Deception Valley Lodge is located on the north-eastern outskirts of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), some 120km south-east of the thriving town of Maun, and positioned on a 15,000ha private concession. It is the only photographic safari lodge in the central Kalahari region and is set on a former cattle ranch.

This lodge is the ideal destination to enjoy small group outings in a beautiful, quiet and unspoiled desert environment. It also offers a classic opportunity to learn about traditional Bushmen cultures and lifestyle.

This high-quality lodge can be reached by either 4WD self-drive safari or by fly-in and transfer by road from their own airstrip. The night drives and off-roading here are superb fun and a welcome change from restrictions inside the park.

The main area of the lodge features décor African and Bushman art. The lounge area near the entrance offers arrivals comfortable sofas and chairs. Adjacent to the lounge is the picturesque bar with high stools. A wireless Internet service is available in the lobby. The dining room has a long wooden table with seating for 12 on heavy cushioned chairs was conveniently next to the bar. All of the lodge's buildings are elevated off the sand and spread out to maximise the outstanding surrounding views. Power is supplied by a generator.

The use of a small conference room can be arranged as a meeting space for your group with advanced notice. The curio shop sells a selection of Bushmen artefacts such as ostrich shell jewellery, traditional dancing adornments, dolls and lodge brand clothing. A porch, facing a bird bath and further away a water hole, wrapped around the front of the main building, is a favourite haunt to spend early morning pre-drive and tea times. The facilities are rounded off with an inviting swimming pool, a favoured respite from the hot, afternoon sunshine.

Their team of Afrikaans, French and local chefs prepare plentiful and tasty traditional meals with sumptuous desserts. Meals are of both a formal full table service and less formal braai 'under the stars' affair. Oryx, kudu and impala are among the excellently prepared game meats that were served at meals. Sandwiches and tarts are something to look forward to at teatime.

Accommodation is in 8 luxury chalets and the sleeping area includes 2 double beds set together, with night tables with lamps on each side and mosquito nets above. A small closet and a large trunk with a lock (for valuables) are standard. Fans, comfortable sofas, a mini-bar/fridge and beautiful teak furniture and complimentary laundry service are standard. Sliding glass doors lead to the porch, where there were a couple of chairs.

The luxury bathroom includes a sink, water closet, Victoria-style claw-foot bathtub, an outdoor shower complete with African design towel rack. There was hot and cold running water and the tap water, is piped through a 16km line from the bore hole. Many guests make good use of the Lodge’s Spotter’s Guide, (found in the rooms) a list of 67 of the most common mammals and 61 birds of the area. Identifying animals and especially the birds is much easier with this useful extra.

The black-maned Kalahari lion is the main draw-card. Black-backed jackal, aardwolf, brown hyena, kudu, leopard, steenbok, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, giraffe and porcupine can also be observed.

There are plent of bird specise inthe are including: Ant-eating chat, bateleur eagle, Burchell’s sandgrouse, crimson-breasted shrike, helmeted guinea fowl, hoopoe, knob-billed duck, lilac-breasted roller, purple roller, red-billed quelea, swallow-tailed bee-eater; tawny eagle; and white-browed sparrow-weaver. Cape, white-backed, lappet-faced, white-headed vultures.

Central Kalahari Lodges | Botswana

Game drives:

Traditional morning and late afternoon/sunset trips in search of both animals and birdlife. The night drives are possible as the lodge is situated outside of the (CKGR) and your guides will lead you to some nocturnal hunters and owls. Day trips into the CKGR can also be organized.

Guided walks:

Conducted in winter time only and an opportunity to see some of the plant life and smaller creatures of the area on the way.

Bushmen Excursion:

This is a lodge speciality and this half-day trip is consists of 2 Bushmen trackers reverting to traditional 'Bushmen dress'. They all take place in a pre-selected area near the lodge and includes:

• Storing and finding water during the dry season.
• Identifying plants and their usefulness.
• Describing tool building techniques.
• Demonstrating a bird catching technique on a pre-set tree trap.
• Two-minute jewellery making.
• Musical and dancing demonstrations.
• Fire starting.
• Arrow shooting and lance throwing demonstrations.

• Children are welcome