Tau Pan Camp was launched in March 2009, opening up the magnificent Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) to tourists other than those on mobile safaris. It is situated on a lasting sand ridge formation, and offers sensational views of the permanent water hole of the same name. This is the ideal destination for travellers who wish to experience seeing some different (Kalahari) game, birds and vegetation, and not for vast quantities of large mammals at very close range, that can be seen in the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park.

The CKGR is one of the best game viewing areas in Botswana, with the black-maned lion its most sough-after attraction. The landscape is completely transformed after summer rains. After the huge, billowing clouds burst open, sweet grasses fill the plains and pans attracting migratory species and predators to its grounds. The dry season from May to September is also a fantastic time to visit the CKGR, photographic opportunities abound as the animals congregate around surface water and pans.

The camp can be accessed by fly-in and transfer by road from their own airstrip. Tau Pan Camp can be also be reached by self-sufficient, self-drive trips that normally enter of exit through the Matswere Gate, in the north-east of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

The main area consists of dining room, lounge area and a viewing deck. Other facilities include a swimming pool, library and curio shop. A laundry service is also available. All of the public areas and rooms are powered by solar energy.

Meals are served in both indoor and outdoor dining areas and usually revolve around the day's activities. Expect a buffet breakfast, hearty brunch, afternoon tea and a 3-course dinner, complemented with a selection of wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks from the bar.

Accommodation is in 8 custom-built thatched, desert rooms, including 1 family room. Fans, outside showers and a private viewing deck are standard.

Migratory animals such springbok, zebra and wildebeest, congregate in their thousands. Predators follow including the famous Kalahari black-maned lion, cheetah, leopard and jackals. Brown hyena and the African wild dog can also be observed in the area. Eland, springbok, steenbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, kudu and duiker also emerge, browsing and grazing their way to the waterholes. Honey badgers are regular visitors, as are sightings of resident ground squirrels and meerkats.

The kori bustard is common as is the black korhaan, who continuously call during the daytime, whilst ostrich roam in large flocks. All of the sand grouse species can be identified here from the double banded to the Namaqua, a sight to behold early morning when they flock to waterholes in their thousands. Raptors include pale-chanting goshawk, rock kestrel, bateleur and brown and tawny eagles are seen regularly.

All activities are led by professional and knowledgeable guides. The tricky terrain and vegetation are not always ideal for animal spotting, but a bit of hard work and extra effort by guides and travellers alike, add to the experience and all-round satisfaction to be had in such a remote area

Central Kalahari Lodges | Botswana

Game drives

Search for the famous Central Kalahari Game Reserve special – the black-maned lion - in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Trips to Deception Valley can also be organized.

Guided walks

A San Bushman will accompany and entertain you on a guided walk that will inform you of their culture and traditions. They will be only too happy to answer your questions on the way. Bush survival techniques are their speciality, an ideal opportunity to learn how they have endured these harsh living conditions for so long.

• Children of all ages are welcome.Children under 6 years of age are welcome, but exclusive booking terms of the camp are applied.
  
• Children between the ages of 6 – 12 have to accompany parents in a separate, private vehicle for the family.
• Children over the age of 12 years are treated as adults.