Sanctuary Lodges, the African chain of luxury properties and private tented camps, is to extend operations in Botswana with the opening of Baines’ Water Camp in the Okavango Delta.

The camp will feature just five suites, set on elevated platforms in the tree line, with four-poster beds and wooden decks offering views over the Boro River and a lagoon.

The camp will open mid-2004.

Sanctuary is also launching hot air balloon safaris from the luxurious and recently upgraded Stanley’s Camp, also in Botswana.

Equipped with GPS satellite navigation system, the balloons will fly all year round and carry eight passengers across the Delta for around an hour. The camp already offers elephant interaction, walking safaris, night drives and canoe excursions.

Sanctuary Lodges is a collection of luxury properties created on an environmentally sustainable basis in areas of outstanding natural beauty in Africa. They are limited to a maximum of 15 cottages or tents to promote low impact, high-quality visits.