Tipped as a 'must see destination' in 2016 alongside celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary of independence on 30th September, Botswana is seeing an increase in demand according to specialist safari operator Sanctuary Retreats.  With four luxury properties including three in the Okavango Delta and one overlooking the Chobe River, demand across the region is strong with bookings up over 28%.

The forthcoming release of 'A United Kingdom', a high profile new film about the country starring Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Tom Felton and Laura Carmichael is due to premiere in the UK in October and will no doubt lead to further interest in the destination.

Botswana offers some of the finest game viewing in the world due to the incredible concentration and diversity of mammals and wildlife.  It is well-known for its large herds of elephants (the biggest concentration of elephants in the world) but its wilderness and huge variety of flora and fauna means it also is home to a whole host of creatures ensuring an exclusive and authentic safari.  As well as more traditional jeep and walking safaris, the country's geography also allows for exploring the Delta from a mokoro (a traditional dug out canoe) – giving the opportunity for extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp is Sanctuary Retreats' flagship property and only recently re-opened after a complete re-build creating a new, luxurious contemporary safari camp in one of the best locations in Africa. The camp is located on Chief's Island in the famous Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, recognised as the 'predator capital of Africa' and known for its outstanding game viewing.  It now offers 10 new stylish pavilions and a superb suite - The Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite and is setting new standards in the luxury safari experience. 

The spacious new pavilions have incredible views over the surrounding Okavango Delta, which can be enjoyed from each pavilion's private pool or from the tranquil outdoor seating area.  Bathrooms – complete with floor to ceiling windows - also have a spacious outdoor shower and an indulgent, large bath tub – perfect for soaking in after a day's game viewing.

Other Sanctuary Retreats properties in Botswana include two additional options in the Okavango Delta at Sanctuary Baines' Camp and Sanctuary Stanley's Camp and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero in Chobe National Park.  A unique 'Walking with Elephants' activity is offered from Sanctuary Baines' and Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, whereby guests spend a morning seeing the African bush through the eyes of an elephant, as they are led on safari by three  semi-habituated elephants.  Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat on the edge of Chobe National Park which is home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants.

All of the Sanctuary Retreats lodges and camps in Botswana are part of their stay longer, pay less offer with savings up to 30% offered for stays of 3 nights or more. For further information and to book visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com or call 01242 546609

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Notes to Editors:

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats' collection of luxury safari lodges and river cruise ships bring the boutique experience to guests with the added promise of authenticity. Each property is completely individual in its design and operated around the philosophy of 'Luxury, naturally'. All have the same aim: to allow guests to have a “real” experience and enjoy a more natural kind of luxury in properties that have a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. The Sanctuary portfolio includes safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, as well as river cruise ships on the Nile, the Yangtze and in Myanmar.

For more information, please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com

For UK media enquiries, please contact Nicole Walsh on 0777 1554027 at nwalsh@sanctuaryretreats.com or Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 at sbolam@sanctuaryretreats.com