Baines' Camp was built a couple of years ago in a beautiful area of Botswana's Okavango Delta. It is located adjacent to the Boro River, in the 1,050km² private concession NG32, neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve. It is named after the famed Victorian explorer and artist, Thomas Baines.
Baines' is a lovely relaxed camp and has just five substantial suites with thatched roofs and 'solid' walls made from recycled drinks cans and plaster containing elephant-dung – unusual but the finished effect is rather nice. The bedrooms feature four-poster 'star beds' which, for a magical night-time experience, can be rolled onto your private deck beneath the stars.
The central lodge area is built on raised wooden decking around a large termite mound and it overlooks a perennial lagoon, where hippos can often be seen wallowing (and also heard snorting!). There is also a lovely small infinity pool perfect for cooling off in the heat of the day, comfortable sunbeds and two shady salas for relaxing on.
As Baines is within a private concession, both day and night 4WD safari drives can be arranged, along with walking safaris if requested. When water levels are high (usually June-Sept) the camp can also run mokoro and motorboat trips.
On our last visit, in May 2007, we stayed at the sister camp of Baines'- Stanley's Camp– which is close by, in the same reserve. We didn't take any game drives from Baines' Camp.
Central facilities: Baines' Camp has a lovely infinity pool with a sala at either end, housing comfortable double day beds - perfect for lounging on in the heat of the day. There are also a few cushioned sun-beds and sun-umbrellas on the deck next to the pool.
The main lodge area contains a comfortable lounge and small library area, overlooking the perennial lagoon. The dining area is to the far end of the main lodge and meals can be taken under cover in the open-sided restaurant, or depending on the weather, outside in the open under the stars.
Directions: Fly in to airstrip which serves Stanley's Camp and Baines Camp (15 or so minutes from Maun). Road transfer is 45 – 60 minutes from airstrip, depending on water levels.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Last time we visted Baines', in May 2007, it was only for the afternoon – as we stayed at Stanley's Camp. Given that the food at Stanley's was superb, and that Baines is Stanley's more upmarket sibling, we'd confidently expect the food standards here to be really excellent.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No - this is the bush!
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Included, save for premium brands and champagne.
Special interests
Honeymoons: This is a lovely romantic camp, perfect for honeymooners. The star-beds which can be rolled out on to your own private deck at night, offer a magical and unforgettable experience.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
Walking: This is a beautiful area for walking and both the camps' guides are qualified to lead walking safaris. You will focus on the small things which make up the complex ecology of the area - the local plant-life, insects, birds and smaller animals, as well as the various footprints you will come across!
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Walking
Wildlife: Experience the Okavango Delta' s wildlife and also take part in a super elephant experience
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife
Children
Attitude towards children: Children over 12 years of age are welcome.
Activities: None.
Equipment: No special equipment for children is provided.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: Radio contact can be made with the Maun office in an emergency.
There is no mobile reception or email so you should consider yourself out of contact.
TV & radio: No - this is the bush!
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The closest doctor is in Maun. The manager's partner is a qualified nurse and there is always someone first aid trained in camp. Medi-rescue is on call.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are intercom systems in all the rooms, so that guests can contact the managers in an emergency. Guests are escorted back to their rooms after dark.
Fire safety: There are smoke detectors in the rooms, along with fire extinguishers. The camp also has a water-trailer which can be utilized in the event of fire.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included.
Money: There are safes in all the rooms.
Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa are accepted and there is no additional charge for credit card transactions.
GB£, US$, Botswana Pula, Euros and Rands are accepted.
Click on the links below to read sections from the Bradt guidebook which are related to Baines' Camp.
Stanley's & Budget Trips Read more fromthe guidebook about the area around Baines' Camp - and its flora and fauna.
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Baines' Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Stanley's & Budget Trips