Leroo La Tau Lodge is situated near the village of Khumaga on the western border of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. It is set on the eastern end of a bend on the banks of the Boteti River, a natural watercourse that derives its flow from the core Okavango Delta through the Thamalakane River in Maun. The lodge is outside of the park, and surrounded by it on 3 sides.

In the rainy season the crystal-clear waters of the Boteti discharge to the Makgadikgadi Pans, initiating seasonal wildlife activity. In the dry season, it's an exciting time for animal interaction. Wildlife congregate around the river as other seasonal ponds and natural drainage systems become parched. Zebra and wildebeest – often numbering thousands – push and bump their way to the scarce pools of water, together with elephant, giraffe, predators and believe it or not, the odd white rhino!

The main route to Leroo La Tau Lodge is by road from Maun - driving time is approximately 1½hr. Access for the final 6km, can only be negotiated by 4x4 vehicles. Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is through the nearby Khumaga Gate.

Leroo La Tau Lodge has been constructed on cliffs, set 15m over the Boteti River. The main wooden and thatch lodge building consists of a lounge and dining area, with a large wooden dining table taking centre stage One side of the lodge is largely made of glass, overlooking a large lawn, which leads down to the banks of the Boteti River. The bar is a popular venue for guests to enjoy the night sounds of the bush, and not only does it have a comfortable sitting area, but a 'look-out' window as well. The curio shop inside the main building also sells (good) books.

Guests can escape the hot afternoon sun in the pool, conveniently positioned to observe animal activity in the waterhole. Also within easy distance of the waterhole, is a traditional camp fire. Wildlife viewing can be continued in a specially built hide to the side of the camp fire-place.

Accommodation is in 12 thatched chalets, nestled in the cliffs and built on individual raised wooden platforms, overlooking the dry riverbed. The majority are set in the tree-line, whilst a few are set back in the bush. En-suite bathrooms are standard and each chalet is equipped with inverted 220v power for night lighting (and hair-dryers), once the generator is switched off. Camera batteries can be recharged in the chalets.

Expect to see lion, zebra and wildebeest, elephant, Chobe bush buck, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, impala, jackal, porcupine, genet, cape fox and caracal. There is also an outside chance to glimpse a rare white rhinoceros. There are crocodile and a pod of hippo, which have survived in extremely adverse conditions for the last 15 years.

At the onset of the rainy season, the desert area becomes a wide-open green grassland plain, teeming with wildlife and huge herds of zebra and wildebeest graze to their hearts content. This is combined with an influx of migratory bird species, joining forces with resident desert species, showing off their breeding plumage.

Once the rains have petered out, the pans quickly dry out, coinciding with a mini-migration as the wildlife search for water continues. This seasonal movement heads up the dry Boteti River, desperately scouring the countryside for water holes. It brings as many as 30,000 zebra and wildebeest into the area and with it the customary increase in predator activity levels.

Makgadikgadi Lodges | Botswana

Game drives

morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, can be organized.

• Children over 12 years old are welcome