Simon Reeve Group - Epic Botswana - April 2024

Come and have high-tea with our herd of 20 resident giraffe! A real highlight when staying at Thamo Telele. Take a afternoon drive (or walk) to the local waterhole, perch yourself peacefully under the trees enjoying a sundowner and snacks, and wait for our unique ungulates to come and say hello. This is an ideal opportunity to closely observe giraffe displaying their natural behaviours. And whilst the giraffe are feeding, a whole host of other plains game and birdlife will join in on the action too. This unique experience, led by our naturalists on hand, is one not to be missed. You’ll learn all about giraffe conservation throughout Africa and the education programmes at Thamo Telele, as well as how to identify each giraffe by their unique patterning. Each of them has a Setswana name, and if in doubt there is an identification book for referencing to get it right.

Grab your comfiest walking shoes, your bino’s and ask at reception about the various self-guided nature walks you can do around the 250-hectare reserve. The well-marked trails are an ideal way to safely explore this private reserve while stretching your legs after or before a long flight while taking in the wonder of our wooded forest and diverse grasslands. The reserve is free of predators but abundant

in bird life and plains game. You’ll come across so many magical sightings, from the smallest critters, to beautiful big trees. And if you happen to stumble upon our resident giraffe, enjoy quietly observing them on foot.

Saddle up to explore this exquisite private reserve on horseback! You’ll embark on a professionally guided outride (forall level riders). This is an exhilarating way to get up close and personal with our resident giraffe, zebra and all the plains game that reside on the reserve.

Calling all bird lovers! Grab your binos, your bird book and your Natural Selection birding checklist to enjoy your very own birding safari at Thamo Telele. Being on this private reserve with over 300 species of birds, this is a hot-spot for bird lovers and a peaceful way to spend your time bird watching along the banks of the Thamalakane river.

Choose an early morning or afternoon bike ride on our nature trails. We offer off-road safari bikes and biking helmets for individuals, couples, or families with children. Choose guided or self-guided rides. You can also book a day’s biking safari where a professional guide will take you from camp, along the

Thamalakane river and off towards the buffalo fence looking for animals. But please note that bike excursions must be booked in advance.

Heli from camp to enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. This is an incredible opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Delta when seeing it from above. From your seat, door off (or on) you’ll be able to spot game, take exceptional photos and follow the waterways and animal

pathways that shape this ancient wilderness.

Experience Botswana beyond wildlife and go on a cultural tour of the safari town of Maun. Learn about local customs and traditions from your host, intermingled with their own personal experiences. Feast your senses on the sights, smells and sounds when walking through the vibrant market place. Taste some traditional dishes at a local Café. Meet some of our resident talents and admire their crafts. Look

out for the BaHerero women dressed in their big, elaborate and colourful dresses. Try your hand at the ancient practice of basket weaving and hear the stories behind the beautiful patterns. This is an authentic glimpse of life in Botswana and an experience not to be missed.

Take game drives and night drives in custom built 4x4s to spot the unique desert wildlife that inhabit the pans, like the elusive brown hyena or Kalahari lion. Your experienced safari guide will help you discover a desert landscape, pulsating with life. Complete with bush picnics, morning coffees and chilled drinks.

Get up close and personal with our families of habituated meerkats. Head out from camp at sunrise, so that you are ready to tail these delightful omnivores as they set off in search of their breakfast. Walk amongst them (advised by your guide) and if you take a seat you might be lucky enough to be mistaken for a termite mound, where you'll be used as a look out point for predators.

Discover the secrets of the pans with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a fascinating bush walk. See this ancient desert landscape through their eyes. These skilled hunter gatherers will show you how to survive, using their extraordinary tracking skills to uncover a smorgasbord of culinary delights... from bulbs, to scorpions, to berries. Spending time with them is a very rare privilege.

Saddle up to explore this wild, unspoilt area in the same way many of the earliest explorers, hunters

and missionaries did – on horseback! You’ll embark on an adventurous outride (for all level riders). This is an exhilarating way to spot wildlife, cantering along the crusty salt flats and following the animal

highways that bring life to the Makgadikgadi Pans.

This is pure desert adventure! Take an exhilarating quad bike across the salt-crusted pans (all pan activity is weather permitting and dependent on the dryness of the pans). You’ll feel total freedom as you trek across this vast and ancient landscape, discovering so much about the remnants of this once super lake.

Seasonal: April - October

Visit the site of the Fallen Baobab, one of the three largest and oldest trees in Africa and the camp site for Livingstone and Selous..

Witness the second largest migration in Africa. A stonking spectacle of black and white stripes

as approximately 30,000 zebra and wildebeest migrate across the Makgadikgadi Pans, followed closely by stalking predators, waiting for the rich pickings of tired hooves. This is a wildlife explosion and an experience not to be missed!

This really is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a helicopter flight over the Makgadikgadi Pans, doors off (or on), to take in the vastness of this desert landscape. You’ll go in search of the zebra and flamingo migrations (if timed correctly), get dropped on an island of baobabs for lunch, do a bit of sunset sky surfing as you follow the palm tree linings and tell all your friends about it all when you get home.

If you are in need of some serious time out, then one of our spa treatments is your perfect escape. Our professional therapist will put you in seventh heaven. Book a back massage overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment from the privacy of your tent. Whichever you decide, you’ll walk away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Grab a fat bike and peddle around the Makgadikgadi Pans. This is a really fun activity for the whole family, and an ideal way to get some exercise. These bikes can easily cruise over the desert terrain, taking you along 4x4 tracks and around the crusty salt flats. Keep a look out for sightings of wildlife, while breathing in the beautiful scenery, alongside the desert silence.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the most important breeding sites in southern Africa for

the lesser and greater flamingos. These flying flame birds, arrive in their millions during seasons of good rain, when millions of small shrimp and other crustaceans crack through the salty pan crust to spawn. The result, a pink extravaganza in the heat of the desert. You can also heli to Sua Pan to view the flamingos in Mar - Apr (scenic helicopter flight must be booked).

This is one activity that screams safari. Hop on our comfortable game viewing vehicles for a morning and afternoon/evening game drive. Your safari guide has all the expertise and knowledge to find you some of the best kept secrets and most loved wildlife in the Okavango Delta.

This is one of the most iconic Okavango Delta experiences. Wind your way around the crystal clear waterways on mokoro. Your experienced guide, will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, to show you the ebbs and flows of this incredible eco-system.

Jump on board our delta boats to cruise the Okavango waterways. Your experienced driver and guide will show you some of the best river sightings and sunsets. Keep a look out for birds, crocodiles, hippo and exciting game coming to quench their thirst, while you moor up along the river bank sipping a sundowner. This is what safari boat cruising is all about.

A fabulous activity for families with kids. We’re all about catch and release so ask your safari guide to hook you up with a couple of rods. Your experienced guide will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, showing you the ebb and flow of this incredible eco-system.

Calling all bird lovers! Bring your binos, your bird book and your Natural Selection birding checklist to enjoy a birding safari in the Okavango Delta. Your safari guide will show you spectacular birds, and is at the ready to answer all your birding questions.

Head out with the Khwai Private Reserve Rangers at dawn to see the last nocturnal animals going to bed, before the diurnal’s wake-up for the day. Being the first vehicle out you’ll be the first to find fresh tracks, helping the rangers with the predator identification (all sightings are logged and recorded). You’ll spend your morning tracking, patrolling and visiting conservation projects. Enjoy a packed breakfast out in the bush with the rangers, they will get you back to camp just before lunchtime.

Go on a cultural visit to Khwai Village, located next to Khwai Private Reserve. You’ll learn about the Kgotla (meeting place in the village) its history and traditions. Visit Khwai Pre-Primary School to enjoy interactions with the teachers & children. Meet the ladies doing traditional basket weaving, as well as visit the Kachokachoka, a traditional healer who’ll teach you about traditional medicine & local beliefs. Tour can only be booked once guests are in camp (no pre-bookings). There are strict dress guidelines when entering the Kgotla to show respect. Book a consultation with the traditional healer (additional cost).

Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. This is an incredible opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Delta when seeing it from above. From your seat, door off (or on), you’ll be able to spot game, take exceptional photos and follow the waterways and animal pathways that shape this ancient wilderness.

If you are needing a little me time, then this is the perfect activity. Book a back massage or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment while in between game drives and wildlife adventures. This is safari self-indulgence without any guilt allowed.

Game drive through the vast concession to see the diverse wildlife of the area including wild dogs, sitatunga antelope, big cats and extensive birdlife. Their beautiful habitat changes with the season from seasonal floodplains, waterways and grassy savannah.

Jump on board our delta boats to cruise the Okavango waterways. Your experienced driver and guide will show you some of the best river sightings and sunsets. Keep a look out for birds, crocodiles, hippo and exciting game coming to quench their thirst, while you moor up along the river bank sipping a sundowner. This is what safari boat cruising is all about.

Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. This is an incredible opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Delta when seeing it from above. From your seat, door off (or on), you’ll be able to spot game, take exceptional photos and follow the waterways and animal pathways that shape this ancient wilderness.

This is one of the most iconic Okavango Delta experiences. Wind your way around the crystalclear

waterways on mokoro. Your experienced guide, will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, to show you the ebbs and flows of this incredible eco-system.

A fabulous activity for families with kids. We’re all about catch and release so ask your safari guide to hook you up with a couple of rods. Your experienced guide will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, showing you the ebb and flow of this incredible eco-system.

If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic adventure, then this activity will leave you totally starstruck. Spend an enchanting evening safely fly-camping on an island at Duke’s Camp. This activity will get you listening to the sounds of the African bush at night, while covered in a blanket of a billion stars.

• Children 6 years and older are welcome
• Weather permitting
• Duration:1 night
• Bookable between June - September
• Can be booked when staying 2 or more nights at your main camp

Experience a trip to Tsodilo Hills, a World Heritage Site in the Northern Okavango Delta. The hills are home to more than 4,000 San Bushman paintings – probably the most important rock art in Africa! Several walking trails provide helpful routes around the painting sites. (Access only by helicopter)

Head out by heli on a community visit to meet with some of our community based outreach partners in the nearby villages. You’ll also spend time with one of our conservation partners to see first hand how together we are able to make a difference to wildlife conservation in the area (Access only by helicopter).

The Sky lounge on the top floor offers spectacular views over the surrounding suburbs and Johannesburg’s renowned urban forest towards the city skyline beyond. What better place to enjoy your spa treatment ?

4 Treatment rooms – including a couple’s room & private spa suite

Steam room, Sauna and Jacuzzi

Tranquillity Lounge – to relax after spa treatments

Health Bar – with health snacks & herbal tea

Meet Marvin, the exclusive in-house tour guide at The Residence Hotel. With his expertise and qualification, he provides our esteemed guests with the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant City of Johannesburg.
Marvin's exceptional talent lies in personalizing our guests' experiences, guaranteeing an unforgettable and tailored tour of the captivating City of Gold.

An exhilarating journey through South Africa's largest and most famous townships!
As we delve into the heart of Soweto, you'll be captivated by the rich history and culture that permeate the streets. Learn about the township's significant role in South Africa's past and present, as well as its contributions to the country's vibrant tapestry.
For thrill-seekers, the Orlando Towers offer an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. Feel the rush as you take part in exhilarating activities, such as bungee jumping or swinging from the towers' heights, providing an unforgettable perspective of the surroundings.
If you prefer a more relaxed approach, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by engaging with the warm and welcoming community. Sample authentic cuisine, shop for unique crafts, and interact with the locals, gaining insights into their daily lives and traditions.
Celebrate the spirit of resilience and unity that defines Soweto, highlighting its role as the birthplace of pivotal moments in South Africa's history.

Tour at an additional cost.

Meet Marvin, the exclusive in-house tour guide at The Residence Hotel. With his expertise and qualification, he provides our esteemed guests with the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant City of Johannesburg.
Marvin's exceptional talent lies in personalizing our guests' experiences, guaranteeing an unforgettable and tailored tour of the captivating City of Gold.

Established in 2001, The Apartheid Museum holds a renowned status as the foremost museum globally, focusing on 20th-century South Africa, with its core narrative revolving around the apartheid era.
As the pioneering institution of its kind, The Apartheid Museum vividly portrays the trajectory of apartheid, chronicling its ascent and eventual decline.
A group of esteemed architectural firms collaborated as an architectural consortium to envision the museum's structure, situated on an expansive seven-hectare plot. The result is a remarkable demonstration of innovative design, spatial arrangement, and landscape, providing international visitors with an exceptional and authentic South African experience.

Tour at an additional cost.

Meet Marvin, the exclusive in-house tour guide at The Residence Hotel. With his expertise and qualification, he provides our esteemed guests with the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant City of Johannesburg.
Marvin's exceptional talent lies in personalizing our guests' experiences, guaranteeing an unforgettable and tailored tour of the captivating City of Gold.

Welcome to the "Roots of Humanity" tour in Africa, where we will embark on a journey back in time to explore the birthplace of humankind, a place where our collective umbilical cord lies buried.
As we venture into the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, we'll encounter extraordinary fossil finds that have shaped our understanding of human evolution. Among these treasures are the famous fossils "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot," providing valuable insights into our ancient ancestry.
Get ready to step into the world of Homo sapiens, the species to which we all belong. It was here, approximately 200,000 years ago, that our species evolved, laying the foundation for the diverse global population we have today.
As we delve deeper into the ancient history of Africa, we'll encounter some of the oldest rock art in the world, found in Southern Africa. These captivating artworks ignite the imagination and provide a glimpse into the cultural richness of our shared heritage.
Join us on this captivating tour, where we'll celebrate the interconnectedness of humanity and embrace our roots in Africa, the cradle of humankind.

Tour at an additional cost.

Meet Marvin, the exclusive in-house tour guide at The Residence Hotel. With his expertise and qualification, he provides our esteemed guests with the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant City of Johannesburg.
Marvin's exceptional talent lies in personalizing our guests' experiences, guaranteeing an unforgettable and tailored tour of the captivating City of Gold.

Welcome to the "Gerakaris Family Wines Experience" – a delightful journey into the world of boutique winemaking in the heart of Craighall Park, Johannesburg.
Founded in 2009 by the visionary Kath Gerakaris, our esteemed winery brings you the finest wines crafted from grapes carefully sourced from farms in the picturesque regions of Swartland and Elgin, Western Cape.

Tour at an additional cost.

Meet Marvin, the exclusive in-house tour guide at The Residence Hotel. With his expertise and qualification, he provides our esteemed guests with the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant City of Johannesburg.
Marvin's exceptional talent lies in personalizing our guests' experiences, guaranteeing an unforgettable and tailored tour of the captivating City of Gold.

Welcome to the "Maboneng Township Arts Experience" tour, a national public arts initiative that celebrates the vibrant creativity of South African townships!
Over the past decade, The Maboneng Township Arts Experience has achieved remarkable milestones, converting more than 50 homes into unique galleries, providing a platform to showcase the talents of over 40 artists. Through this initiative, township residents are encouraged to embrace and invest in the arts, nurturing a thriving creative community.
You will witness firsthand the incredible transformation of homes into captivating galleries, where the artistic expressions of local talents come to life. Immerse yourself in the diverse art forms that reflect the essence of South African culture, from mesmerizing paintings and sculptures to thought-provoking installations and performances.
Celebrate the power of art, the spirit of collaboration, and the profound impact of The Maboneng Township Arts Experience on the lives of artists, families, and the entire township community. This tour promises to be a soul-stirring and enlightening journey into the heart of South Africa's artistic expression and cultural heritage.

Tour at an additional cost.

For golf enthusiasts, our hotel is ideally positioned within walking distance of two prestigious Johannesburg Golf Courses: Houghton Golf Club and Killarney Country Club. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply appreciate the sport, you'll find yourself in close proximity to these exceptional courses.

Golf at an additional cost.

Equipped with a selection of free weights, cardio equipment and exercise mats.

Located overlooking one of the 3 x hotel pools.