Ultimate Cultural Heritage Experience - 6 Nights

Leroo La Tau, meaning "Lion's Paw," offers expertly guided game drives twice daily through Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This extraordinary region is home to an array of predators, including lions, jackals, cheetahs, leopards, both brown and spotted hyenas, caracals, and more. Antelope, from elegant kudus to towering giraffes, also call this park home. The Boteti River, in particular, is renowned for hosting Botswana’s spectacular zebra migration, a breathtaking display of stripes and hooves that is typically in full swing between May and October.

*Please note: Due to the remote location of Leroo La Tau within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the pans themselves are not included in the daily scheduled activities from the lodge.

Leroo La Tau Game Drives Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Game Drives Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Game Drives Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Game Drives Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Game Drives Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Game Drives Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Picture an endless stretch of flat salt, all the way to the horizon—a surreal, lunar-like environment that captivates the senses. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of burnt orange, periwinkle, and pink—the kind of African sunset that dreams are made of.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are so remote that both sound and light pollution are non-existent, an experience described by many as life-changing. This is where Desert & Delta Safaris bring guests for their iconic Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Sleep-Out Experience.

Guests are transported from Leroo La Tau to sleep under the stars, dine around a campfire, and revel in the profound solitude of nature. All logistics, including bedrolls, meals, and transport, are handled by the lodge team. The sleep-out is guided expertly, with safety a top priority for all guests.

Available between mid-June and October, the experience is inclusive for guests staying three nights or more, subject to weather and availability. To enhance this adventure, guests can opt for one-way or return helicopter transfers (surcharges apply). For a fully exclusive, bespoke journey, inquire about Desert & Delta’s newly launched Epic Experience itinerary.

Leroo La Tau Salt Pans Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Salt Pans Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Salt Pans Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Salt Pans Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Salt Pans Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Salt Pans Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

A helicopter scenic flight offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly grasp the vastness of the Makgadikgadi Pans wilderness.

Every month unveils a unique spectacle: from the dusty trails of thousands of zebras migrating along the Boteti River to the dramatic transformation of the pans. Soaring above, guests can witness the lush green islands scattered across vast water basins, ancient baobab trees standing sentinel, and Kubu Island’s migratory flamingos that gather in their thousands to breed and nest. The landscape is further enriched by the ancient rocks of Gondwanaland and its fascinating archaeological sites.

Helicopter scenic flights such as these, along with optional transfers to and from the Salt Pans Sleep-Out Experience, are a truly special addition to any Leroo La Tau adventure—offering the chance to see some of Africa’s most striking settings from the skies.

*Please note: Scenery and wildlife vary with the seasons, weather patterns and Mother Nature’s unpredictable will. Please enquire about flights and seasonal events before booking.

Leroo La Tau Scenic Heli Flights Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Scenic Heli Flights Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Scenic Heli Flights Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Scenic Heli Flights Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Scenic Heli Flights Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Scenic Heli Flights Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Desert & Delta Safaris is renowned for crafting immersive adventures that go beyond the ordinary. Culture and community play a central role, offering guests an authentic, enriching, and educational itinerary that leaves a lasting impact.

Guests are invited to Khumaga Village, located near Leroo La Tau, for a guided day trip to explore this vibrant community and gain insights into local life.

During the visit, visitors can engage with local farmers, try their hand at milking cows, and perhaps bottle-feed baby goats (kids). They'll meet local families, who often invite guests into their homes for a tour, and can visit the community school.

Additionally, guests can support the community by purchasing beautifully woven homeware, including baskets, trays, and vessels crafted by local women.

Leroo La Tau Village Tour Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Village Tour Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Village Tour Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Village Tour Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Village Tour Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Village Tour Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Guests staying three nights or more at Leroo La Tau can enjoy a day trip to Nxai Pan National Park. The excursion starts in the early morning and includes a visit to Nxai Pan as well as Baines Baobabs for a chance to see the expansive salt pans. Lunch will be enjoyed while out exploring Nxai Pan.

Leroo La Tau Nxai Pans Day Trip Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Nxai Pans Day Trip Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Nxai Pans Day Trip Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Nxai Pans Day Trip Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Nxai Pans Day Trip Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Leroo La Tau Nxai Pans Day Trip Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

For added value, exclusivity, and privacy, book the Sleep-Out Camp Expedition as an Epic Experience. What sets this apart from the 3-night inclusive journey?

•Optional exclusive use of the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp (maximum 8 adults and children; availability dependent).

•Hosted by a specialist guide for the duration as an expert on the history of the Kalahari Bushman cultures.

•A local San Bushman host and interpreter, if required.

•Sunrise summit hike of Botswana’s highest peak, the Male Hill, for those who wish.

•Spend an afternoon with the locals from the Nxamaseri community, learning about modern African

culture, foraging for local food, fishing, and harvesting reeds for construction and basket weaving.

•Scenic helicopter transfers over the Okavango Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills.

•Supporting the local community with donations going towards homegrown projects within the area.

Epic Experience: Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Exhibition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Epic Experience: Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Exhibition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Epic Experience: Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Exhibition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Epic Experience: Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Exhibition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Guests will spend an evening in the Sleep-Out Camp, hosted by this region's oldest custodians, the San people. Witnessing an interpretation of the sacred "trance dance", listening to songs and hearing generational stories are highlights.

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Expedition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Expedition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Expedition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Expedition Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Dating back as far as 2.5 million years ago, Tsodilo Hills is a natural archive of life and history. There are over 4,500 rock paintings in approximately 400 different sites around the hills. The graphics display a curious mix of wildlife, like desert-dwelling mammals to whales and penguins, and record moments in time crafted by the ancestors. There are various trails, such as the Rhino Trail, which vary in difficulty and duration and give guests options. For specific fitness and mobility needs, enquire about the best route. These walks are available as pre-arranged day trips and form part of the Sleep-Out Camp experience.

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

After a night spent at the Sleep-Out Camp, guests have the option of waking with the sun, enjoying a hearty breakfast, and heading to Tsodilo Hills to hike Botswana's highest Peak, the Male Hill. This is a guided journey reserved for guests with good fitness and mobility. Tsodilo Hills consists of a few hills, the tallest of which is "the Male". Standing at 410m from base to peak, it offers an expansive bird’s eye view over the Okavango Panhandle. Proper hiking gear and trail shoes are necessary to complete this epic loop. Those not hiking can embark on one of the various trail walks that feature ancient rock art. Guests who want to hike and see rock art are in luck. There are a few paintings that can be accessed before/after the hike on request. This hike can be arranged as a day trip on request.

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Guided Tours Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Instead of a road transfer and to see this sacred landscape from above, scenic helicopter transfers can be arranged to and/or from the Tsodilo Sleep-Out Camp with prior arrangement (surcharges apply). When booked as an Epic Experience itinerary, a scenic helicopter flight, and other meaningful additions with incredible value, are inclusive of the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Expedition itinerary.

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Transfer Option Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Transfer Option Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Transfer Option Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp Transfer Option Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

The Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Expedition is Desert and Delta Safaris' newest and most immersive cultural adventure. This journey offers a deeply soulful journey into Botswana's rich cultural heritage, providing the rare chance to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills, known locally as "The Mountains of the Gods." The Sleep-Out Expedition is intimate and complimentary for Nxamaseri Island Lodge guests staying three nights or more (booking and weather-dependent). To elevate this experience further, secure this journey as an Epic Experience, which promises exclusivity, helicopter transfers and other incredible perks.

The camp accommodation is basic yet beautiful and accommodates a maximum of eight guests and two children. There are twin/double pods (two adults per pod maximum) plus one family dwelling with two pods accommodating a maximum of two adults and two children (under 16 years old). Private outdoor bathrooms are positioned next to each tent. They include a “bush toilet” and an innovative and eco-friendly bucket shower, as well as a basic vanity. Activities include hiking the Male Hill, trekking to ancient rock art, and being hosted by the region's oldest custodians, the San People.

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a prime destination for lure fishing from March to December. Tiger fish are indigenous to the area and provide thrilling angling for both experienced and novice fishermen.

Guided excursions through the deeper channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta in hard-bottom aluminum boats. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.

Enjoy a guided tour of one of Botswana's greatest treasures, the Tsodilo Hills. The tour takes you up the male hill - one of the highest points in Botswana before giving you the opportunity to explore and enjoy the hundreds of rock art paintings which surround the hills. Guided by local expert guides, the Tsodilo cultural tour is a rare opportunity to experience Botswana's unique cultural heritage.

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Bush walks on the surrounding islands offer the opportunity to track the larger species that inhabit the water wilderness. The birding in the Okavango Panhandle is exceptional and guided walks give guests the opportunity to spot some of the rare species in the area.

Guided mokoro excursions in traditional dug out canoes. Guests experience the shallower channels and floodplains of the Okavango Delta.