BAINES CAMP
borders the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango, Botswana

The lodge, named after the famed nineteenth century explorer and artist, Thomas Baines is located on the Boro River, in the private concession NG32 neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve.

Camp Description

The camp features 5 suites set on elevated platforms with wooden decks offering expansive views over the permanent water of the Boro River. The suites feature a luxury bedroom, an en-suite bathroom & private viewing deck. The four-poster beds are fully mobile, giving guests the choice of slumber under star laden skies. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, ceiling fan, in-room safe and minibar. The main area features an oversized deck for outdoor dining and views over the permanent water of the lagoon. There is a swimming pool with 2 thatched sala’s on either side.

Game Viewing

The area is superb for viewing all animals and bird species. Guests may explore by land in open 4 X 4 vehicles and water, often into the night, to discover nocturnal species. Mokoro (dug–out canoe) safaris Explore water safaris at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro (offered most of the year, subject to water levels). Motorised boat safaris Explore floating safaris by especially adapted safari motorboats (offered most of the year, subject to water levels). Walking Safaris Explore on foot with skilled, armed professional guides. The unique and educational elephant interaction is also available.

Climate & Clothing Suggestions

The “wet” season normally begins late December and lasts through early March. This season characteristically has hot sunny days with afternoon thundershowers. Average daily temperatures range from 20?C-38?C (68?F-100?F).

This season is favourable for the viewing of newborn mammals, summer flowers and the migration of rare birds. Predator viewing during this time remains quite good.

The “dry” season runs from late March to early December. The days are nearly guaranteed as fine and the temperatures vary according to season. In winter (June–August) temperatures can plummet as low as 0?C (32?F) at night with a daily maximum of around 26?C-28?C (78?F-82?F).

In autumn (April-May) temperatures are warmer ranging from 10?C-32?C (50?F-89?F). Spring (September–November) tends to get hotter again with temperatures ranging between 15?C–38?C (59?F-100?F). The drier months between June and November are considered to be peak game-viewing months.

Clothing should be cool and comfortable. Jerseys and heavier jackets are required for winter mornings and evenings. Muted colours are the most suitable on safari. We advise long sleeves and long trousers for mornings and evenings due to mosquitoes. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential.

Laundry policy

Laundry is done on a daily basis and inclusive in the nightly tariff with the exception of 'smalls' ie underwear, which are not washed due to local customs.

Extras payment

Curios and or imported drinks will be billed to the guest and settled on check out. Payment can be effected by cash (US$), or the following credit cards: Visa or MasterCard but not Diners Club or American Express. If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:

Guides - US$5.00 per person per day
General Camp Staff - US$3.00 per person per day
Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

How to get there

The camp is accessible by air from Maun (+-15 minutes), Kasane (+-1 hour 30 minutes) and all other delta camps. Please note the luggage restriction is 12kgs per person in a soft-sided bag.

Electricity

Electricity, 240 volts, is supplied by a combination of silent packed generator and battery system allowing 24-hour power supply.

ELEPHANT ACTIVITY at Baines Camp

Activity outline
The activity encompasses a leisurely paced walk with a trio of semi-habituated elephants, becoming personally acquainted with them, observing and interacting with them and a picnic lunch in their company.

Duration: 4 hours in the morning culminating in a picnic lunch in the bush.

Maximum number of guests: 10 on an activity.

Additional cost applicable for this optional extra.

Introduction
Currently, Grey Matters, owned by Doug and Sandi Groves’, a Botswana based company, supports the elephant trio: Jabu, Thembi and Morula. As part of a unique learning adventure, visitors accompany the herd on daily foraging treks. Immersed in elephant life, warm bonds of kinship grow from a newly found appreciation of these gentle giants.

A Herd of Your Own
You are invited to discover the elephants, from the bristled ends of their long tails to the tip of their powerful yet sensitive trunks. Marvel at their big ears, thoughtful eyes and enormous padded feet. Trace the textures of their skin and the silken polish of their ivory. Explore the astonishing bonds of kinship forged over more than a decade between the elephants and their guardians in a wilderness of mesmerising beauty.

A delicate blink of Morula’s long lashes reveals her sensitive yet powerful personality. Jabu takes you, trunk in hand, with his bold and generous nature and together you slowly uncover the age-old secrets of the African elephant and the mysteries of the surrounding wilderness. Thembi, cute, boisterous and impossible to ignore, infatuates you and transforms your understanding of elephants to a deeper and more personal level.

Background
Elephants can live for 50 years, so when Doug and Sandi Groves adopted Jabu, Thembi and later Morula, rescuing them from culling operations that had left them orphans, they knew they were making a life-long commitment to the trio.

Elephant Personalities
Jabu, short for Jabulani, a Zulu name, means happiness and indeed Jabu’s zest for life is inspiring. Jabu is a proud and handsome bull, who enjoys his role as alpha elephant of the small herd. He is kind, playful, generous, big-hearted and dependable. Of the three elephants he is the most independent and confident. Jabu loves interacting and building solid relationships based on mutual trust and respect. He is predictable and unconditional in his giving.

Thembi, is a common Zulu name meaning trust. Thembi is the sweetheart of the herd and the smallest in stature. Perfectly formed, pretty and dainty, Thembi knows a few tricks for getting her way. Smart and very social, she loves to be the centre of attention.

Morula, is named after a beautiful African fruit tree. Her strongest personality trait is one of great gentleness; she is mild-natured, sensitive and easily bruised emotionally. She can be described as a wallflower but she blossoms beautifully when love and attention are focused directly on her. Morula weaves a powerful magic of her own as in her quiet and subtle way she captures your heart with her sincere, loyal and sweet nature.

Living with Elephants
Doug and Sandi Groves have strived to find ways in which their adopted elephants can act as ambassadors to their wild counterparts. In 1999, the Living With Elephants Foundation (LWE) was launched as an organisation that could help the Groves and their trio fulfil their elephant sized dreams.

LWE Vision
Living With Elephants Foundation (LWE) is dedicated to relieving conflict and competition between the African Elephant and human populations in Botswana. You can learn more on this subject at:

www.livingwithelephants.org

Read more about:

Moremi game Reserve

Please contact us for current rates: