itself, while every excursion offers opportunities to encounter Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat.
Wellness & Romance
Between adventures, guests can unwind beside the lodge’s striking pool, which appears to float effortlessly above the Delta, or simply relax on the expansive wooden decks overlooking the waterways. For couples and honeymooners, Baines’ Lodge offers unforgettable moments, including romantic Star Baths prepared on private terraces beneath Botswana’s spectacular night skies.
The Baines’ Lodge Experience
Combining exceptional design, environmental sustainability, and one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural settings, Baines’ Lodge offers a safari experience that is both deeply immersive and effortlessly luxurious. With just six suites surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of the Okavango Delta, every stay is defined by privacy, tranquility, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
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