Accommodation In Botswana-Okavango Delta,Chobe,Tuli,Kalahari safaris & accommodation

Area Summary

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Once a massive superlake stretching over 60000 square kilometres, the dry, salt-crusted pans of Makgadikgadi give no hint of the areas former glory. Visit it after the November rains, however, and your eye will be seduced by a flurry of colour as thousands of birds and beasts flock to the once-desolate pools.
The three main pans of Sowa, Nxai and Ntwetwe attract thousands of flamingos, pelicans, ducks and teals during the summer rainy season and the short sweet grass around the boundaries attract large herds (thousands) or zebra, wildebeest plus herds of springbok & impala antelope.
Other game include the desert-adapted gemsbok, giraffe, kudu, hartebeest and other smaller antelope, all followed by leopard, lion and hyena! Come and experience the largest migration of Zebra and Wildebeest in Southern Africa!! There are a nice variety of lodges and camps in the area, from the eccentric to the expected luxury wood & thatch establishments.

REMEMBER - We charge public rates for all the lodges listed below - we do NOT mark up the prices! Spend more than 3 nights at any lodge, we might even give you a discount!!
Prices are a guideline only, due to seasonal changes, packages offered and exclude transfers.
RATES: Most of the rates in Botswana are in US$ and the balance are in Botswana Pula (BWP) or South African Rand (ZAR). Some people feel the rates are quite high – please consider the following: The lodges/camps are in remote areas and unfenced so all the provisions, supplies, laundry have to be flown to the camp from Maun or Kasane. Most of the lodges are in concession areas, so a large portion of the fees have to go to the local community for various projects and income. Some of the lodges are situated in the National Parks, so the high Park fees are included in the daily rate.
SOUTH AFRICANS - please note, this is a professional business I run, not a free information service. We will happily help you plan your holiday, if you are serious in us planning your itinerary and booking your lodges, where meals are included.

NOTE: We do NOT book campsites nor self-catering lodges. No profit in such a service:( We do NOT book campsites nor self-catering lodges. No profit in such a service:( We do NOT book campsites nor self-catering lodges. No profit in such a service:( We do NOT book campsites nor self-catering lodges. No profit in such a service:(

CAMPING .... CAMPING... We do NOT book campsites, so we therefore do NOT keep camping rates/fees, do not keep a record of where campsites are, do not deal with camping - so I will ignore any e-mails asking about camping - I cannot explain it any clearer - DO NOT ASK!! MOENIE enige vra or kampee vra! People wanting camp site locations, go to www.google.co.za and type in the following words: camp sites in BOTSWANA . Please, do NOT ask me, I have no idea where any are!

Lodge Name

Description

Photos

Jacks Camp

2009 - on request - various
2010 - From US$1000 pppn
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""Jack's Camp: elegant, stylish and fascinating. A once in a lifetime magical mystery tour of ancient vanished lakes, forgotten giants and star filled skies"" Jack's and San are the only permanent camps in the Makgadikgadi Pans area of the Kalahari desert and are perhaps the most classically and authentically styled of all safari camps in Southern Africa. We offer a unique opportunity for visitors to Botswana to understand the Kalahari, experience the Makgadikgadi and relive the style of a traditional 1920's safari. Desert palms line the horizon, and behind us are the huge salt pans of the Makgadikgadi.
Jack's Camp was originally established by Ralph's father, the late Jack Bousfield, in the early 60s. The camp has been completely refurbished during 2003 and maintains its traditional East African 1940's safari style. Authentic, comfortable and stylish, with many thoughtful and unique details. Roomy, classically styled tents with beautiful en suite bathrooms (with indoor and outdoor showers) are set into a palm grove creating an oasis of civilisation in what can be the harshest of stark environments.
Interpretive guiding by graduate Zoologists when on Game Drives, allows guests to learn more about unique and often rare desert species restricted to the area such as brown hyena, aardvark, meerkat (suricate) and springbuck (as well as the black maned Kalahari lion) and how they adapt to survive this sometimes harsh, but mesmerizing environment. Walks with Bushmen trackers also provide a link between their fascinating culture and the desert wildlife. Other activities include visits to the friendliest Meerkats in the Kalahari; excellent Bird Watching; and a trip to Chapman's Baobab, one of the oldest and largest trees in Africa and the camp site of Selous and Livingston. Jack's Camp now has a plunge pool, which is an absolute pleasure to be in on those scorching hot Botswana summer days. Guests are also given an overview of the geology, archaeology and anthropology of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Theories as to how and when this vast geographic phenomenon was formed vary. Our aim is to attempt to unravel some of the mysteries while providing the sophisticated traveler a first class traditional safari. In the dry season, guests use quad bikes to traverse the previously impenetrable interior of the huge salty expanse of the extinct Makgadikgadi Superlake, venturing far into the middle of the Pans, we are able to explore remote archaeological sites, periodically discovering sites never before documented such as fossil beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo. In the wet season, guests view the last migration of zebra and wildebeest to survive in Southern Africa. No visit to Botswana is complete without a trip to this truly awe-inspiring place.

I visited here a few years ago and was bowled over - a totally different wilderness experience to be treasured fondly.

(UA)

Leroo-La-Tau Lodge

2009 - US$396 - US$686 pppn
2010 - US$416 - US$720 pppn
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Leroo-La-Tau is an ideally situated 14 bed lodge, overlooking the Makgadikgadi National Park . It is a comfortable distance for a day trip into Nxai Pan National Park and a visit to Baines Baobabs as well as an overnight excursion to Central Kalahari Game Reserve or the endless Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for the more adventurous. The main lodge at Leroo-La-Tau is a wood, reed and thatch construction housing the lounge, bar, dining room, reception area and curio shop. Accommodation is in seven Meru-style tents designed to bring comfort without losing the rustic feel of the "African Bush". Each tent comprises two double beds with down duvets, en suite facilities and a raised deck giving spectacular views. The area neighbours a quaint Motswana village where a traditional way of life uncovers the cultural heritage of the area. The desert heat is notorious for enveloping almost all signs of life during the day, contrasted by the cooler nights when the Kalahari awakes. From dusk till dawn the night is alive with the sounds of the wild, the very essence of a land of varied contrasts and infinite beauty. During years of average to low rainfall the Boteti experiences one of Botswana's most spectacular Wildebeest and Zebra Migrations during the dry season (May to October) . People visiting this time of year could be lucky enough to witness the congregation of thousands of animals along with the ever opportunistic predators that follow them. Summer months (November to April) are excellent birding and sheer relaxation. European and Equatorial African species abound, as well as some species migrating in form the Okavango Delta. Local desert species regaling their breeding plumages. Truly an Oasis at this time. We offer guided walks, nature drives and spot light night drives within our area as well as cultural excursions in our neighbouring village. These activities usually take about 2 hours per activity and although we do see large game, our emphasis is on experiencing the beauty of the Kalahari and sharing the wonders which together constitute this very delicate ecosystem.

This lodge has recently had new owners and been renovated - yippee!!

(DDS)

Nata Lodge

2009 - fom BWP490 pppn
2010 - fom BWP255 pppn
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Nata lodge is some 10km south-east of Nata on the main tar road from Francistown, and is well situated as a stopover point for visitors to Maun, the Okavango Delta, Chobe national park, Victoria Falls and Zambia. The attractive A-frame chalets each with a private shower & toilet and the luxury safari tents en suite, stand among tall Ilala palms, Marula and Monkey Thorn trees. The site is near the northeastern edge of the great Makgadikgadi pans an area of unique beauty. The lodge offers excursions to the pans either for a sunrise or sunset trip.
In times of good rains, this portion of the pan floods and might retain an initial metre or more of water for serveral years. At such times, flamingo, pelican and other water birds appear in tens of thousands. The lodge organises sunrise and sunset trips into Nata santuary. To deal with the thirst that builds up on a long journey, the lodge has a thatched ladies bar next to the large swimming pool. There is also an excellent a la carte restaurant that serves breakfast, snack menu and dinner. Saturday night the lodge has a traditional braai. The area is generally considered to be excellent for birdwatching - mainly because of the diversity of the habitats close to the lodge.

NOTE, communications with this lodge takes a day or two, please be patient when asking for a booking - THANKS. We do NOT take campsite bookings - sorry.
Ideally situated for overnight stops between Johannesburg and Chobe or Okavango. We would like to make your booking for here PLUS other lodges in Botswana or Vic Falls/Livingstone.
I have visited this lodge before.
Rates are for accommodation only. Meals and activities are paid direct when at the lodge. Nice to have 2 nights here, so you can have fun on the nearby pans! CAMPING .... CAMPING... We do NOT book campsites, so we therefore do NOT keep camping rates/fees, do not keep a record of where campsites are, do not deal with camping - so I will ignore any e-mails asking about camping - I cannot explain it any clearer - DO NOT ASK!! MOENIE enige vra or kampee vra!

Let us book ALL your other accommodation for your safari holiday through Botswana, including Maun, Okavango, Chobe, Kasane, Vic Falls, Livingstone or the Magadikgadi pans!!(pvt)

Planet Baobab

2009 - BWP200 - BWP595 pppn
2010 - From US$139 pppn
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An accessibly priced Makgadikgadi experience which provides an opportunity for guests to learn more about Botswanas culture and traditions and the intriguing geological origins of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Situated close to the village of Gweta, (also charmingly known as "The Place of the Bullfrogs"), on the Francistown-Maun road and sheltered by a grove of gigantic baobabs, Planet Baobab combines style with comfort whilst remaining true to its traditional African inspiration.
The Bushmen Grass Huts have been upgraded to Baobab Huts - which are like mini Bakalanga Mud Huts - and they share a very nice, cool ablution block, palatial Bakalanga mud huts (with en suite bathrooms) traditionally painted with amazing designs. We have a superb restaurant serving up a selection of delicious dishes from all around Africa. We've also built a beautiful, huge, breathtaking Swimming Pool, which complements our funky Bar. In terms of activities, Planet Baobab offers amazing Quad Biking and Sleep-Outs/Fly Camps on the Salt Pans; Game Drives; the friendly Meerkat visits; a trip to Green's Baobabs; and excellent Bird Watching. It's fun, funky and just a little bit quirky. Planet Baobab - it's another world!(UA)
There is a wide variety of activities and packages available, to suit the independent and budget traveller - please ask for more details from us.

NOTE: Communication with this remote lodge takes 1 to 3 days. We do not prebook/prepay the campsites, only the hutted accommodation. note: Minimum of 2 nights stay recommended, then you can actually have time to enjoy some of the activities.

San Camp

2009 - t.b.a
2010 - From US$980 pppn
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""San Camp: the purist's dream of an African Safari, with its enchanting simplicity and old-world charm"" Jack's and San are the only permanent camps in the Makgadikgadi Pans area of the Kalahari desert and are perhaps the most classically and authentically styled of all safari camps in Southern Africa. We offer a unique opportunity for visitors to Botswana to understand the Kalahari, experience the Makgadikgadi and relive the style of a traditional 1920's safari. Desert palms line the horizon, and behind us are the huge salt pans of the Makgadikgadi.
San Camp, the smaller of the two camps, is an all-white tented camp set right on the edge of one of the pans. San retains its rustic, minimalist appeal. Here guests will enjoy an old-world safari, with bucket showers and bush loos. The activities at both camps are the same.
Interpretive guiding by graduate Zoologists allows guests to learn more about unique and often rare desert species restricted to the area such as brown hyena, aardvark, meerkat (suricate) and springbuck (as well as the black maned Kalahari lion) and how they adapt to survive this sometimes harsh, but mesmerising environment. Walks with Bushmen trackers also provide a link between their fascinating culture and the desert wildlife. Guests are also given an overview of the geology, archaeology and anthropology of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Theories as to how and when this vast geographic phenomenon was formed vary. Our aim is to attempt to unravel some of the mysteries while providing the sophisticated traveller a first class traditional safari. In the dry season, guests use quad bikes to traverse the previously impenetrable interior of the huge salty expanse of the extinct Makgadikgadi superlake, venturing far into the middle of the Pans, we are able to explore remote archaeological sites, periodically discovering sites never before documented such as fossil beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo. In the wet season, guests view the last migration of zebra and wildebeest to survive in Southern Africa. No visit to Botswana is complete without a trip to this truly awe-inspiring place.
Mobile safaris, including the San Camp and Jacks Camp - into the Kalahari Desert and Okavango are exciting and a lifetime experience - please ask for details.(UA)

San camp is open from the 15 April to the 31st October

The BEST reasons why to visit the MAKGADIKGADI Region

· A landscape offering nothing but sand, grass and sky,
· Hundreds and thousands of flamingos and pelicans which appear to turn the water pink,
· Rewarding gameviewing at Nxai Pan,
· Massive zebra and wildebeest migrations which pass through the area,
· Exploring the archaeological evidence surrounding the once-great superlake,
· Mystical Kubu Island with its gnarled purple baobabs and ancient stone structures,
· The wealth of birdlife that can be seen in the grasslands of the Nata Bird Sanctuary
· The thrill of quad-biking across the cracked and dried pan surface past palm-edged islands,
· Cultural and tribal interaction near Gweta town,
· Learning to trust your GPS!