Peter Sandenbergh, Owner of Lodges of Botswana, Delta Air Botswana and Footsteps in Africa, will be remembered as a pioneer of tourism in Botswana. He lost his fight against cancer last week, while at his home in London, where he divided his time with Botswana. He was surrounded by family.
Members of the trade have praised Sandenbergh for his pivotal role in Botswana’s tourism industry. He was described as a pioneer, a great maverick and an extraordinary individual. He is also remembered as a down to earth person, who loved to be surrounded by the bush and would forego shoes even in polite company.
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Sandenbergh spent more than 30 years based in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where he owned two popular camps. He was known for running low-impact operations and employing local people where possible. Delta Camp in particular was recognised as an example of responsible and sustainable practices and is included in Colin Bell’s and David Bristow’s Africa’s Finest and was also nominated for the Best Eco Camp award in 2010. The camp is one of the longest running camps in the Delta.
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Both Colin Bell and Phillip Lategan, MD of Journey Beyond, said Sandenbergh played an integral role in the building and developing of Botswana’s tourism industry. “He was there from the early days and was part of pioneering the transition of Botswana from where it was to the position it is in today,” Said Bell. “He really was an integral part of the birth and the growing of the Botswana tourism industry.”
Lategan, who knew Sandenbergh for decades, said he was one of the first operators in the Delta. “He was a pioneer in the Botswana tourism industry and both Botswana and tourism is poorer without Peter.”
Tara Venter, GM of Footsteps in Africa, said: “Peter’s life was the bush and the Okavango Delta.” She said he will be remembered for his successful operation in the Delta, adding that his two camps – Delta Camp and Oddballs’ – are probably the most famous camps in the Delta.
Sue Smart, CEO of Kwando Safaris, described Sandenbergh as one of a kind. “He often fought against the system and the rules. He was extremely unique and committed to the industry,” she said.
According to Bell, Sandenbergh lived life to the full and had lots of fun.
Peter Sandenbergh is survived by his wife and four children. A memorial service will be held in Maun, Botswana, to celebrate his life.
