Ying Ying - Spanning Botswana

Tau Pan was the first semi-permanent camp inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and offers truly incredible views from the ridge of an ancient sand dune, an unusual experience in a land as flat as Botswana, and overlooks the famous Tau Pan - recognised for its stark beauty and remoteness.

Guests are accommodated in 8 luxury rooms [not tents] under thatch, designed and built to remain cool in the summer months and warm in winter. Each room is en-suite with a separate flushing toilet, double sinks and an inside and outside shower. The rooms are airy and spacious with large double or twin beds, a lounge area and a viewing deck that has amazing views of the wide open spaces and beautiful big skies that this area possesses – truly special and captivating. One of the rooms, situated close to the main area is a family room. This unit has an extra room with twin beds.

Activities offered at Tau Pan are game drives, day trips to the well-known Deception Valley, Sunday, Piper and Passarge Pans, star gazing, bush brunches on Tau Pan, and nature walks with Bushman trackers. It is worth noting that game drives include a tracker in addition to your guide, who helps with spotting animals,and in most cases they are of Bushman [San] descent, so they have deep knowledge. It is good to note this for tipping purposes as well.

‘Tau’ which means lion in Setswana, is so named for the pride of iconic black-maned Kalahari lions who frequent the camp (with a particular preference for the family tent!).

Species that can be found in the Kalahari include oryx, the desert-adapted springbok, jackals, the rare brown hyena, red-crested Korhaan and herds of wildebeest - many of which are not seen in other areas of Botswana.

Conservation/Botswana Safari Company recommends Tau Pan for its good value and high-quality lodge experience. Game viewing and habitats are completely different to other regions in Botswana and thus adds diversity to any itinerary. It is best visited during and after the summer rains, Dec - March, but still interesting all year round. There is NO WIFI

By choosing to stay here you are helping the lodge support the local community as well as the grassroots initiative Mummy's Angels, a Maun-based project to support and empower mothers and their newborns in Maun who do not have financial or family support. They are also are proud members of "Pack for a Purpose", an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination.

Rates are fully inclusive of meals, drinks (local brands) and safari activities.

Located in the Okavango Delta, 4 Rivers enjoys exclusive use of the western side of the enormous Kwara Private Concession. Only in 2023 did this isolated area — the last pristine vestige of the Okavango — open to pioneering guests. This is the great unexplored!

Set on the banks of the Tsum Tsum River, 4 Rivers is tucked into ancient woodlands and looks across a permanent hippo-filled lagoon to Maboa Island, a stunning landscape to be discovered on nature walks — our specialty!

This area is a refuge to stunning biodiversity due to its confluence of waterways, open plains and forested islands. The wide variety of wildlife includes African wild dogs, lions and leopards and a large cross-section of plains game. Explore this beautiful area on foot, by vehicle or silently through the Delta by seasonal mokoro.

Designed for a classic bush experience, the camp has nine large spacious en-suite tents (including a family tent) featuring a pretty patio, lounge area, plus indoor and outdoor showers. Guests can enjoy delicious meals in the main communal area, which includes a dining room and a bar. Additional amenities include a safari shop and cosy lounge areas.

Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of the Kwando River, nestled beneath towering ebony and marula trees. The densely forested site is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals; the stunning views and close proximity of wildlife all contribute to the pervading sense of calm. A highlight is the afternoon boat cruise and seasonal fishing is also available.

The area has a well-earned reputation for big game with seasonal large herds of elephant and buffalo. In the winter herds of up to a thousand are not uncommon and large numbers of elephant drink at the river bank in full view of the main camp deck. This vast concentration of game attracts the attention of large predators, including the Lagoon wild dog pack who regularly den close to the camp. The camp has eight expansive tents all with private decks, living area and bathroom facing onto the river. All have inside and outdoor showers and one tent includes an additional twin room for family use. The main thatched areas of the camp include a bar/lounge, dining area, curio shop and second-level library overlooking the river. The camp also has a plunge pool and outdoor deck with a swing.

Conservation Safari Company recommends Lagoon Camp for its wild location and as an additional region to explore in a great Botswana itinerary. The dry season viewing and of wild dogs are a great attraction and the floodplains of the Kwando River are excellent for general game. The camp is wonderful with great guides and hospitality.

By choosing to stay here you are helping the lodge support the local community as well as the grassroots initiative Mummy's Angels, a Maun-based project to support and empower mothers and their newborns in Maun who do not have financial or family support. They are also are proud members of "Pack for a Purpose", an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination.

Rates are fully inclusive of all meals, locally supplied drinks and safari activities.

Located high on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the famous Chobe River is Chobe Elephant Camp. This uniquely designed eco-lodge was built, entirely out of sandbags from the red Kalahari sands, to take advantage of the incredible views overlooking the sweeping floodplains while offering a comfortable refuge from the harsh African conditions and away from Kasane Town. Reminiscent of an African farmstead, the lodge can accommodate up to 24 guests in eleven chalets, with both indoor and outdoor showers and private verandas to fully enjoy the views and surroundings.

The open-plan main area has a casual arrangement of couches, a bar and dining area and reading corner, along with a swimming pool and viewing deck. Safari activities into the park are conducted in custom built open landrovers and/or from a boat on the Chobe River. A walk through the local village will give you a chance to learn about the culture and livelihoods of the local Sibuya tribe.

Conservation Safari Company recommends Chobe Elephant Camp for its good value, down-to-earth accommodation and its location, away from the hustle and bustle (an unpleasantness) of Kasane, yet close to the park. You do stay outside the park but safari activities are undertaken inside the park.

CEC is a true ecolodge, built by the community, using locally sourced materials and maintains a low impact. By choosing to stay here you are helping support the local community through employment and a variety of projects in the fields of business development, education, health, social welfare, and environmental conservation that is conducted within the villages in the vicinity of the camps and safaris. Village tours are encouraged, these are authentic experiences that show guests how people grow up and survive living amongst Africa’s wild animals and it also educates the local communities about other cultures, as they get to interact. 

CEC supports Pack for a Purpose, where you can fill up any extra space in your bag from home, to bring items of need, which range from books and stationery to medical supplies and used clothing - please speak to us for details.

Rates are inclusive of transfers from/to Kasane, daily activities, full board meals, local drinks, park fees, laundry and boat cruise included if staying minimum 2 nights