For guests staying three nights or more at Nxamaseri Island Lodge by Desert & Delta Safaris, a transformative overnight expedition to the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp awaits. Guests journey from the lodge to this ancient destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to sleep in traditionally inspired pods. Here, at the foot of Botswana's Tsodilo Hills, guests will experience Botswana with unmatched authenticity. Evenings are spent around the fire, listening to the generational tales and songs of Botswana’s oldest custodians, the San People, who also perform an incredible interpretation of the sacred "trance dance". The Nxamaseri team join guests on-site, ensuring comfort, delicious meals, and continuous support for consistently exceptional service. Daytime adventures include guided walks to the hills to see ancient rock art or an optional hike up the Male Hill, Botswana’s highest peak. This life-changing journey ends back at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, where meaningful luxuries, soul and nature meet. The journey to the Sleep-Put Camp is by road with the option of scenic helicopter transfers (one way or round trip, surcharges apply). For added value, exclusivity, and privacy, book the Sleep-Out Expedition as an Epic Experience (heli transfer included).
The Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp has three standard Pods (two adults per pod max; twin/double arrangements according to preference). The maximum number of guests in camp is eight adults and two children.
Designed to minimise its ecological impact, the camp accommodation is basic but authentic. Each canvas Pod is set on elevated platforms beneath the sheltering canopy of Zambezi Teak trees, with the majestic Male Hill as a beautiful backdrop.
Bathrooms are “bush toilets” built next to the Pods comprising an outside (covered) bucket shower. Camp staff need to be briefed to prepare warm water for showering.
Rooms are small and draw inspiration from the nomadic bushman dwellings, reflecting the heritage of the local community that has inhabited the area for generations. This unique design, built in collaboration with the local community not only blends seamlessly with the environment but also pays homage to the custodians of this remarkable place.
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Bucket Shower, Detached Private Bathroom, Hand Towels, Solid Base Camp Beds, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed
The Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp has one Family Pod with two sleeping spaces (two adults and two children (under 16) max). Beds can be arranged as double or twin configurations, according to preference. The maximum number of guests in camp is eight adults and two children.
Designed to minimise its ecological impact, the camp accommodation is basic but authentic. Each canvas Pod is set on elevated platforms beneath the sheltering canopy of Zambezi Teak trees, with the majestic Male Hill as a beautiful backdrop.
Bathrooms are “bush toilets” built next to the Pods comprising an outside (covered) bucket shower. Camp staff need to be briefed to prepare warm water for showering.
Rooms are small and draw inspiration from the nomadic bushman dwellings, reflecting the heritage of the local community that has inhabited the area for generations. This unique design, built in collaboration with the local community not only blends seamlessly with the environment but also pays homage to the custodians of this remarkable place.
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Bucket Shower, Detached Private Bathroom, Family Safari Tent, Hand Towels, Solid Base Camp Beds, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed
Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Bucket Shower, Hand Towels, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed
24-hour Security, Meal on Request
Helicopter Scenic Flights, Natural History Tours, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meals are simple and delicious with a focus on cooking over fire. All meals and drinks are fully catered for for the duration of the Sleep-Out Experience. Filtered drinking water is supplied in the camp and during activities. Dietary requirements with prior notification.