The Sanctuary at Wilderness Mombo Opens in Botswana’s Okavango Delta as a Luxury Wellness Retreat

In October 2025, ‘Wilderness’, the luxury safari brand, will add ‘The Sanctuary at Wilderness Mombo’ to its portfolio, which will be the brand’s new luxury wellness retreat located in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The new Sanctuary will deliver wellness and sustainable nature immersion at the highest level of sophistication in the Botswana Delta, tucked in the heart of one of Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystem.

The Sanctuary will promote luxury, low volume and high impact tourism to Botswana, making it one of the most sustainable retreat in the country, and align with the strategies of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to add sustainable high value tourism to Botswana’s national tourism framework.

A UNESCO World Heritage Setting

The Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland wetlands, provides a setting of exceptional ecological and cultural importance. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the delta’s seasonal floodplains host an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, from elephants and lions to over 400 bird species.

Within this landscape lies Mombo Camp, long regarded as one of the most exclusive safari destinations in Africa. The Sanctuary’s arrival enhances Mombo’s legacy by introducing a wellness philosophy deeply rooted in nature and cultural connection.

Design that Reflects the Delta’s Spirit

Architecturally, The Sanctuary at Mombo reflects Botswana’s dedication to sustainability. Designed with natural timber, organic textures, and an open-air layout, it integrates effortlessly into the floodplain environment. Panoramic views of the delta encourage mindfulness and relaxation, while local materials reinforce the region’s conservation ethos.

The Sanctuary’s facilities include:

A lap pool designed for both exercise and reflection.
A traditional sauna and ice bath combination for balance and restoration.
Multiple treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite and meditation cocoons.
An air-conditioned gym and an open-air yoga deck with sunrise and sunset sessions.

Each feature aligns with Botswana’s tourism standards for sustainability, ensuring that comfort coexists with environmental responsibility.

African Healing Traditions Meet Modern Science

The Sanctuary’s wellness philosophy blends ancient African healing traditions with advanced skincare and therapeutic techniques. Indigenous ingredients such as baobab oil, cedarwood, and shea butter are complemented by scientifically developed products designed for long-term skin and body restoration.

Two signature rituals define the experience:

The Mombo Signature Experience – A full-body exfoliation followed by a mineral-rich mud treatment, aromatherapy massage with rosemary and black pepper oils, and a grounding scalp and foot ritual.
The Tree of Life Journey – Inspired by Africa’s symbolic baobab, this ritual combines cedarwood and baobab oils with a citrus-infused massage, encouraging rejuvenation and balance.

These treatments create a multi-sensory experience, allowing guests to connect deeply with the rhythms of nature.

The Spirit of Mombo: “The Place of Plenty”

Mombo, meaning “The Place of Plenty,” is celebrated for its abundance of wildlife and thriving ecosystems. The Sanctuary’s design mirrors this richness, offering wellness experiences that reflect the natural cycles of life in the delta.

Guests are encouraged to explore Moremi Game Reserve, where conservation programs led by Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks maintain one of Africa’s most pristine environments. Day safaris and walking excursions complement the retreat’s wellness offerings, providing a holistic connection to the wilderness.

Sustainability and Conservation

The Sanctuary at Mombo is developed under Botswana’s High Value, Low Volume Tourism Policy, ensuring minimal ecological impact. All structures are built using renewable materials, solar-powered systems, and sustainable waste management practices.

The initiative aligns with the Okavango Delta Management Plan and Botswana’s Vision 2036, which promote eco-conscious tourism development that benefits both wildlife conservation and local communities.

By integrating wellness tourism into Botswana’s conservation framework, Wilderness demonstrates how luxury travel can coexist with environmental stewardship.

Rates and Travel Information

Nightly rates at The Sanctuary at Mombo start from USD 2,805 per person sharing, positioning it among the most exclusive wellness destinations in Africa.

Access and Logistics:

The nearest airport is Maun International Airport, the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Guests connect to Mombo via light aircraft, with charter flights providing direct access to Chief’s Island.
Peak season runs from May to October, when flood levels recede, and wildlife viewing is optimal.

Travelers are advised to check entry requirements with Botswana’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship and confirm vaccination and health guidelines through official government channels.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Guests at Wilderness Mombo will experience the Okavango’s dynamic ecosystem firsthand. The surrounding region hosts elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and more than 120 species of mammals, alongside the delta’s famed birdlife.

Conservation-focused excursions allow visitors to observe wildlife responsibly while supporting Botswana’s broader environmental objectives. Wildlife monitoring programs in the delta operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, ensuring sustainable management of the ecosystem.

A New Benchmark for Wellness Safaris

The Sanctuary at Wilderness Mombo introduces a new standard for wellness safaris in Africa—where physical rejuvenation, mental clarity, and ecological harmony meet in a single destination.

By combining modern spa science with indigenous African rituals, Wilderness redefines luxury travel for the next decade. The retreat supports Botswana’s growing wellness tourism market, which forms part of the government’s long-term diversification plan for sustainable economic development.

Conclusion

In the heart of the Mongolia Delta, The Sanctuary at Wilderness Mombo will commence operations in October 2025. The Sanctuary will provide a unique experience of sustainable which blends refinement, luxury, and nature. In this UNESCO heritage site, guests will find peace and rejuvenation which is synonymous with Africa and unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

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